East Wichita News-WestSide Story January 2023

New owners bring new hope to Mudville

“Casey at the Bat,” by Ernest Lawrence Thayer, is one of the great tributes to the sport of baseball.

Of course, the story ends in defeat with the famous line, “But there is no joy in Mudville – mighty Casey has struck out.”

That is often the case in baseball, where the very best hitters still fail 70 percent of the time.

And that’s the way things have sort of felt around the Wichita Wind Surge during the new baseball team’s first couple of seasons.

The team got behind the count early on for reasons far beyond their control. The COVID-19 pandemic wiped out what should have been the inaugural season in 2020. Then the baseball gods (Major League Baseball) decided to completely reshape the landscape of Minor League Baseball.

Wichita’s return to AAA baseball –one level below the majors – was pulled from the lineup before the first pitch. Suddenly, Wichita was knocked down to the AA level, the same level the city was at during the Wichita Wranglers’ days. The affiliation was changed from Miami to Minnesota, which in and of itself was not necessarily a bad thing. But it was a change from what was originally promised.

What hurt the most, however, was the loss of primary owner Lou Schwechheimer. COVID-19 claimed his life in 2020. Schwechheimer was only 62. With the loss of Lou, I feel like the Wind Surge lost its way. There were public relations gaffes and other issues that I think would not have happened, or would have been handled differently, if Lou was still in charge.

Given how much tax money Wichitans put into the stadium, certain expectations were set. A number of those expectations were not met. Those of us living in the towns and countryside around Wichita are not impacted in the same way, but we still contribute sales tax dollars to Wichita through the goods and services we purchase in the city. And we feel like part of the greater

community in many ways. The influence of Wichita extends far out, and the connections between Wichita and the people living near the city don’t end at the city limits.

I only met Schwechheimer a couple of times, and those interactions were very positive. He was a PR man, the sales guy, the person who always had the big picture in mind. When he died, the Wind Surge lost that.

A number of missteps followed. The biggest, in my mind, was the 8 percent “ballpark fee” that was added on to all purchases at the start of last season. This was not publicized ahead of time, and it was not immediately obvious when customers were at the ballpark. For the citizens who funded the majority of the cost of Riverfront Stadium, this felt like an additional tax. The response from the team was tone deaf.

Eventually, the surcharge was dropped, but not before there was a ton of bad publicity.

Then the team was essentially gifted city-owned land for development around the ballpark. Granted, the Wind Surge put $10 million into the stadium, but most of the costs were paid for by tax dollars. The land in the Delano district felt to many like too much, after the team was essentially gifted a stadium.

There have been other failings. All the other non-baseball events, such as concerts, never really materialized. The National Baseball Congress World Series played one season, and then were told to go elsewhere. Fortunately, Wichita

Travis Mounts | Managing Editor

These tacos must ‘birria’ your next new dinner recipe

A few months ago, I was introduced to the deliciousness that is birria.

Birria, according to the “My Latin Table” website, is a Mexican dish that traditionally uses lamb but is often made with beef, too. The article goes on to note that it can be eaten as a soup or made into tacos.

The reason birria is so delicious is that, as the meat cooks, it creates a delicious stock that is served as either base of the soup or as a side for dipping the tacos. Between the spices, reconstituted dried chile peppers and beef, you almost want to pour yourself a glass and drink it. (But I didn’t do that. Because that’s weird.)

Spice Up Your Life

After trying birria at an amazing Mexican restaurant, I decided I wanted to give the recipe a try myself. Being short on time, though, I opted for a slightly less-than-authentic version that relies on a crockpot. Either way, this turned out absolutely amazing. I was so sad when the final container of leftovers exited our refrigerator.

This recipe comes from Nicki Mejia. You can find her on Instagram under “tastewithnicki.” I added extra seasonings and changed the directions slightly in my version.

Like I said, the flavor of these tacos is absolutely phenomenal. They weren’t at all spicy, but you could easily kick them up a notch with some salsa. Birria is also traditionally served with fresh diced onions and cilantro, if you want to add some color.

The trick for the leftovers is to wait to put the actual tacos together until you’re ready to eat them rather than assembling 100 percent of them right away and storing them in the fridge. They assemble just as easily as leftovers as they do the first time.

And if you are having any trouble finding the dried chiles mentioned in the recipe, try looking in the Hispanic foods section of your local grocery store. They’re normally sold in big plastic bags in that area.

Despite looking complicated, birria tacos were actually very simple to make, and they bring a little bit of a wow factor to the dinner table. Put this one on your list for your next taco night this winter.

Spice Up Your Life is a weekly recipe column by Lindsey Young, who describes herself as an enthusiastic amateur cook and can be reached through her website at spiceupkitchen.net.

Ingredients

2 pounds beef roast

1 small yellow onion, diced

8 cloves garlic, minced

3 bay leaves

1/2 tablespoon salt

1/2 tablespoon pepper

4 teaspoons chili powder

4 teaspoons cumin

2 teaspoons adobo

2 teaspoons oregano

1 teaspoon thyme

1 teaspoon all spice

1 tablespoon garlic powder

16 ounces beef broth or stock

6 dried guajillo chiles

3 dried chiles de arbol

1 half large tomato

The process of making birria tacos is simplified a bit with the use of a crockpot for this recipe, but all the rich flavors are still there to enjoy.

Monterrey jack cheese, shredded (for serving)

Corn tortillas (for serving).

Directions

Combine the roast, onion, garlic, bay leaves, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, adobo, oregano, thyme, all spice and garlic powder in your crockpot. Pour the beef broth over top of everything in the pot.

To prepare the chiles, pull the stem off of each one and shake out as many seeds as you can.

Add the chiles to a medium-sized pot and cover them with water. Bring the mixture to a boil and boil for about five minutes or until the chiles are soft. (Do not get rid of the water you boiled the chiles in!)

Add the softened chiles, tomato and about one cup of the boiling liquid to a blender or food processor and blend until the mixture is smooth.

Pour the chiles mixture into your crockpot. If the liquid isn’t covering the ingredients in the crockpot, add more of the boiling liquid

until it is.

Cook for eight hours on low or four hours on high.

When the roast is done, shred it with a couple of forks.

To make the tacos, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Spray it lightly with cooking oil. Dip a corn tortilla in the stock. Place it in the hot skillet and sprinkle on one to two tablespoons cheese. Put a large spoonful of the meat mixture onto half of the tortilla and carefully fold it over. When the tortilla is browned to your liking, gently flip the taco over to brown the other side. When it is done, transfer the taco to a warm plate.

Continue until you have as many tacos as you want to serve for your meal. Serve the tacos sprinkled with a little extra cheese and alongside a small bowl of the stock for dipping.

Refrigerate any leftovers

Lindsey Young

Birria Tacos

Jan. 7 – Hands-on engineering, 10:30 a.m., Advanced Learning Library. Come-and-go hands-on engineering demonstration presented by a local engineer. Co-sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers. For ages 5 and older.

Jan. 7 – TeenView Magazine, 3 p.m., Advanced Learning Library. Join the monthly launch of TeenView Magazine, a local digital publication created by teens, for teens. Be among the first to see the new issue of TeenView, listen to a panel of teen writers discuss featured articles, and learn more about how you can become involved. For teens ages 12-17.

Jan. 10 – Learning Circle: Learn to Knit, 6 p.m., Advanced Learning Library. Learn the basics to get started on your very first knitting project, including how to choose supplies, starting and finishing a knitting project, basic knit and purl stitches and how to read a pattern. No previous experience required, as this course is intended for complete beginners. Knitting needles and yarn will be provided for in-class use. Space is limited. Call 316-261-8500 or visit p2pu. org/wichita to sign up.

Jan. 10 – Engage ICT community panel to discuss policing in Wichita with new Chief of Police Joe Sullivan. Starts at 6 p.m. at Roxy’s Downtown, 412-1/2 E. Douglas, free and open to the public. Sullivan joined the Wichita Police Department in November 2022. After two months on the job, he and the other panelists will be asked what they think the biggest challenges facing Wichita are and what they believe Wichita needs on the police force.

Jan. 11 – Senior Wednesday: Oceans of Kansas, 1:30 p.m., Advanced Learning Library. Join Mike Everhart, author of “Oceans of Kansas” and former president of the Academy of Science, for a virtual journey back in time to observe some of the strange and wonderful creatures that lived in the oceans covering Kansas.

Jan. 14 – The Internet Turns 30 Film Series: Feels Good Man, 11 a.m., Advanced Learning Library. When indie comic character Pepe the Frog becomes an unwitting icon of hate, his creator

fights to bring Pepe back from the darkness. A Frankenstein-meets-Alice in Wonderland journey of an artist battling to regain control of his creation.

Jan. 14 – January Art Together: The Wild Side, 10 a.m., Mark Arts. Stop by for story time in the gallery at 10 a.m., followed by art activities for all ages. Then experience a close encounter with our guest of honor, Peanut the Opossum. Learn about these extraordinary creatures and the ecosystems in which they live with a hands-on presentation by the Great Plains Nature Center. Art Together is a free monthly program for families to enjoy and appreciate art through stories, art education and presentations or performances. Free event, RSVP encouraged at www.markartsks. com.

Jan. 17 – Library board meeting, 12 p.m., Advanced Learning Library. A regularly scheduled meeting of the library’s board of directors. Open to the public.

Jan. 21 – Finding your ancestors when the courthouse has burned, 1 p.m., Advanced Learning Library. A published author and Roots Tech and Family Tree Magazine contributor, Lisa Lisson coaches genealogy researchers of all levels to find their own ancestors.

Jan. 21 – Celebrate Lunar New Year, 1:30 p.m., Advanced Learning Library. Learn about annual traditions with the Wichita Asian Association, bring in good fortune with the East High Lion Dance Club, and learn about lucky ways to start the new year. For kids and teens ages 5-18 and their families.

Jan. 19 – Cancer Moonshot listening roundtable, 5:30-7 p.m., KU School of Medicine-Wichita. Community members and those impacted by cancer, cancer patients, survivors and co-survivors are

Upcoming events in and around Wichita

invited to share their stories and provide feedback about their experiences and needs. Researchers, community leaders and health care professionals are invited to talk about their experiences, resources, updates and efforts to accelerate progress in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. RSVP to attend this free event by going to bit.ly/CancerMoonshotWichita. For more information, contact Johnston at jjohnsto@ kumc.edu.

Jan. 24 – Tuesday Topics: Midterm Election Results and Forecast, 12 p.m., Advanced Learning Library. Political science professor Dr. Russell Arben Fox will go over the results of the 2022 midterm election and explore what that will mean for Kansas going into the coming year.

Jan. 28 – Kansas Aviation Museum 30th anniversary, 4-6 p.m., 3350 George Washington Blvd. Tickets $50-$60, including two complimentary drink tickets, appetizers, and admission.

Feb. 1 – Using Morse Code to Communicate by Radio Today, 6:30 p.m., Advanced Learning Library. Until 2006, amateur radio operators were required to demonstrate proficiency in Morse code as a part of licensing requirements. Today, many ham radio operators still enjoy and actively use Morse code communicate worldwide, sometimes with low power and very simple radios. John Nicholas is a recently-licensed amateur radio operator. John will share his view of code communications and his path to learning and using Morse Code. Co-sponsored by the Wichita Amateur Radio Club.

Feb. 4 – TeenView Magazine, 3 p.m., Advanced Learning Library. Join the monthly launch of TeenView Magazine, a local digital publication created by teens, for teens. Be among the first to see the new issue of TeenView, listen to a panel of teen writers discuss featured articles, and learn more about how you can become involved. For teens ages 12-17.

Protect Your Bright Idea!

City Hall renovations underway

On Tuesday, January 3, renovations began on the first floor of City Hall, primarily on the north and east sides of the first floor.

Improvements will include new service windows for the Housing and Water Departments, along with a private meeting space and relocation of the central information desk. Visitors to City Hall will now be able to access the most utilized resources in one location.

When City Hall reopened after the COVID-19 shutdown, services were temporarily re-located on the first floor to minimize the spread of the virus. The change proved to be beneficial for visitors and staff alike. Staff decided to make the changes permanent to optimize resident services at City Hall.

The City Council voted to approve the renovations in April 2022. The impact of construction to visitors at City Hall should be minimal. Construction is expected to last two months.

Kenneth

Jack Attorney at Law

2121 W. Maple Wichita, KS 67213 (316) 945-8251 davisandjack.com

People and Places

• The Edwin A. Ulrich Museum at Wichita State Univer sity has announced Vivian Zavataro as the new executive and cre ative director. Zavataro is a museologist who specializes in contem porary art, community engagement, and art mediation. She has traveled widely working for museums, galleries, and contemporary art exhibitions to broaden her knowledge and experience of the art world. Her goal is to facilitate interaction between art and the public. Diversity, inclusion, and creativity are essential aspects of her practice. Most recently the director and chief curator of the John & Geraldine Lilley Museum of Art at the University of Nevada, Reno, she helped the museum in the transition from a gallery-centric space to a fully involved, foundational institution of the university and the Reno community at large.

• Lauren Sturgeon of Wichita has earned a master of security studies in intelligence and analysis degree from Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas.

• The Kansas Bankers Association recently honored Citizens Bank of Kansas with the Century of Family Banking Award which recognizes Kansas banks with continuous family leadership for 100 years. In 2002, The Kansas Bankers Association (KBA) created the Century of Family Banking Award. This award is given to banks with members of the same family holding positions of leadership in their bank for a century or more. Since inception, only 12 banks have been given this prestigious

• Jacob Krehbiel, a member of the Colgate University class of 2025, has earned the spring 2022 dean’s award with distinction. Krehbiel is an environmental bio and biochemistry major from Bel Aire, and is a graduate of Northeast Magnet School. Students who receive a term grade point average of 3.6 or higher while completing at least three courses during the spring 2022 semester earn the dean’s award with distinction.

• Charlie O’Brien has been elected to the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame. O’Brien was an All-American for the 1982 Wichita State team that lost to Miami in the College World Series championship. During his senior season in 1982, O’Brien slugged 25 home runs, 25 doubles and 116 runs batted in as WSU won 73 games. He was drafted by Oakland to begin a 15-year major league career. O’Brien was a member of the 1995 Atlanta Braves championship team and served as Greg Maddux’s personal catcher during two of his Cy Young Award-winning seasons. The induction will take place at the Kansas Hall of Fame’s annual ceremony on Jan. 28, at LaVela, 6147 E. 13th St. N.

• The 1978 Wichita Southeast High School baseball team has been elected to the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame. The team was named “national champions” by Collegiate Baseball magazine. Coached by Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame member Jim Deckinger, the Golden Buffaloes, 23-0, outscored their opponents 155-25 en route to city and state titles. All seven seniors received college scholarships, including Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame member Jim Thomas. The induction will take place at the Kansas Hall of Fame’s annual ceremony on Jan. 28, at LaVela, 6147 E. 13th St. N.

• The Office of the Registrar at Northwest Missouri State University announced students named to the academic or president’s honor rolls at the end of the 2022 fall semester. To be included on the academic honor roll a student must carry a minimum of 12 credit hours and attain a grade-point average of 3.50 or above on a 4.00 scale. Students named to the president’s honor roll have attained a perfect 4.00 GPA for the semester. Wichitans named to the president’s honor roll are Tristan J. Lyons and Gianna Y. Weber. Students named to the academic honor roll are Keaton M. Ricke, Sabine J. Schaefer and Corey J. Unruh.

• University of Kansas students

Jan. 5-28 – “The Play That Goes Wrong,” Roxy’s Downtown, 412-1/2 E. Douglas. This Olivier Award-winning comedy is a hilarious hybrid of Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes. See what happens with an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t read, and actors who trip over everything, including their lines. Tickets $36.35 including fees. Call 316-265-4400.

Jan. 21 – “Murder at the Deadwood Saloon,” 6 p.m., Old Cowtown Museum, 1865 W. Museum Blvd. Enjoy a night of murder and mystery in the Old West. This is an interactive experience, dinner and dessert provided. Tickets $40, www. oldcowtown.org. For 21 and older.

Jan. 22 – Afternoon in Paris, Wichita Symphony, 3 p.m., Century II Concert Hall. Escape Wichita’s winter with dreams of springtime in Paris with this concert of gorgeous French music. Brilliant orchestral colors await you in Ravel’s masterful orchestration of his original piano music, “Le Tombeau de Couperin.” Then, Saint-Saëns’ scintillating Second Piano Concerto comes to life with the powerful technique and exceptional insight of the award-winning pianist Orion Weiss. Tickets start at $25, www.wichitasymphony.org.

Jan. 26-Feb. 5 – “Leading Ladies,” Wichita Community Theatre, 258 N. Fountain St. Shows at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

By Ken Ludwig, author of “Lend Me a

Drake Dugan and Lydia Parks of Wichita have been initiated into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest honor society for academic disciplines. They are among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

76TH ANNUAL CHICKEN NOODLE DINNER

Saturday, January 28, 2023

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 1356 North Broadway (Corner of 13th & North Broadway) Wichita, Kansas 67214

Drive-thru Dinners: $12.00 each (Sorry, no Dine-In this year)

Homemade Chicken & Noodles

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Fresh Cut Coleslaw Pies and Cakes

A la carte items: Priced individually

For more information, call the church office at (316) 267-3263.

January 2023

Leo, find themselves so down on their luck that they are performing “Scenes from Shakespeare” on the Moose Lodge circuit in the Amish country of Pennsylvania. When they hear that an old lady in York, Pa., is about to die and leave her fortune to her two long lost English nephews, they resolve to pass themselves off as her beloved relatives and get the cash. The trouble is, when they get to York, they find out that the relatives aren’t nephews, but nieces. For more information, call 316-686-1282.

Jan. 28-29 – “Legally Blonde The Musical,” Broadway in Wichita, at Century II Concert Hall. The ultimate Broadway tribute to girl power. The story follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams, and proves that you can be legally blonde and still the smartest person in

Performing Arts Calendar

Honor Roll of Business

Highlighting the beginning and growth of some of our leading businesses!

The Honor Roll of Business is a special advertising section highlighting the history of local businesses, from those founded even before our communities were incorporated, to those that have just recently become part of the business community. Make sure to stop by these businesses and thank them! A special thank you to all businesses that have advertised with the East Wichita News & WestSide Story!

146 Years

92 Years

58 Years

First National Bank

Locally owned and operated since 1876. Proud to be serving the communities of Goddard, Andale, Haven and Hutchinson. 18400 W. Kellogg Dr. • Goddard 316.794.7001 • fnbhutch.bank Check us out on Facebook @fnbhutch Twitter @FNBFirst • Instagram @fnbfirst

109 Years

Serving the Wichita Community Since 1913

Downing & Lahey

Family owned and operated since 1913 Downing & Lahey provides unique funeral services delivered with compassionate personal service.

East Chapel: 6555 E. Central • 316-682-4553

West Chapel: 10515 W. Maple • 316-773-4553 www.DLwichita.com

Hart Pharmacy

When it Comes to Your Health... Hart Delivers! Since 1931. We are a full-service pharmacy offering free delivery in Wichita. We offer prescriptions, compounded medications and medical equipment at our 13th Street location. www.hartrx.com. 6217 E. 13th St. N. • Wichita, KS 67208

67 Years

Medicalodges Goddard

501 Easy Street • Goddard •316-794-8635

Continuum of Care in One Convenient Location Skilled Nursing Care & Rehabilitation services for Short & Long-term stay • Personal Care • Assisted Living • Full Nursing Care • Rehabilitation Respite • Facility VA Contracted Call us to schedule a tour or visit us!

57 Years

H.D. Mills & Sons

Since 1966

Fisher Lumber Company

Since 1955 • The Experienced Lumber Store Everything needed to build, remodel or repair! 4 locations to serve you: Garden Plain, Andale, Kingman and our Wichita showroom 316-531-2295 • www.fisherlumber.net

60 Years

57 Years of Service

Wrecking • Excavating • Auto & Truck Parts 2756 S. West St. • Wichita, KS 67217 316-942-2031

“We Keep Them Running!”

54 Years

Cheney Golden Age Home

Caring and Sharing • Skilled Nursing Facility 724 N. Main • Cheney • 316-540-3691 Main Street Villa • 802 N. Main • Cheney 316-542-9929 • www.CheneyGoldenAge.org

Farm Bureau Financial Services

Serving Goddard for over 50 years!

Agent: Josh Axline Office: 316-794-2285 • Fax: 316-794-8052 Cell: 620-213-0412 • josh.axline@fbfs.com 19922 W. Kellogg Dr. • Goddard

51 Years

45 Years

31

Years

Scholfield Honda Service West

Serving ALL makes and models

Tires, Brakes, Maintenance

Jennifer Snodgrass, West Service Manager

Doug Faulkner, Dir. Of Parts & Service 316-729-1300 + M-S 7am to 6pm. Closed Sunday Late or early drop off welcome – Free transportation www.scholfieldhonda.com

49 Years

Chance Transmissions

Owners: David Long & Sons (Jeff & Josh) 6325 S Seneca St., Wichita M-F 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Imports and domestics • We rebuild or repair manual transmissions, automatics, differentials, drive shafts, CV shafts, clutches, and transfer cases. 316-529-1883 • chancetrans.com

40 Years

Goddard Veterinary Clinic

Horsch Trailer Sales

6901 S. 183rd. W., Viola, KS 67149 Rick & Jean Horsch 4 employees

We get behind what’s behind you!

Open M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. 620-545-7292 www.horschtrailers.com

30 Years

Prairie Pines

Christmas Tree Farm

Started in 1974

Enjoy a variety of events through the year! Christmas Trees, Weddings, Field of Screams, Dinner Theatre, Chamber Music at the Barn, Bows at the Barn Music Camp. PrairiePines.com • 316-303-2037 PrairiePinesFestivals.com

46

Years

Farmers Insurance

We like to take care of people. That is our philosophy about providing insurance services. I have been a licensed insurance agent for 15 years and took over my father, Craig Wulf’s agency. We try to meet people where their at. I help customers identify the insurance coverage that best fits their needs. I have the knowledge and experience to help you better understand your coverage options – whether that’s auto, home, renters, business insurance and more.

Agent: Katherine Wulf-Morrison 1251 S Longfellow • Wichita • 316-612-9853 kwulf@farmersagent.com agents.farmers.com/ks/wichita/katherine-wulf-morrison.

Full Service Veterinary Clinic With Boarding M-F 8-12, 1-5:30; Sat 8-12 316-794-8022 • 19912 W. Kellogg • Goddard

33 Years

Eaton Roofing & Exteriors

Roofing, Siding, Windows, Doors, Decks & More!

38 Employees · M-F 8-5 3821 Bounous St., Wichita 316-943-0600

28 Years

Burwell Construction

Owners George & Kristen Burwell Roofing • Guttering • Remodeling • Siding • Decks Window Replacement • Roof Inspections Free Estimates • References Available Licensed & Insured, All Work Guaranteed WABA & BBB Member • Locally Owned Office: 316-794-3430 • Toll Free: 800-952-3430 burwellconstruction.com

Kruse Corporation

HVAC • Plumbing • Sheet Metal • Emergency Service Commercial • Residential • Industrial Offices in Wichita, Hutchinson & Manhattan, KS www.krusecorp.com 316-838-7885

17 Years

10 Years

Norris Collision Center

Jeremy & Melissa Edwards would like to thank you for your business!

“Big City Quality, Small Town Service” Family owned and operated. Full Line Collision Repair • Glass Replacement • PDR Auto-Detailing • Window & Lock Diagnostic & Repairs

We accept all insurance estimates! 19918 W. Kellogg Dr. • Goddard 316-794-1161

15 Years

Auburn Spirits

West Wichita’s Best Selection of Wine, Beer & Spirits Hours: Mon.–Thur. 10am–10pm; Fri.–Sat. 10am–11pm; Sun. 12pm–8pm 13303 W. Maple, Ste. 111 • Wichita 316-440-1111 • www.auburnspirits.com

The Burrow

Family owned and operated. Owners: Derrek and Tina Burrows Fantastic selection of gifts for geeks. 180 S. Rock Rd., Ste 200, Wichita Check out our Facebook page! www.theburrowstore.com 316-209-6217

4 Years

This ad stinks.

We need you to make it better.

Auburn Wine & Spirits

East Wichita’s Best Selection of Wine, Beer & Spirits Hours: Mon.–Thur. 10am–10pm; Fri.–Sat. 10am–11pm; Sun. 12pm–8pm 320 N. Rock Rd. • Wichita 316-260-9463 • www.auburnwineandspirits.com

Times-Sentinel Newspapers is seeking a graphic designer to make our advertisements jump off the page.

Tanganyika Wildlife Park

Named the most interactive wildlife park in the Midwest!

Jim & Sherri Fouts, Founders • Matt Fouts, Director Currently offering animal experiences through the winter months. The Park opens for its regular season in March, and the season runs through October. Tanganyika also has a Safari of Lights experience in November and December.

40 Exhibits featuring 10 interactive stations Over 400 animals • 37 successful breeding programs 1000 S Hawkins Ln • Goddard • 316-553-4650 Visit twpark.com for more information

The Honor Roll of Business is a special advertising section highlighting the history of local businesses, from those founded even before our communities were incorporated, to those that have just recently become part of the business community. Make sure to stop by these businesses and thank them!

Award-winning newspaper group needs a full-time graphic designer to create ads for our weekly and monthly newspapers as well as special projects, assist with page layout, help with our website and social media, and make things sparkle.

Working knowledge of InDesign and Photoshop a must, Illustrator experience strongly preferred. Hatred of comic sans is required.

Send resume and samples to tmounts@tsnews.com.

We offer competitive pay and benefits including health insurance, and a busy but relaxed working environment.

A special thank you to all businesses that have advertised with the East Wichita News & WestSide Story!

the room. This contemporary, sassy musical moves at a breakneck pace driven by memorable songs and explosive dances. Two shows each day. Tickets $40-$70, www.americantheatreguild. com.

Jan. 29 – Wichita Children’s Dance Festival, 2 p.m., Wilner Auditorium, Wichita State University. WSU Dance Program offers dance classes for community dancers and supports an afternoon celebrating dance works from studios and schools across Wichita and the surrounding area. Tickets $10, wichita.universitytickets.com.

Feb. 3-5 – “Catch Me If You Can,” Friends University Fine Arts. Shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in Sebits Auditorium. Based on the hit Spielberg film, this is a musical comedy about chasing your dreams and not getting caught. Nominated for four Tony awards. Tickets $16, $12 for students and seniors, www.friends.edu.

Feb. 3-March 18 – “Beauty School

Melodrama,” Mosley Street Melodrama, 234 N. Mosley. Written by Carol Hughes, directed by Steve Hitchcoe. Starring Jaslyn Alexander, Tara Clary, Daniel Gonzalez, Scott Noah, Megan Parsley and Kyle Vespestad. Featuring Dacia Brown, Dan Chisham and Robert White. Rated PG-13 for some innuendo. Catering by Pig In! Pig Out! Tickets $35 for dinner and show, $25 show only, plus convenience fees, www.mosleystreet. com.

Feb. 9 – Sing It! Vocal music festival concert, 7:30 p.m., Sebits Auditorium Friends University, 2100 W. University Ave. Featuring guest conductor Dr. Marques L. A. Garrett. Tickets $6, $3 students and seniors, www.friends.edu.

Feb. 11 – Blue Electra, Wichita Symphony, 7:30 p.m., Century II Concert Hall. Superstar violinist Anne Akiko Meyers takes you in flight with Blue Electra, the brand-new violin concerto from Grammy Award-winning composer Michael Daugherty. American and Kansas icon Amelia Earhart and her Lockheed 10-E Electra inspire the music and your imagination in this adventure. Also on the program: William Grant Still’s “Serenade” and Schumann’s “Rhenish” Symphony. Tickets start at $25, www.wichitasymphony.org.

The stadium itself was done right. It’s roomy. The seats are wide, and there is plenty of space between the rows. The design is smart and eye-catching.

State’s Eck Stadium provided a suitable alternative.

The whole purpose of the ballpark is overall experience. It’s not just Wind Surge baseball. It’s the view and the atmosphere, it’s the food, it’s the chance to go to restaurant and shops in Delano and downtown.

The upcoming sale of the team, announced in December, provides the chance for a fresh start. Diamond Baseball Holdings has a number of other teams, and brings in experience at running teams.

There is so much potential at Riverfront. The location along the Arkansas River is magical, with downtown Wichita showcased on the other side.

It is a great place to watch a game. Riverfront Stadium is one of the best stadiums in all of Minor League Baseball. It’s worthy of a AAA team, and that’s what it was built for. For a AA team, it is a cathedral. But getting back to AAA baseball is probably a pipe dream.

Diamond Baseball Holdings is not purchasing the land around the ballpark. The new company’s focus will be on the product on the field. The shackles of bad press around the non-stadium projects won’t be part of the team going forward.

Over the last three years, baseball fans throughout the area have been left wondering what could have been.

Now, it feels like spring training. This is a fresh start. Even though it is only January, it now feels like spring has arrived, and now we can talk about what might be.

Collaboration and creativity

Artist Christopher Gulick takes sculpture into the world of fashion

Christopher Gulick has a simple explanation for what he does as a career:

“I’m a retired juvenile delinquent.”

That is probably a better description for his approach to life rather than his career. Gulick is an artist who has focused on kinetic sculpture – meaning art that moves or creates the perception of movement. He said that his intention is bring to view negative space, meaning the empty space between or around the subject or subjects

1990. He had a lot of influences, but one particular artist – and one particular piece of art – made a big impression on him as a young artist.

Andrew Calder was an American sculptor known for mobiles and public sculptures. Wichitans are likely to know one of the larger mobiles in the world, “Eléments Démontables,” which Calder created in 1975 for the Fourth Financial Bank and Trust Company building. That building is now known as the Ruffin

Douglas Avenue.

Gulick continues to marvel that Wichita has this piece from such a world-renowned artist.

“This little town of ours, we actually have a large Alexander Calder mobile. The fact that we have one of these is astounding. He’s the father of mobiles,” Gulick said. “He was dirt poor for a long, long time. He never

Kinetic sculptor Christopher Gulick visits with students at Campus High School in Haysville about career possibilities in the worlds of fashion and art. Gulick appeared with a number of other fashion designers.

Travis Mounts photo

Christopher Gulick teamed up with Christy Railsback to create these clear coats.

Gulick noted that “I still don’t know how to sew for (crap), but I’m learning.” Railsback sewed the jackets, and Gulick created the color blocks by hand and put them on the jackets. He said he never cared for the 1980s but liked how the decade looked. Eric Fisher of Eric Fisher Academy had the original vision and asked Gulick to bring the vision to life.

Photos courtesy of Luckyphoto

felt financially secure until he was well into his 60s.”

Gulick focused for a long time on more traditional sculptures. However, for the past several years, his designs have moved into the world of fashion. He still thinks and designs the same way, creating kinetic art with the ideas of motion and negative space. He uses the phrase “wearable sculpture.”

He started playing around with jewelry, creating items from his scrap metal. He began drawing items, continuing in a new direction with a practice he has long had. For 30 years, he has used architectural design magazines as sketchpads.

“I’d look at a really cool room and think, ‘All it needs is one of my sculptures.’ I responded to the room itself,” Gulick said.

He then began doing the same thing with magazines like Vogue, W and Elle, drawing on top of pictures or models.

Then his wife got him hooked on the television show “Project Runway.” He kept drawing.

“After a while I thought, ‘I’ve got so many of these. I need to build some of them.’ That’s been my focus for about seven years,” he said.

He continues to work in fashion, despite the fact that “I can’t sew my way out of a paper bag.”

Having collaborators helps. In 2020, Gulick and fashion designer Alicia Ybarra worked together for New York Fashion Week.

“She was building the base garment, and I would build the elements on top of that,” Gulick said.

He continues to do kinetic work, but now has segued almost entirely into items for people to wear.

It’s hard to be an artist anywhere in the world, but it is especially difficult in a place like Wichita. Gulick worked for the phone company for 32 years. That was the job that covered the mortgage and paid the bills.

He never considered art as a hobby, however. It was a second career.

“(Art) is my other job. One of them keeps me moving and the other keeps

me inspired. A lot of people don’t like their job, but they stick with it,” he said.

Like other artists, Gulick has made money, at times, off of his art. Commissions help, too. Artists will hire each other to help with projects and with their primary occupations. In a place like Wichita, art is often a hustle.

Now retired, Gulick’s art does not have to compete with a day job for his attention.

While in his twenties, Gulick helped found the Wichita Area Mopars, a car club dedicated to related Chrysler brands, including Plymouth, Dodge, Ram trucks, DeSoto, AMC and Jeep.

In the early 1990s, Gulick was part of a group of nine artists called the “Famous Dead Artists” that created what became Wichita’s Final Friday art crawl.

Today, Wichita has both a Final Friday and a First Friday. While supporters of one or the other event may see competition, Gulick welcomes both.

“It’s just a way to get people to go out and have some fun, and enjoy visual art,” he said. Artists benefit from both events by being exposed to more people.

In November, Gulick and a number

of other artists – many of whom were part of the ICT Fashion Tour – visited with several dozen Campus High School students in Haysville. ICT Fashion Tour was a 2021-2022 series of shows that highlighted fashion talent in Wichita. A 2023 program is planned.

Gulick stressed collaboration to the students.

“You have to work with your comrades. You have to work with other people,” he said.

Gulick continues to collaborate as well as promote and encourage young artists. He has held house concerts to help artists that he felt did not receive enough attention. And he stresses that Wichita has a great deal of culture, if only people would open up their eyes to see it. He encourages people to get out of their routines and out of their comfort zones.

“Wichita has lots of culture and is really, really diverse,” he said. “What you need to do is acknowledge the diversity that is already here. We have somebody from every country on the planet in this town.”

Learn more about Gulick and his art at his website, christophergulickart.com.

Wouldn’t you like to go where everybody knows your name?

“Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got. Taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot. Wouldn't you like to get away?” These lines from the Cheers Theme Song echo why we’re starting this new thing – The 5:43 MIXR. In this fractured, hurting world, we’re offering a trusted, safe space for all persons of all ages to build community with one another over friendly conversation, upbeat music, an encouraging word, and a FREE light meal (including a gluten-free option).

Experience where you belong at this weekly gathering on Wednesdays beginning January 11 from 5:43 – 6:30 pm at West Heights United Methodist Church. We are a Christian community who shares God’s love through acceptance, care, and generosity; offering messages of hope to support each other. Come as strangers, leave as friends!

Come be a part of this FUN event on Wednesdays at 5:43 in the gym (door D) at 745 N Westlink Ave, Wichita, KS. Feel free to call 316-722-3805 or visit our website at westheightsumg.org

Brand new year brings new flavors to Auburn Spirits and Auburn Wine and Spirits

Big things are happening in 2023 at Auburn Spirts West and Auburn Wine and Spirits East.

Coming this year is an expansion at Auburn Spirts West. This will allow for a larger selection of whiskeys, gins, cordials, craft beers and wines.

Also this year, set aside time for tastings at Auburn Spirits West and Auburn Wine and Spirts East. There will be more events in 2023, with tastings every weekend at both location.s These tastings are a great way to try new things and learn creative cocktail ideas.

Check out the educational wine tastings on the second and fourth Monday of each month. You will be introduced to great wines and cocktail ideas. See the schedule and learn more online at www.auburnspirits.com.

If the new year brings a resolution to be healthier, you are not alone. Many health-conscious people are looking at wine labels the same way they do food labels. Many people are cutting back on how much alcohol they consume, but there is another option –drinks with a lower ABV (alcohol by volume).

Retailers are seeing an increase in the number of

low-alcohol wines purchased. Consumers are seeking lower sugar and calorie wines.

With a little help from the staff at Auburn Spirts and Auburn Wines and Spirits, you can find great lower-ABV wines that pair perfectly with your favorite foods. There also are many great ideas for low-ABV cocktails to try that feature full flavors with less alcohol.

Non-alcoholic cocktails also are popular at this time of year. We can help you with ideas to enjoy at home or at cocktail parties that have the look of alcoholic beverages, and come with many great flavors.

If you would like to enjoy some great winter flavors, think about apple or salted caramel whiskey, egg nog or peppermint flavored liqueur, or warm vanilla bourbon. There are many other options to consider –just ask us for a little help.

We are open seven days a week at both locations:

• Auburn Wine and Spirits East, 320 N. Rock Road.

• Auburn Spirits West, 13303 W. Maple, Suite 111. Visit www.auburnspirits.com for more information.

Lower ABV (alcohol by volumne) wines are becoming a popular choice. Health-conscious drinkers also are seeking lower sugar and calorie wines.

This ad stinks.

We need you to make it better.

Times-Sentinel Newspapers is seeking a graphic designer to make our advertisements jump off the page.

Award-winning newspaper group needs a full-time graphic designer to create ads for our weekly and monthly newspapers as well as special projects, assist with page layout, help with our website and social media, and make things sparkle.

Working knowledge of InDesign and Photoshop a must, Illustrator experience strongly preferred. Hatred of comic sans is required.

Send resume and samples to tmounts@tsnews.com.

We offer competitive pay and benefits including health insurance, and a busy but relaxed working environment.

Looking for a great part-time job?

WorshipattheChurchofYourChoice

Directory of Wichita Area Churches

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.

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church – 8021 West 21st Street North, Wichita (east of All Star Sports), 316-721-8096, www.goodshepherdwichita.org. Saturday evening worship at 5:30pm (No music). Sunday morning worship at 10:00am (alternating between Contemporary & Traditional). Nursery available. Youth Group (middle thru high school) meet on Sunday nights, 6:00-8:00pm. Different fellowship events available throughout the year. Check our website for details.

followed by refreshments in Fellowship Hall.

Children’s Sunday School, using “Godly Play” curriculum, after Children’s message during worship service, Nursery provided. Adult Sunday School 9:00 in the Chapel. Wednesday Night family dinner 6:00PM, followed by adult education class along with activities for children and youth. Vacation Bible School June 10-14. Follow us on Facebook @plymouthchurchwichita. Where progressive Christianity and traditional worship meet.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church - 7404 East Killarney Place, Wichita, KS 67206; (316) 6342513; The Very Rev. Laurie Lewis, Rector; www. ststephensec.org; Facebook at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Wichita, KS; Sunday 10:30 am, Contemporary Service (Music) Nursery provided; 10:30 am Children’s Sunday School, 3 yrs - 4th grade. 10:30 am St. Stephen’s Sensational Youth Group (5th – 12th grades). We offer a variety of book studies, classes, groups and outreach opportunities through the year and summer Vacation Bible School (VBS). Check our website and Facebook.; We are a Christ centered caring community, living out the Gospel for all people.

The East Wichita News and WestSide Story is taking applications for Delivery Personnel on the west side of the city and in Goddard. This is a great part-time job opportunity for you! You may determine the number of papers you want to deliver in these local neighborhoods.

Call Paul at 316-540-0500

Hillside Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) - 8330 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67206 Connecting People to Jesus And To Each Other Phone: 316-683-6577; Fax: 316-682-8302. Jerry Muncy, Senior Minister; Rev. Etienna Mertel, Associate Minister. Worship Services – 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m; Church School – 9:30 a.m.; Nursery provided. Wednesday Night Bible Study – 6:30 p.m.; Youth – Sunday School 9:30 a.m. & Wednesday Night 6:30 p.m. Website –hillsidecc.org; Facebook – hillsidecc.org; Email – onchurch@hillsidecc.org

Pathway Church – Westlink Campus: Saturday at 5:00pm, Sunday at 9:00 & 10:30am, 2001 N Maize Rd (21st & Maize), Wichita • Goddard Campus: Sunday at 9:00am, 10:30am, 12:00pm, 4:00pm, and 5:30pm, 18800 W Kellogg, Goddard • Valley Center Campus: Sunday at 10:30am, 800 N Meridian Ave (Valley Center Middle School), Valley Center • 316-722-8020 • www. pathwaychurch.com

The Altar – 321 S. 162nd & West Maple, Goddard • 316-550-6777 • www.thealtar.church • Pastor Marty Freeman • Sunday Service 10am, Wednesday Service 6:30 pm • Radical Worship. Radical Obedience.

Plymouth Congregational Church – 202 N. Clifton, Wichita, KS 67208; (316) 684-0221; www.plymouth-church.net; Rev. Dr. Donald Olsen, Senior Minister; Rev. Karen Robu, Associate Minister; Sunday Worship Service 10:30,

The Assembly at Goddard Church (TAAG) - 20700 W. Kellogg, Goddard, KS 67052; 316794-7994; Pastor Mark Summers; Join us Live on Sunday mornings through our website at TAAG. CHURCH. Sunday Morning Worship at 10:00 a.m.; Wednesday Night Bible Study, Youth and Kids Activities at 6:30 p.m. Find us on Facebook @TAAGCHURCH. Enroll your child today at TAAG KIDS Learning Center by calling Stephanie today at 316-749-8740! TAAG KIDS Learning Center is an all-day child development center for ages 3-5. Website: taag.church/learningcenter. At TAAG Church, we want to know God & make Him known.

West Heights UMC – 745 N. Westlink Ave. (Just north of Central on Westlink; (316) 7223805, “A Place to Call Home in the Westlink Neighborhood.” Sunday morning worship service at 10:00. Sunday School for all ages at 9:00. Midweek programs include activities for children and youth. Host for West Heights Preschool and Shepherd’s Center of West Wichita. Wednesday meal during the school year from 5:00-5:30pm. Check website for current small groups and mission opportunities and to live stream services. www.westheightsumc.org

WorshipattheChurchofYourChoice

Contact Val for more information on how to have your Church Directory listing included. 316-540-0500

Tanganyika Wildlife Park awaits exciting rhino birth

Tanganyika Wildlife Park, located in Goddard, Kan., is thrilled to announce that Monica, the famous Indian Rhino and first of her species to be born through artificial insemination, is expecting a calf at the Park! This will be the first rhino baby born at Tanganyika, and the pregnancy has been confirmed through both urine analysis and ultrasound.

In anticipation of a successful birth, the keepers at Tanganyika Wildlife Park have been training Monica for ultrasound and well-being checks for the past two years. It takes a dedicated team of individuals to care for a pregnant rhino, and Monica has been receiving top-notch care from the staff at the Park.

To confirm the pregnancy, Monica's urine was analyzed by reproductive specialist Dr. Monica Stoops, who determined that Monica is indeed expecting. Throughout the pregnancy, Tanganyika's veterinarian, Dr. Gregory Seiler, has been performing ultrasounds to monitor Monica's progress.

According to keeper Sierra, who has been working with Monica for the over three years, the pregnancy has been clearly visible for some time.

"I can see and feel the baby move when I give Monica her belly scratches," Sierra said. "She's definitely showing all the signs of a healthy pregnancy: long naps, increased appetite, and lots of resting." that mission remains at the core of the Park's values

today. With more than 400 animals representing more than 50 species, Tanganyika has a long history of connecting people with wildlife and working to preserve these species for future generations. In 2022 alone, the Park saw the birth of 61 babies, and the arrival of Monica's calf will be another exciting addition to the Park's growing family.

This news not only marks a milestone for Monica and Tanganyika Wildlife Park, but also for rhino conservation efforts worldwide. Indian Rhinos, also known as greater one-horned rhinos, are a vulnerable species with a population of just over 3,500 individuals in the wild. Zoos like Tanganyika Wildlife Park play a vital role in protecting and breeding endangered species, and the successful artificial insemination of Monica is a promising development in the efforts to increase the population of these magnificent animals.

Visitors to Tanganyika Wildlife Park will be able to see Monica and her calf on exhibit during the 2023 season, once the calf is old enough. The Park is already making preparations for the arrival and is excited to share this special moment with the community.

Stay tuned for an announcement about a baby shower for Monica and her calf. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this joyous occasion and supporting the conservation of Indian Rhinos.

ABOVE: Monica cools off in the water of her home at Tanganyika Wildlife Park.

RIGHT: Keeper Sierra proudly shows off the sonogram of Monica’s growing baby from a recent ultrasound.

BELOW: Tanganyika Wildlife Park is proud to annouce its first baby rhino arriving in March 2023.

KMUW celebrates three years of The Range

KMUW, Wichita’s NPR station, is marking the third anniversary of the weekly local news program The Range. The first episode debuted on Jan. 17, 2020. Since then — and through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — a new episode has premiered every Friday on KMUW 89.1-FM, kmuw.org and a handful of podcast platforms.

Hosted by Tom Shine, KMUW’s director of News and Public Affairs, The Range is a program about where we live and the people who live here. The range of subjects and topics are vast. In the past month alone, we’ve heard from local business owners, a dance artist, a third- generation Black doctor, an international student, the founder of Rainbows United, Santa Claus and a Jewish congregation.

Several KMUW staffers contribute to and help produce The Range each week, with a roster of signature

segments featured each month. Those segments include human interest stories from Wichita Public Transit riders on En Route; adventures across the state on Hidden Kansas; profiles on artists of all kinds on ArtWorks, and thoughtful stories about race and culture on In the Mix.

Over the past three years, The Range has been honored with several awards from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters, including first place in the editorial/commentary category for the inaugural episode. KMUW looks forward to continuing this award-winning work throughout 2023 and beyond.

The Range can be heard every Friday on 89.1-FM at 6:50 and 8:50 a.m., 12:50 and 4:50 p.m. or on-demand at KMUW.org, on the KMUW app, and on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. To learn more, visit kmuw.org/range.

HEALTH outlook

Your directory of wellness services, care providers, and products.

OB/GYN Associates in Women’s Health 3232 E. Murdock, Wichita 8710 W. 13th St. Suite 100, Wichita 700 Medical Center Drive Suite 120, Newton, KS 67114 www.awhobgyn.com Call our office and set up your appointment today CALL US TODAY: 316-685-7234

Innovative Vein & Spa

10523 E 21st St N, Wichita 316-425-7980

Paul Cheatum, MD at Innovative Vein specializes in the treatment of varicose veins. Free screenings in East & West Wichita, Dodge City, Emporia and Winfield. Call 316-425-7980 to book your free consultation today or learn more at innovativevein.com.

Central Plains Area Agency on Aging 2622 W. Central Ave. #500 • Wichita 316-660-5120 1-855-200-2372 www.cpaaa.org

CPAAA provides information, assistance & support to help Seniors, Caregivers and Adults with disabilities adapt to life changes.

Comfort and Love

Senior Care Homes

2062 N. Garnett • Wichita 316-260-4330 www.comfortandlove.com

Comfort and Love Senior Care Homes helps provide your loved one with all the comforts of home in an uplifting, safe environment with 24/7 care and monitoring.

Call 316-540-0500 to place a listing.

How to reduce your medical bills

Dear Savvy Senior, What tips do you recommend to Medicare beneficiaries dealing with hefty medical bills? My husband recently had open heart surgery and is recovering slowly, but the medical bills are coming in fast and furious and they’re putting us in medical debt.

Struggling in Springfield

Dear Struggling, I’m sorry to hear about your billing struggles, but medical debt has unfortunately become a chronic problem in this country. According to U.S. Census data, 19 percent of Americans households carry medical debt, including 10 percent of households headed by someone 65 or older. Even seniors on Medicare can easily get snagged in a web of complicated billing and coverage problems.

To help you slash your medical bills, here are some tips recommended by health care experts that you should try.

Double check your bills: Almost half of all medical bills contain at least one

error, including duplicate charges or charges for services you never received. If you’re facing a high bill and are on the hook for some portion of it, request itemized invoices from the hospital and other providers that detail everything you were charged for and go through them line by line. If you find something you don’t understand or find fishy, contact the provider for an explanation or a correction.

Wait for your EOB: Doctors’ offices and hospitals may mail initial bills to you before they even submit them to your health insurer. So, hold off on any payment until you receive an explanation of benefits (EOB) from your provider – Medicare, supplemental Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or private insurer. This will show what you owe after your insurance has paid its portion.

If your EOB shows that your insurer is refusing to pay for services that you think should be covered, call them to see whether it’s a correctable mistake, such as a coding error for a certain test or treatment. If it’s truly a denial of coverage, you may need to file an appeal. For details on how to file a Medicare appeal, see Medicare.gov/claims-appeals/how-

do-i-file-an-appeal.

Ask for a discount: Call the hospital’s accounting office or the billing staff at your doctor’s practice and ask if they can reduce your bill. You’d be surprised how often this works. Or if you have the funds to pay the entire bill, ask the hospital or provider for a “prompt pay” discount which may save you 15 percent or more.

If it’s best for you to pay your bills over time, ask the billing office to set up a no-interest payment plan for you. It’s in the provider’s interest to work with you to obtain payment.

You can also call the hospital where your husband had his surgery and ask a billing specialist if the facility offers financial assistance. According to the American Hospital Association, about half of U.S. hospitals are nonprofit. This means they are required to offer free or discounted services in some instances. This is usually reserved for low to moderate income patients who have limited or no health insurance, but requirements vary from hospital to hospital.

Get help: If you’ve gotten nowhere on your own, contact the Patient Advocate Foundation (patientadvocate.org, 800532-5274) who can help you understand and negotiate your medical bills, free of charge. Or consider hiring a medical billing professional to negotiate for you, but be aware that these services can cost upward of $100 an hour. You can find potential candidates through the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates (advoconnection.com). Be sure to choose someone who is credentialed by the Patient Advocate Certification Board.

Savvy Senior

Jim Miller | Columnist

Iceland finds its way into hearts of travelers

Story by Paul Rhodes

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND – Here in this capital city of the tiny island nation of Iceland, locals are keeping their fingers crossed and bracing for an explosion of tourists in the near future.

And if local appeal from around Wichita is any indication, that growth in tourism is almost guaranteed to happen.

Just within the past two months, Kim and I, along with our travel companions Bruce and Mary Chapman of Wichita, have made the trek to Iceland.

And why, you ask, would anyone want to visit Iceland? The list of compelling reasons is actually pretty long.

First off, let’s get one thing clear: You don’t travel to Iceland for the beautiful, balmy weather. That just doesn’t happen on this northern island where clouds are far more prominent than sunshine, and rain outpaces dry weather by a mile. But if you don’t mind bundling up...

well...a lot, Iceland can delight you with its stark, moss-covered landscape, its glaciers, its geothermal pools, and – of course – the Northern Lights.

All six Iceland visitors from this area had different reasons to travel there, and the three couples all took in different sights and attractions during their time there. And all agreed that they would jump at another chance to visit Iceland, and would recomment the adventure of traveling to Iceland to anyone.

“I would go back again to see the sights we missed, and couple the trip with visits to other Scandinavian countries like Denmark and Finland,” said Bruce Chapman. “That would really add to the experience.”

Kim and I went our own direction a couple of days while the Chapmans went on their own adventures. For all six of us, going out to see the Northern

Young Adults Ministry

The Blue Lagoon is the most famous geothermal pool in the world, offering visitors a truly unique

LEFT: Publisher Paul Rhodes and Kim Swansen, with Bruce and Mary Chapman. The couples traveled together to Iceland, where they shared some adventures and went their own way for other adventures.

FAR LEFT: The Northern Lights we saw were like a Kansas sunset in the middle of the night.

Paul Rhodes photos

Lights was a must, and we all got to see something...even it it wasn’t the best that Mother Nature can offer up.

The four of us took a bus out into the pitch black night outside of Reykjavik, and braved the intense cold and wind to try and get pictures.

For me, even in the cold, I was mesmerized by the Northern Lights. I kept going back into the bus to warm up, and then would venture out again. Seeing the lights on an average night was like seeing a faint Kansas sunset...only in the middle of the night.

The Chapmans got to see the only place in the world where two tectonic plates meet up – Eurasian and North American – and where you can see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge above ground.

“It was absolutely amazing,” said Bruce Chapman, who loves hiking and being out in all kinds of nature. “For me, it was probably the biggest highlight of the trip.”

For Kim and I, a visit to the world’s most famous geothermal pool, The Blue Lagoon, was an incredible highlight of the trip. We got to spend nearly two hours literally soaking in the experience. If you like pampering yourself to the extreme, this is the Iceland experience for you. The Blue Lagoon is known for its incredible appearance, as well as the perfect temperatures in the geothermal pool.

And around all of these adventures, we all sampled the incredible foods of Iceland while we were in Reykjavik. Highlights included all kinds of fish and seafood, lamb, and Iceland’s famout hot dogs.

For me, the hamburgers I found at a local burger joint left more of an impression on my tummy, but it was still a true experience to sample a street ven-

dor hot dog served with wildly different mustard and both raw and French fried onions.

The city of Reykjavik itself has many sights to take in, and is easy to explore since it is almost exactly the same size as Topeka, Kan. It boasts many museums and art galleries, beautiful European-style architecture and one of the most famous churches in the world – Hallgrimskirkja Church, a Lutheran parish church that dominates the city’s skyline.

Kim and I got to tour the church and visit museums one day, and it was a powerful experience. In the city, Bruce and Mary particularly enjoyed a food tour that Bruce said he’ll remember forever.

“The craziest thing I ate was fermented shark,” said Bruce. “I don’t think anyone could ever forget that. It tasted like amonia, and then you washed it down with Brennivin Liquor. That helped.”

All around Iceland, giant construc-

tion cranes mark the country’s focus on growth, particularly to encourage and accommodate tourism, which is the country’s third largest industry behind fishing and aluminum production. Another fascinating thing that we all observed were the huge numbers of young tourists, many of whom were staying in hostels and backpacking around the country.

If you’re interested in traveling to Iceland, a tour group may be perfect for you. Just check with a local travel agent, or tour management group. On your own, Iceland can be reached from here by flying to Chicago or New York City, and then taking a relatively short flight (five to six hours) to Iceland. Flight and hotel packages are easy to find, and different times of year offer differing experiences once you reach Iceland.

“You have to go see the world to really appreciate it,” said Bruce Chapman. “You find out that other countries are not what you think.”