Westside story october 2015 by Travis Mounts

ON THE COVER Promoting cultures, diversity in Wichita | 16

Filipina nurse and WestSdier Rosario “Rose” Axman built a life in Guam, and then again in the United States.

Quartet will play key role on K-State’s new soccer team | 4 As a teammate and coach, Paul LaBrue was ‘one of a kind | 8 Statue of Westside trail supporter unveiled | 12 Win tickets to the Field of Screams! See Page 15

Features Dateline..........................................7 People and Places ......................8 Pet Smarts .....................................9 Performing Arts Calendar.....10 Wichita Homes .........................11 Focus On Business...................19 Movie Review............................25 Cinema Scene ...........................28 From the Publisher’s Files ...............................................14

WestSide Story Editorial

Publisher Paul Rhodes Managing Editor Travis Mounts Graphics Abbygail Wells Reporters/Contributors Sam Jack, Dr. Ron Helten, Jim Erickson, Philip Holmes Sales Valorie Castor, Paul Rhodes Billing/Circulation Tori Vinciguerra A Division of Times-Sentinel Newspapers 125 N. Main • P.O. Box 544 Cheney, KS 67025 Phone: (316) 540-0500 Fax: (316) 540-3283

The WestSide Story is a monthly newspaper focused on the far west side of Wichita. It is delivered free to most west Wichita homes within our coverage area, although distribution is not guaranteed. Guaranteed home delivery by mail is available for $10 per year. Single copies are available for free in west Wichita Dillons stores and at Times-Sentinel Newspapers. Email story ideas and photographs to news@tsnews.com. Visit us on Facebook. © 2015 Times-Sentinel Newspapers

This fall has been a great time for culture in the Wichita area. Last month’s Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair drew record crowds. Fall festivals have been popping up all over the metro area. Andover Days and the Goddard Fall Festival are the ﬁrst weekend of October. Later in the month are fall festivals in Maize and Haysville. On Oct. 24 is a festival many Wichitans may not be familiar with, even though this year’s event will be the 35th edition. It’s the Wichita Asian Festival, and if you’ve never been, you need to go. If you go for only one thing, then go for the food. Some of it’s very familiar, some of it’s a bit adventurous, but it’s all really good. And there’s a lot of it. I went to the Asian Festival for the ﬁrst time a few years ago. Even though I’m a native Wichitan and have spent most of my life in the area, I was not familiar with it. My youngest son, Aaron, and I went and had a great time. We ate a lot of good food, tried of couple of things we didn’t really like (hey, that’s part of being adventurous) and just had a great time. Last year was our second trip after missing a couple of festivals. Lily Wu – the current president of the Wichita Asian Association, which sponsors the festival – asked me to be a judge of the Miss Asian Festival scholarship pageant. That was a new adventure for me, too. (Editor’s note: In the interest of full disclosure, I have to tell our WestSide readers that Lily lives out east; she’s the cover story for the new East Wichita News, another one of our papers. That story will be posted soon at tsnews.com) Lily raved about the food and said that food is a great way to share your culture and to learn about somebody else’s culture. And the food is varied. First, you have to drop any preconceptions of what “Asian” means. Many of us hear “Asian” and think about east Asian countries like China and Japan and Korea, or southeast Asian nations like Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia. But India, Pakistan and Afghanistan are just as Asian. So is Mongolia and the larg-

Travis Mounts | Managing Editor

est part of Russia. And much of what we call the Middle East also is part of Asia, including Lebanon and Israel, Syria and Saudi Arabia, and about half of Turkey, which stradles Asia and Europe. The food is as varied as Asia itself. When my duties with the pageant were completed last year, I went looking for my son and dining partner, who had spent a large part of the festival with a friend. It was difficult to find him. You’d think finding a 6-foot-tall blonde kid of primarily German heritage would be easy at an Asian festival, but it’s not. That’s playing into stereotypes a bit, but that’s my point – when we think of Asia, we often think of just a slice of the world’s largest continent. We categorize each other all the time. Ask somebody from Colombia or Costa Rica or Uruguay how often an American assumed they were Mexican. And those of us from European backgrounds are in the same boat. We’re often “white” to other white people and people of color. But when you follow the blood lines back, we’re Italian, Czech, Scottish, English, German, Swedish and more. The real reason I couldn’t find my son is that 6,000 people had filled up the largest parts of Century II. Food and other vendors are on one side, and the entertainment is on the other. Admission is free, but bring money for the wonderful eats and other vendors. And bring an open mind. Learn about somebody else’s culture. And be willing to share about your own, whatever it is. One of the great things about America is we all come from somewhere else and we all have a story to share.

WestSide Story

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3 - October 2015

I INSIDE

Volume 30 • Issue 12 October 2015

October 2015 - 4

WestSide quartet will play key roles on K-State’s new soccer team STORY

TAYLOR ELDRIDGE

WestSide Story

When it was announced last year that Kansas State would add a women’s soccer team for the 2016-2017 season, Katie Cramer didn’t think much of it. Cramer has never thought much of K-State in any sport. Her colors had always been crimson and blue, since she was raised a KU fan. “I was really reluctant to even go on a

visit there,” said Cramer, who is one of the top goal scorers in the area entering her senior season at Northwest. “But I gave it a chance, and it was just awesome. It made me feel like I was at home, so I hope that people who are huge KU fans end up giving this a try, because I did, and now I’m in love with K-State.” Cramer’s verbal commitment to the new program is one of four from Wichita. Ashley Zane, a senior midﬁelder from Maize, Avery Green, a junior centerback from Maize

South, and Maguire Sullivan, a sophomore centerback from Bishop Carroll, have all pledged to play for the Wildcats in the coming years. No one knows exactly what to expect, and that’s what attracted several to the program: the chance to create expectations. In its ﬁrst season, when Cramer and Zane are on campus, K-State won’t play any Big 12 teams. It will instead play a schedule much like an independent team would play, but one that still promises to be competitive. Then, by the time Green and Sullivan arrive, the Wildcats will join the Big 12 and begin playing a conference schedule. “There’s not going to be any seniors to tell us what to expect, or a record book to look at it and see what we’ve done in the past,” Zane said. “It’s going to be different, and it is going to be interesting to see how all of this is going to come together. But I’m excited, and I think we’re going to be pretty good.”

Four WestSide athletes will be part of the Kansas State women’s soccer team when it debuts in the fall of 2016. They are Maguire Sullivan, below; Avery Green, bottom left; Katie Cramer, bottom right; and Ashley Zane, opposite.

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Short season leagues now forming! Both adults & youths the duo try to shut down during the high school season. “It’s so awesome, because they’re all such great players, and they help me improve because they’re always challenging me,” Sullivan said. “I’m excited to play with Avery, because I think we play really well together, and I love playing besides her, and I know she always has my back.” Green was already considering attending KSU, – several members are graduates – so it was a pleasant surprise when the school announced it was adding the team. “It was like a dream come true,” Green said. “It’s a great opportunity to be in the start of a program that big. It’s just really exciting.” There will be many more local girls in the future who decide to come join them in Manhattan, but these four girls were pioneers that believed in the program before it played its ﬁrst game. They all know that winning early will attract even more talent, but the university itself will continue attracting Wichita-area girls to K-State. “It really is like one big family up at K-State,” Sullivan said. “That’s been a big part of it for all of us, really. That’s what drew me in. The coaches are great, and the passion that they have for the game puts that passion in me. I can’t wait to get up there.”

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For Cramer and Zane, who have been playing soccer together in some capacity since they were 5-year-olds, the prospect of continuing to play together was a big draw. Northwest has had one of the most explosive attacks in recent seasons, and Cramer is a big reason behind that. She has carved out a reputation as a clinical finisher at the top of the field. If she gets a touch in the box, then more times than not, it’s going to be a goal. Zane plays on a deep and talented Maize team, so her individual stats don’t stand out as much as Cramer’s, but Zane has turned the heads of college coaches with her pace and vision. She has the flexibility to play anywhere in the offensive attack, and Zane said she is planning on playing outside midfielder for K-State. “I love being in the attack,” Zane said. “I’m full of energy and I like to be all over the field, so I’m excited to be in that position and I think it will be great.” Maize and Northwest are local rivals that have produced several great games over the past few seasons, Cramer and Zane said that those games are fun, but they’re ready to join forces. “Whenever we play (Maize), I’m always nervous, because I know how good she is,” Cramer said. “So yeah, it’s going to be nice to finally get to play with her and not against her all the time.” A close relationship has been forged between Sullivan and Green, who play the same position and play on the same club team through the off-season. Green established herself as one of the top defenders in the area last season. Her pace allows her to chase down the fastest forwards, and her composure on the ball gives Maize South a steady presence on its back line during intense situations. Sullivan took the City League by surprise as a freshman. It’s rare for a freshman to make an instant impact on defense, but that’s exactly what Sullivan did with her athleticism and ability to read the game like a veteran. The idea of them someday anchoring K-State’s defense together excites both of them, as does the idea of playing on the same team as Cramer and Zane, two of the top offensive players that

WestSide athlete waits for heart transplant

October 2015 - 6

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WestSide Story

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WestSider Josh Oakley felt a bit more fatigued than usual during the spring and summer, an exasperating condition for an active athlete and member of Eisenhower High School’s baseball and football teams. Until an Aug. 3 chest x-ray, no one knew that the fatigue pointed to a very serious problem. The x-ray showed an enlarged heart. Oakley was airlifted to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City the next evening, and doctors soon determined that he needs a heart transplant. “Even the doctor at Children’s Mercy said there was never anything that would point to something like this,” said Krista Prindle, one of Oakley’s ﬁve older sisters. “When a 17-year-old is tired and has a cough, you don’t think heart

failure.” Doctors do not know what caused the problem, Prindle said, and will probably never know. An arrhythmia could have caused Oakley’s heart to enlarge, or the enlarged heart could have caused arrhythmia. The weak condition of Oakley’s heart meant that a breathing tube had to be inserted to help keep his body oxygenated. The tube went in on Aug. 6 and could not be removed until Aug. 12. Those were difﬁcult days for Oakley. The tube kept him from speaking, eating or drinking normally, but it did not stop him from communicating using a grease board and marker, or from participating in decisions about his care. “He’s intelligent, and he knew what was going on,” said Duane Earles, See OAKLEY, Page 18

Josh Oakley, pictured at Kansas City’s Children’s Mercy Hospital with his grandparents Donna and Duane Earles, is recovering strength after a health crisis that led to a need for a heart transplant. Contributed photo

Oct. 2 and 9 – Museum of the Undead 3: Safe Zone, 7-11 p.m. For adults 21 and older. Back by popular demand! Third time’s a charm, or is it? Roam throughout the museum to develop survival skills and prepare for a zombie apocalypse – you may need them sooner than you think! Witness a zombie dissection, use mirrors to trick zombies, build a miniature tower and wall and test your immunity to the zombie virus. $15 in advance, $25 the day of the event ($20 members). RSVP at www.exploration.org or call 316-660-0620. Oct. 2 – “Merchants of Doubt,” First Friday Alternative Film Series, 7-9 p.m. at Murdock Theater, 536 N. Broadway. Suggested donation $8. The 2014 ﬁlm documents those who present themselves as scientiﬁc authorities – but who actually aim to minimize known public threats such as toxic chemicals, pharmaceuticals and climate change.

Oct. 6 – East Wichita Caregiver Support Group, 3-4:30 p.m., Prairie View, 9333 E. 21st Street North. Topic: Handling caregiver criticism, presented by Sharie Quattlebaum. Group meets the ﬁrst Tuesday of each month. For information call 316-634-4700 or visit www.prairieview.org. Oct. 9 – Wesley Friends’ Autumn Garden Stroll, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Botanica Gardens, 701 N. Amidon. Attendees can participate in a half-mile stroll around the gardens or just sit and relax. Festivities include live music, food, drinks, a photo booth and a scavenger hunt within the gardens. Admission is $8 at the door. For more information or to register call the Wesley Friends ofﬁce, 316962-8400.

Oct. 10 – Wichita Genealogical Society’s fourth annual conference, “Opening Up to New Discoveries,” 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5015 E. 29th Street North.

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Bill Savage Estate Saturday, October 3rd – 10 AM Featuring over 400 Collectable toys, trains, Hot Wheels, Airplanes, Early Hubbey Toys and Trucks, Tonka, Hesston, Belt Buckles and much more.

Upcoming events in and around Wichita Keynote speaker is Diane C. Loosle, director of FamilySearch. Pregistration is required. Visit www. wichitagensoc.org. Oct. 14-18 – 13th annual Tallgrass Film Festival. More than 200 films from more than 35 countries will be presented, and more than 50 guests including Stephen Lang, James Lafferty, Teresa Palmer and more indie filmmakers. For information on movies, tickets and more, visit www.stubbornlyindependent.com. Oct. 15 – Project Beauty October Luncheon, 12:30 p.m., Wichita Country Club, 8501 E. 13th. Guest speaker will be Dr. Patricia McDonnell, director of the Wichita Art Museum. Cost for lunch is $17; your check is your reservation. Mail Jean Wellshear, 6411 Marjorie, Wichita, KS 67206. Oct. 17 – Blondes vs. Brunettes Wichita, a powder puff football game to help tackle Alzheimer’s. Tailgate at 3 p.m., kickoff at 4 p.m., at Wichita Collegiate School. For more information visit www.alz. org/cwkansas/ or call 316-267-7333. Funds raised benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Redheads are free agents and can play on either team. Oct. 28 – Game On, part of Senior Wednesday, 1-4 p.m. Participate in the modern world of board gaming with Dr. Patrick Ross, board game collector and amateur designer. View some of his diverse collection and the progression of games beyond Monopoly, Risk and Yahtzee. Ross will also share his personal game designs inspired by his work as an animal behaviorist. Admission $4 plus tax. Upcoming blood drives: • Oct. 4, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1321 Stratford Lane. • Oct. 5, 8:30-11:45 a.m., Via Christi Village on Ridge, 3636 N. Ridge Road. • Oct. 8, 8-11 a.m., Social Security Administration, 3216 N. Cypress Street. • Oct. 10, 8-11 a.m., Dillons at 37th and Woodlawn. • Oct. 10, Bel Aire City Hall, 7651 E. Central Park Ave., Bel Aire. • Oct. 11, 8-11 a.m., Dillons, Central and Maize. • Oct. 12, 1:30-5:30 p.m., Westwood Presbyterian Church, 8007 W. Maple. For information on blood drives later this month or to download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.redcrossblood.org. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

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Oct. 9-11 – Knights of Columbus annual Tootsie Roll drive. Governor Sam Brownback has designated October 9-11 as Helping People with Intellectual Disabilities Day. Knights of Columbus members will be in front of stores, banks and churches handing out tootsie rolls and seeking donations. In addition, Wichita State Men’s Basketball coach Gregg Marshall has donated his time to make a public service radio announcement on radio stations asking all citizens to support this years fund drive. Funds raised pay for Special Olympics and are given to groups and institutions that work with persons with intellectual disabilities. Donations are tax deductible. Oct. 10 – Let’s Move Kansas 5K run and 1.5-mile walk, sponsored by the Kansas Academy of Family Physicians Foundation, at Sedgwick County Park. Online registration available at https://runsignup.com/Race/ KS/Wichita/LetsMoveKansas or call 316-721-9005.

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Oct. 3 – Jan. 5 – Design Zone, a traveling exhibit at Exploration Place. See how architects, engineers, video game developers, music producers, roller coaster designers and more use math and science to create their crafts. Go behind the scenes and put these real-world concepts to the test in this interactive, hands-on exhibit. Included in general museum admission, free for members.

Dateline

7 - October 2015

October 2015

October 2015 - 8 W e s t S i d e S t o r y

WestSide Story People and Places • Wichita area students were named as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists in September. The academically talented high school seniors will have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,400 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million to be offered in the spring. To become a finalist, the semifinalist and his or her high school must submit a detailed scholarship application with academic record information, participation in school and community activities, examples of leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards. Following are the WestSide students honored, listed by high school. Bishop Carroll Catholic High School: Paul E. Johnson. Wichita Northwest High School: Marie L. Altgilbers. Maize High School: Scott L. Hershberger. Goddard-Eisenhower: Andrew S. Parker.

manager. The position involves managing project timelines and budgets, working with outside vendors and coordinating traffic instructions to the media. She graduated magna cum laude from Wichita State University in 2015, with a bachelor of arts in integrated marketing communication. Dayna Hoock has been added to its creative team as a production artist. A 2015 graduate of Wichita State University with a bachelor of fine arts in graphic design, Hoock most recently worked as a graphic designer for the Wichita State Marketing Department.

• Rachel Groene was hired by the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce as the Manager of Business Services. A graduate of Wichita State University, Groene brings more than five years of marketing and brand experience to her new role. Chamber director of business services Angie Elliott hired Groene after an intensive search for someone with relationship management and special event experience. Elliott was recently promoted from the manager of business services to the director of business services by Chamber president and CEO Gary Plummer. Elliott started her Chamber career in 2008, and is a graduate of the Institute for Organizational Management (IOM), a professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Elliott holds a B.A. in business/marketing from Friends University and an MEd in sports administration from Wichita State University.

• More than 425 students completed their degrees at Wichita State University in summer 2015. Undergraduate students who have attained a grade point average of 3.9 out of a possible 4.0 received the summa cum laude award; those with an average of 3.55 received the magna cum laude award; and those with an average of 3.25 received the cum laude award. Following are the WestSide graduates. Wichita: Angela Abdayem, Melissa Allen, Laquize Bassey, Ashley Baughns, Nuwan Bentotage, Elizabeth Carney, Devin Chaves, Brittany Crain, Cassandra Cunningham, Steven Donovan, Margaret Fisher, Sonya Greenstreet, Suha Jibril, Brittany Karibo, Robert Lachenmaier, Victoria Landwehr, Ismael Leon, Daniel Lewis, Emma Low, Emily Martinez, Roberto Martinez-Garcia, Anthony Minja, Carrie Myers, Janelle Nelson, William Richardson, Sarah Riepe, Leah Ross, Steffan Rowe, JoAnn Russell, Ryan Scherer, Diana Thompson, Lisa Townsend, Bruce Tyner, Bailey Walker, Joshua Wigdahl and Kara Winningham. Goddard: Danielle Bassett, Zachery

• Armstrong Chamberlin has announced that Caroline King has been named to the position of project

• The winners have been announced in the Neon Night Tournament, hosted at Auburn Hills Golf Course. In the first flight, first place went to Terrance and Stacie Tidwell, and Jame Rice and Richard Burkhart placed second. The second flight was won by Janey Hummel and Don Dassell, and second place went to Troy and Lee Ann Hendricks.

Busto, Ayris Franklin, Laura Greaves, Lauren Hirsh, Jeremiah Jamison, Emily Richter, Gina Stevenson and Roni Worcester. Maize: Adrianne Adams, Tabitha Asher, Kirsten Chamberlin, Grant Gaylon, Jacob Gilchrist, Cody Gilstrap, Danielle Herrington, Hannah Juhnke, Andy Luu, Ali McKeown, Baylee Mullins, Evan Ohlman, Courtney Stoner, Kelsey Webb and Matthew Wong. • Friends University President Amy Bragg Carey, Ed.D, has announced that Ken Faffler, M.A., has been named the new vice president for enrollment management at the 117-year-old institution. • Three hundred sixty-seven candidates for graduation crossed the stage to receive their degrees during Jacksonville State University’s Summer 2015 Commencement exercises on Friday, Aug. 7, at JSU Stadium. Graduates included Logan Poole of Wichita. • Via Christi Clinic has added four new specialists to its medical staff. They include urologist Surendra Kolla, M.D.; invasive cardiologist Andre Saad, M.D.; ENT/otolaryngologist Shaundra Rodriguez, M.D.; and orthopedic hand surgeon and plastic surgeon Joshua Linnell, M.D. • Wesley Medical Center has named Heather Gloede, RN, its new medicalsurgical nursing director. Gloede, who most recently served as the director of the neurovascular, stroke and gastroenterology units at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta, will lead the nursing activities of Wesley’s medical-surgical tower, focusing her efforts on patient satisfaction and quality initiatives. A native of Iowa, Gloede began her career as a medicalsurgical registered nurse at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, where she also was a telemetry unit clinic instructor at Mercy College of Health Sciences. Since then, she has held a variety of nursing positions,

including travel nurse, cath lab and interventional radiology clinician and internal medicine unit nurse manager. • Galichia Heart Hospital, a campus of Wesley Medical Center, is being renamed Wesley Woodlawn Hospital & ER to better illustrate both its diverse service line offerings and its importance to the Wesley system of care. Galichia has recently expanded its service lines to include orthopedics, robotic and general surgery, advanced imaging and bariatrics, among others. It also has become the first hospital in Kansas to earn NICHE – Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders – seniorfriendly certification. • Susan Addington and Gaylyn McGregor have joined the Wichita Center for the Arts Board of Trustees. Addington, a Wichita native, is the arts and culture program manager at Koch Industries, Inc. She is an active community leader and serves on the boards of Music Theatre Wichita, East Wichita Rotary, Wichita State University Student Athletic Scholarship Organization (SASO), Junior League of Wichita - Wit & Wisdom, and serves as co-chair of Wichita State University Gamma Phi Beta sorority’s capital campaign. She is a graduate of Wichita State University and lives in Wichita with her husband, Chris. McGregor is the executive vice president for The Commerce Trust Company. She is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Wichita and currently serves on the board for the Shocker Athletic Scholarship Organization (SASO). She is a graduate of the University of North Dakota and lives in Wichita with her husband, Duane, and their two children. If you have an item for People and Places, submit it by email to news@tsnews.com. Items for the November edition need to be submitted by Oct. 15.

With the wet, warm summer we’ve had, fleas are a growing threat to every dog and cat, whether they are indoor or outdoor pets. Causing problems from itchiness to anemia, fleas are something that need to be dealt with right away to keep your pet safe and healthy. With the many different flea preventatives out there, it is important that you know which ones are right for your pet. One of the most common signs of fleas is itching. If you look through your pets hair coat and see little brown to black specks, those are most likely flea droppings. You can test this by combing the hair and putting the specks on a white paper towel and wetting them with water. They should turn a dark red color. Excess itching can lead to hair loss and heavily infested pets can be anemic due to lack of blood supply. Fleas cause our pets to itch, mainly around the base of the tail and their belly. They itch because the fleas are biting the skin to gain access to a blood supply. While the fleas themselves only cause skin irritation, the act of the pet scratching the skin is what causes the skin to be traumatized. This trauma can lead to bleeding and skin infections, which require antibiotics. Some pets have a flea allergy and just one flea can cause them to start itching excessively and pulling their hair out. All pets should be on a flea pre-

Pet Smarts

Dr. Ron Helten | Veterinarian

ventative. We discourage pet owners from buying preventatives at the store (outside of Frontline Plus) because a lot of the ingredients are older and not as effective as the newer products, and they tend to be toxic to cats. The preventatives we carry at our clinic are Frontline Plus, NexGard and Revolution. Frontline Plus and Revolution are both topicals, while NexGard is a chewable. For dogs, we typically recommend the NexGard because it seems to be working better than Frontline, and owners love it. In cats, we recommend Revolution, because it works better for fleas and also has a heartworm preventative in it (remember: heartworms are not treatable in cats). If you suspect that your pet has fleas and possibly an allergy, or they are just chewing themselves raw, please seek your veterinarian’s help. They will be able to help you choose the right preventative and go over any other health issues that may rise due to fleas.

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At the WestSide Story, 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!

October 2015 - 10

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Through Oct. 31 – Hitchcock’s “Psycho Motel,” Mosley Street Melodrama. A hilariously creepy new melodrama that pays loving homage to some of Alfred Hitchcock’s most classic movie moments, followed by a spooky twist on popular hits of yesterday and today. Featuring the music of Hall & Oates, Lady Gaga, Blondie and more. Call 316-263-0222 for reservations. Oct. 2-31 – “Evil Dead, The Musical,” Roxy’s Downtown, 412-1/2 E. Douglas. Shows on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Based on Sam Raimi’s 1980s cult classic films, “Evil Dead” tells the tale of five college students who travel to a cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash an evil force. Campy songs and lots of farce. Show tickets $25, dinner $15. Advance reservations recommended. Call 316265-4400. Oct. 3 – Wichita Chorus of Sweet Adelines International’s 64th annual show, 7:30 p.m. at the Wichita Scottish Rite Center. Under the direction of Melynnie Williams and fresh off a firstplace win in Division A at 2015 regional competitions, the 30+ member chorus will present songs in traditional fourpart barbershop harmony. Joining the chorus on stage are two internationally ranked quartets, Rio! and Vocality. The Midian Shrine Bourbon Street Band will also be performing. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at http://wichitachorus-happytogether.brownpapertickets. com or at the door. For more information call 316-530-3519.

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Oct. 3-4 – “13 Ways to Screw Up Your College Interview” and other artistic choices, presented by Northeast Magnet’s drama department. Shows at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 4. Admission $5. Oct. 3-4 – Wichita Symphony Orchestra welcomes critically acclaimed violin virtuoso Sarah Chang. Concerts at 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday in Century II Concert Hall. Tickets start at $25. Visit WichitaSymphony.org or call the box ofﬁce, 316-267-7658. Oct. 9-10 – “Junie B. Jones, The Musical,” Wichita Children’s Theatre and Dance Company, 201 Lulu. Featuring a tremendously lovable character and

Performing Arts Calendar

October 2015

fun-filled songs, “Junie B. Jones” will capture audiences’ hearts, just as the books captivated an entire generation of students. The first grade has never been more exciting. Shows are at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday. Admission $6, reservations requested. Call 316262-2282. The production is recommended for youth ages 5 and up. Oct. 9-11 – “Footloose!” Music Theatre for Young People, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9-10 and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 11, Century II Mary Jane Teall Theater. Tickets $12 in advance, $15 at the door, $10 for students. Call 316-303-8100 or buy online at www.wichitatix.com. Oct. 14-25 – “An Inspector Calls,” by J.B. Priestly, Wichita Community Theater, 258 N. Fountain. Set in 1912 and first performed in 1945. A respectable British family is subjected to interrogation following the suicide of a young girl in an English industrial city. Performances at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets $14, $12 for military/senior/ students. Special opening night pri-e of $10 on Oct. 14. Call for reservations, 316-686-1282. Oct. 24 – Rockin’ the Roundhouse fundraising event at Charles Koch Arena. The theme is “From Field to Fork” and will showcase some of Wichita’s best-loved restaurants and their unique spins on local food sources. There will be live and silent auctions and entertainment from WSU students. Purchase tickets at www.rnrwsu.com. If you have something to include in the November edition of the WestSide Story, submit by email to news@tsnews.com. Submissions must be received by Oct. 15.

Wichita Homes

Philip Holmes | Interior Designer

October 10, 2015 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

St. Peter School – Schulte 2-1/2 miles south of Kellogg off Maize Road

Handmade Arts, Crafts, Gifts & Baked Goods, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, Chicken Noodle Soup, Bierocks & More

$2.00 Admission

Sponsored by St. Peter Altar Society

FACES WANTED. At the WestSide Story, 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! news@tsnews.com 316-540-0500 www.facebook.com/TheWestSideStory

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leave the manufactured veneer vulnerable to certain chemicals. On the plus side, it is generally lighter weight than natural stone, which may be preferred in some applications. The best idea is to educate yourself, realizing that there are different qualities within all product categories. Veneer is more cost effective compared to full dimensional stone because it is lighter weight and is adhered to the wall without the need for a support ledge. Natural stone veneer is competitively priced with the best artificial stone due to industry investment in cutting technologies that have enabled quarries to produce new products. Stone veneer is ideal for interior and exterior features like arches, fireplaces, bar fronts, and window or column accents. It also works well for wainscot and gable features to replace siding or to reface existing masonry. When selecting a stone, first consider the style of rock you prefer. Ledge stone, linear block and random pattern are the most common profiles. Then consider the colors and textures within that profile. It’s best to stick with profiles and colors that coordinate with the overall character of the home. It should look like it belongs there. In order to make the optimum decision, it’s best to bring home some samples and compare them. When determining what product is best for your specific needs, do your homework and consult with an expert.

FOCUS ON BUSINESS

Nothing compares to the beauty of natural stone in or around the home. From use outside as a siding material to being placed inside on fireplaces or accent walls, stone eludes a warm, earthy ambiance and texture. Natural stone itself, however, can be costly. Installation of natural stone can also be expensive because of the need for strong support and the fact that the stones lack uniformity. There can also be considerable waste in the process. Stone veneer has become a popular option for those reasons. Its popularity may be obscured due to the difficulty in distinguishing it from natural stone, in some cases. And like natural stone, it can be both protective and decorative. There are two types of stone veneer products: artificial and natural. Most artificial stone products on the market today are tested and approved to meet the requirements for international building codes. The best products offer the most selection, colors, fine detail and have minimal pitting on the face. Stone veneer can be made from natural stone as well as manufactured stone. Natural stone veneer is actual stone that has been collected and cut to the desired thickness for application. It can also be produced as a thin layer of stone that is attached to a composite backing. Manufactured stone veneer can be produced in a number of ways. It can be made with a concrete mix poured into forms and then painted to look like the real thing. Manufactured stone can also be made from polymer for a much lighter-weight product. Critics of manufactured stone will point out that while the product may cost less up front, there are maintenance issues. If manufactured stone gets chipped, the damage is quite evident. Also, the coloring process may

11 - October 2015

Designing with stone: Depth, value and appeal

October 2015 - 12 W e s t S i d e S t o r y

As teammate and coach, LaBrue was ‘one of a kind’ By Bruce Campbell Enid News Paul LaBrue’s legacy will go beyond having played for legendary Oklahoma State basketball coach Hank Iba’s only Big Eight championship team in 1965. LaBrue, who was killed when he was hit by a truck while walking in his Goddard neighborhood, was buried Aug. 28 after services in Wichita. Jerry Long, who coached against and with LaBrue and was a teammate on post-college basketball and softball teams, may have said it best. “If somebody ever said anything bad about Paul, they would be lying,’’ Long said. Long, while first at Hillsdale and then Kremlin-Hillsdale, coached against LaBrue’s Lambert and Jet-Nash teams. He was contemplating leaving coaching for a job at a sporting goods store when LaBrue called him with an offer to be his assistant at Goddard. “Paul saved me,’’ Long said. “He was a Godsend. He got me back to where I belonged. He was one of those coaches that didn’t have to scream and yell a lot. He was always ready to help. He was one of a kind.’’ LaBrue was an All-Stater at Byron-Driftwood High School in Alfalfa County, Okla., and went on to play for the Oklahoma State Cowboys from 1961-65. He was called both Brickman and the Rock. The Brickman nickname came about, a former teammate said, because if Iba asked LaBrue to run through a brick wall, he would have done it. “He was a very intense player,’’ Long said. “He was called the Rock because when someone on the other team would go wild, Henry Iba would get him in to shut him down. He was really good on offense, but he didn’t get to shoot a whole lot.’’ LaBrue respected Iba’s teachings, Long said, “but was his own man.’’ He stressed defense and discipline and earned the respect of his players. “He was always very calm,’’ Long said. “I only remember one time that he lost his temper in practice. One kid decided to test him, and he got in his face and explained it was going to be Paul’s way and not the kids way. Everybody knew that.’’ LaBrue was virtually without an ego. Long and Timberlake superintendent Brent Rousey, who were teammates with LaBrue on an adult league team in Enid

in the late knew to 1960s, said stay close LaBrue selto Paul,’’ dom talked Rousey about his said. “He own acwas just a complishguy who ments. liked to “ T h e participate. kids knew He was a his backsmall town g r o u n d ,’ ’ guy who Long said. was used to Goddard basketball coach Paul LaBrue, left, shared a “I never playing in trophy with assistant coach Jerry Long. Contributed photo saw anythe kind of body who didn’t want to do the drills he gyms we played in. He just loved to play wanted to do. I just think he had the atti- and loved to win. He was very competitude that he would do whatever the team tive. You didn’t get in his way.’’ needed him to do. I never heard him say LaBrue told stories about how difficult anything about Mr. Iba.’’ Iba’s practices were at OSU, “but he nev“I wouldn’t have known he had played er talked about himself,’’ Rousey said. at OSU unless somebody told me,’’ RousLaBrue was good to work for, Long ey said. “You couldn’t have told how tal- said. LaBrue, being an Iba disciple, ented he was by his demeanor. He was would handle the defense. He let Long never too high or was never too low.’’ run the offense. LaBrue, though, still had a competi“He said when I took the job that we tive fire in him. have two head coaches,’’ Long said. “He Long remembers being recruited by gave me input. He shared stuff with me, LaBrue to play on a coaches team that and I shared stuff with him.’’ would meet the Harlem Magicians, a travWhen Long came back to Enid to eling team in the mold of the Harlem coach, he ran many of the same things Globetrotters, for a game in Jet, Okla. he learned from LaBrue. LaBrue asked the Magicans coach if “I didn’t totally understand the matchthey wanted his team “to go along with up zone that he ran, but we had good it.’’ results,’’ Long said. “The Magicians’ leader said ‘why don’t LaBrue may have come out of a small you try to beat us,’’’Long said. “That was rural school, but Long called him a the wrong thing to tell Paul. We beat “well-educated man’’ who was as good a them like a drum, and we shouldn’t have science teacher as he was a coach. been able to do that. He had an ego, “He was so patient with kids,’’ Long competitively. He got challenged right said. “I saw him take kids after class to help there. If you challenged him, he was up them. He always had time for everyone.’’ to the challenge.’’ Rousey’s father hired LaBrue as the Having LaBrue there made the adult basketball coach at Jet-Nash High league games a little more intense. School. While Rousey never played for “He was big and strong and could jump LaBrue, they had a close bond. out of the gym,’’ Long said. “Dixie (his He remembers LaBrue driving an wife) would tell you that he wouldn’t let hour and 45 minutes from Goddard to his grandkid win a checkers game. He was see Rousey’s teams at Medford play, usuvery competitive.’’ ally when there was a big game. Rousey called LaBrue “a mountain of “That meant a lot to me,’’ Rousey said. a man,’’ who “hadn’t lost very many of “It was great to have him in the stands. skills from OSU.” He was such a good basketball fan, and Rousey remembers a piece of advice he was a wonderful friend.’’ he received when the team was “going LaBrue, while Long was there, took to play a pretty rugged team in a rough Goddard to a Tournament of Chamarea of town.’’ pions title in Dodge City against much “If anything bad happened, we bigger schools.

“He was a good coach, and good in the classroom,’’ Long said. “He always explained things. You try to think about a bad word about Paul, but there isn’t one.’’ John Turney knows that first hand. LaBrue’s Jet team was the last team to beat Turney’s 1971 Wakita team that would end up winning Oklahoma’s Class B state championship. “He was a super coach and a super person,’’ Turney said. “There was none better. If you needed help, he would help you if he could. He did it with fundamentals. His kids were so well disciplined. They just played good basketball. They were disciplined, they could rebound, and they could play good defense. I couldn’t say enough good words about him.’’ LaBrue’s style reminded Turney of Iba, but like Long said, he was his own man. “He played good defense, but his teams could score, too,’’ Turney said. “That game that we lost to them was a real barnburner.’’ Turney, while at Keyes, was asked to referee a game at Goddard by LaBrue. Turney and his partner Benny Smith didn’t get home until 3 a.m., but the job was worth it. “He didn’t give you (officials) any trouble,’’ Turney said. “He tended to his business and let you tend to yours. He was one of a kind. He didn’t try to referee for you. We had a good relationship. There was none better than him in my opinion.’’ Coincidentally, Long and Rousey were talking about LaBrue at the recent Wheat Capital Golf Tournament just before LaBrue’s tragic accident. Long remembered having breakfast with LaBrue toward the end of the last school year while on a function in Wichita. “We joked about the same old things that we did when we were coaching together,’’ Long said. “He was like a brother to me. His death was a total shock.’’ “A lot of people around Jet and Nash still remember him,’’ Rousey said. “It’s a sad deal.’’ Long, who planned on attending the services, just hoped Country Acres Baptist Church, the site of the funeral, was a big church. “Think of all the athletes he influenced,’’ Long said. “It’s going to be a packed house.’’ Which is a good way to be remembered.

STORY BY

Well-known local artist Connie Ernatt created a life-sized bronze sculpture of Cecile Kellenbarger, a trail and outdoor recreation advocate. The statue was unveiled Sept. 26.

AND

PHOTO

SAM JACK

A life-sized bronze statue of trail advocate Cecile B. Kellenbarger was unveiled Saturday afternoon in Goddard’s Linear Park, near the east end of the Prairie Sunset Trail. The statue captures Kellenbarger and two of her dogs in a joyous pose. It sits on a handsome, natural stone plinth. Wichita artist Connie Ernatt, well known for the troll statue that leers up through a storm grate in the Riverside neighborhood, is the artist. Kellenbarger’s advocacy for the Prairie Sunset Trail, which stretches eight miles west and ends in Garden Plain, was essential to its completion, according to many in attendance at the ceremony. The rail-to-trail project faced stiff opposition from surrounding landowners when it was ﬁrst proposed in 2000. “Though at ﬁrst there was a lot of anger and opposition, and disbelief that this dream and vision of Cecile’s could ever become a reality, today you are standing in a park and walking a trail and sharing the fruits of Cecile’s dream,” said Goddard city council member Larry Zimmerman, who was mayor when the project was getting underway.

“It is only fitting that we have a bronze statue of the one who shared her dream with all of us and worked by our side to help make those dreams come true,” Zimmerman continued. Kellenbarger was essential to the creation of Linear Park as well as the Prairie Sunset Trail. Along with other members of the Prairie Travelers nonprofit, she worked to make the unused rail corridor land that is now Linear Park available for recreational use. Kellenbarger’s widower, John Moore, donated the statue to Goddard in her memory. He said the statue’s position in a park, near a bicycle trail, is fitting. “We biked and skied and hiked and traveled,” said Moore. “She just loved being active in the outdoors.” Soon after Kellenbarger’s death in 2011, Prairie Travelers volunteers built the covered bridge near the Garden Plain end of the Prairie Sunset Trail, naming it in her honor. In addition to her role as a founder of Prairie Travelers, Kellenbarger was a founding board member of KanBikeWalk, a nonprofit advocacy organization. She served on the board of directors of Sunflower Recreational Trails and was involved with the Bike/Walk Alliance of Wichita, the Oz Bicycle Club and the Wichita Ski Club.

13 - October 2015

Statue of trail supporter unveiled

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October 2015 - 16 W e s t S i d e S t o r y

Filipina nurse builds life in Guam then U.S. Story

Amy Houston

Rosario “Rose” Axman has lived in the Philippines, Guam and West Wichita. All those transitions were good for her, including the one she dreaded most: working as a nurse in oncology. Axman has worked at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center for more than 20 years, but she was hesitant to enter oncology, because her sister died of cancer. It could have been a difficult reminder of a painful time in her life. Instead, like all those other transitions, she found a place that felt like home. “I just love my patients, I love the families and I love what I do,” Axman said. “It’s a good feeling that you’re able to help the patients under the hard times in their lives.” Axman is involved in the community outside the cancer ward, too. She was president of the Wichita Asian Association in 1997, and she now serves as president of the Filipino-American Association of Greater Wichita. Axman grew up in the Philippines and graduated from Holy Angel University, a Catholic high school in Angeles. She received her bachelor’s degree at the Angeles University Foundation, and her nursing internship took place in Manila. Axman’s first job was at a hospital in Mabalacat. She met her future husband, Edward Axman – a member of the U.S. Air Force – at the Dolores fiesta in Angeles. “He courted me for four years,” she said. “I guess here you’d call it dating, but over there we called it courting.” The couple married in 1983 in Angeles City, where he was stationed for seven years. He spent the next seven years stationed in Guam, where she worked at Guam Memorial Hospital. “When we got there, we went to church on base,” Axman said. “Basically when you first move in, your community’s on base.” However, the couple soon became involved in the Filipino community in Guam. “When we were in Guam, they called our house ‘embassy,’” she said with a laugh.

The Wichita Asian Festival will be held 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Century II. Read more about the festival – which is celebrating its 35th year – on Page 27. Axman enjoyed socializing, and the two began attending a Filipino group’s monthly rosary. In addition, Axman sold Mary Kay cosmetics, and her husband joined the Knights of Columbus. During their years in Guam, they welcomed a daughter, Gina-Ann, and son, B.J. Axman described Guam as a good transition from the Philippines to her

next destination, the United States. “Guam is still tropical, and yet it’s a U.S. territory,” she said. The family moved to Kansas in 1990. Edward Axman is from Olmitz, west of Great Bend. The couple’s third child, also named Edward, was born in 1991. Filipino students learned English when they were children, so the lan-

Rose Axman, left, is pictured with Lily Wu. The pair have been active with the Wichita Asian Assoication and its big annual event, the Wichita Asian Festival. Axman was president of the Wichita Asian Association isn 1997; Wu is the current president. Axman now serves as president of the Filipino-American Association of Greater Wichita. Contributed photos

guage was no problem for Rosario Axman. Even so, she had to adjust to changes. “I said, ‘Where are the houses? Where are the people?’” she recalled. “It’s so crowded in the Philippines. “Filipinos always like to get together, so there’s always a lot of people,” she added. “I’m used to that.” Today Axman’s parents, brother and sister live in the United States. When Axman’s other brother died in a car accident in Guam, she and her husband became guardians of his three children. Axman’s parents raised her other sister’s three children after she died of cancer. They live next door. Axman credited Sol Kuntz, who died last year, for introducing her to the Wichita Asian Association years ago. “That’s me – I just love being involved with people,” Axman said. “I love helping the community.” As president of the Filipino-American Association of Greater Wichita, she works to keep her heritage alive through unity and camaraderie. The group emphasizes its culture: respect and helping one another. Programs and committees concentrate on various topics, including sports, religion, charity and civic, education, arts and seniors. One of the group’s activities takes place in June. It’s an annual ball honoring females turning 18 and males turning 21. In addition, those celebrating 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries are recognized. And graduates from

Rose Axman, back right, is pictured with her parents and siblings.

17 - October 2015

Rose Axman, standing just right of center, takes part in the kick-off event for Asian Heritage Month at the Filipinos of Greater Wichita Festival in May. Also in attendance was Wichita Vice Mayor James Clendenin, second row, second from right.

elementary school to college age are acknowledged. “It’s a formal affair,” Axman said. A Christmas party in December features food, performances and donated items to help raise funds. It takes place at the Sedgwick County Extension building at 21st Street and Ridge Road. “That’s our big event,” Axman remarked. A Filipino ﬁesta is held each year in May with food, games and a parade. In February, the organization sponsors a semiformal Valentine’s Day dinner and dance. A special opportunity arose this year when the association’s dancers, who wear Filipino costumes, were invited to perform during Spirit AeroSystems’ 10th-anniversary celebration. Of course, group members never miss the annual Asian Festival, which is

set for this month. “I really want our organization to be part of the Wichita family, so that’s why I’m trying to do a lot of programs,” Axman said. Isabell Estes will join KAKE-TV’s Lily Wu to emcee the Miss Asian Festival pageant this year. Estes, who won Miss Asian Festival in 1984, is Filipina. An important part of any culture is its food, which also serves as a great way to introduce Filipino traditions to others. Axman said four Filipino food stands would be present at the Asian Festival. She believes the Asian Festival has an important role to play. “Now diversity is a big thing is the United States,” Axman said, “so I think we are contributing to the culture of diversity in Wichita.”

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Axman, left, is pictured with Miss Philippines 2015 Chaela Herron, Miss Philippines 2014 Anna Nicole Aniel, and Lily Wu, who coordinates the Miss Asian Festival pageant.

October 2015 - 18

Oakley Continued from Page 6

Oakley’s grandfather. “One of his sisters came in and said to the doctors, ‘Please go in together and tell the boy his problems, exactly.’ They went in, and said, ‘Here’s your situation: your heart is no good. We’ll try to get you stabilized, but your baseball playing days are over. But if we can get you a new heart, within a year, you can be playing ball again.’” Oakley wrote a response on his grease board: “Go for it.” On Aug. 14, two days after the removal of his breathing tube, doctors evaluated Oakley’s condition and declared him eligible for a heart transplant. Since then, he has been status 1A, indicating the highest priority for any matching heart that becomes available. “A heart could come in today, or it could be a week, a month, six months,” said Prindle. “But he can’t leave Kansas City. He has to be ready any time.” The Ronald McDonald House has eased the burden on Oakley, his parents Darrell and DeVona Oakley, and the sisters and other family members who have spent time with him in Kansas City. The charity provided lodging for relatives from the beginning, and Josh Oakley has been able to stay there between stints in the hospital. “The Ronald McDonald House has been great; it’s an absolute blessing,” said Prindle.

In addition to the Ronald McDonald House, the Oakley family has leaned on friends, and on their faith community at Wichita’s Northside Church of Christ in particular. A support group on Facebook, “Prayers for Josh Oakley,” has more than 900 members. Members of the group share prayers for Oakley as well as photos and cartoons to lift his spirits. One post to the group documents a video chat between Oakley and his entire church youth group. “I think that, like the rest of us, Josh is really putting his faith in God,” said grandfather Earles. “That is all we can do. He’s just trying to make the best of the situation.” At press time, Oakley was still waiting for his transplant. His crisis has been difﬁcult for him and for his family, but Prindle is encouraged by how things have improved since the early, uncertain days. “Now that we’re on the path of the heart transplant, we at least have an answer,” she said. The costs associated with Oakley’s care and with a potential heart transplant are enormous, Prindle said. While insurance will cover a large portion, out of pocket expenses will include some required treatments, follow-up appointments and medications. At the request of friends who wanted to help, Prindle set up a website to accept donations, www.gofundme.com/ d2m4x29s. If the amount of donations exceeds expenses, support will ﬂow to the Ronald McDonald House.

WestSide Story

19 - October 2015

Featured this month Farris Wheel................................... Page 19 Kitchen Tune-Up........................... Page 20 Wichita Grand Operea................... Page 21 Gross Tile & Concrete Design...... Page 22 Williams Ace Hardware................. Page 23

A sweet move: Farris Wheel Candy Company now at new location Ed Farha, right, is pictured with his father, Farris Farha, namesake of Farris Wheel Candy Company, which is now in a new location at 21st Street and Webb Road.

“We are so excited about the new location,” said Ed. At the previous location at Central and Rock, the business shared its space with a popular restaurant, and now The Farris Wheel Candy Company can flourish with its own storefront and identity. The store’s new address is 9747 E. 21st Street, Suite 107. It is located directly east of Deano’s Grill & Tapworks. The store’s traditions will continue

at the new location, right down to the custom candy cabinets that were the centerpiece of the old location. The shop sells candy, nuts and chocolates by the pound, and can create unique gift boxes for personal and business gifts. “We have the best gourmet chocolates in the area,” said Ed. “What makes us different is that we can personalize any of our gift items and boxes.” Farris Wheel does a lot of corporate gift boxes, and the approaching holiday

season is a booming time of year for the candy company. Personal Christmas gifts are a trademark for Ed and his staff. “Smaller orders can be filled on the spot,” said Ed. “And larger orders just take a little longer.” The move to the new location was completed in late September, and now The Farris Wheel Candy Company is at home in Cambridge Market. Stop by and sample the company’s extensive line of chocolates, candies and nuts, and start making your holiday gift plans. “Whether it’s for a personal gift or a business gift, we can make it very special,” said Ed. “We can help with colors that you want, and we can add your business cards or personal messages and we ship all over the United States.” Chances are, you won’t be able to resist a little sweet present just for yourself. For more information, call 316-6853000 or visit www.thefarriswheel.com. Or, simply come visit the new location at 21st and Webb Road. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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Don’t bother telling Ed Farha that the name of his business is spelled wrong. He’ll just smile and tell you why it’s actually spelled correctly. The Farris Wheel Candy Company, a Wichita landmark in the candy business, was started by Ed’s father, Farris Farha, and his wife, Karen. Karen enjoyed the play on Farris’ first name and when it was put to a vote, it was Karen “yes” and Farris “no.” With a laugh, Farris enjoys telling everyone who gets their way between the two of them. Ed got involved with the business when he moved back to Wichita a couple of years after Farris and Karen launched the business. He had grown up working for his father and always enjoyed those experiences. “Working together with my father was always easy,” said Ed. “He’s one of the greatest guys in the world.” When Farris and Karen wanted to retire, Ed took over operations. The business has done well, and now Ed hopes it will flourish even more at its new location in the Cambridge Market shopping center at 21st and Webb Road.

FOCUS ON BUSINESS

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

October 2015 - 20 FOCUS ON BUSINESS WestSide Story

Out with the old…

Latest modern style transitions to ‘pure chic’ The experts at Kitchen Tune-Up have done it again, and the proud Wichita homeowner is thrilled with her kitchen transformation. A little over a year ago, Suzanne moved into her new home in Wichita, which was a spacious but outdated townhome that just needed a little attention. “I moved here to be closer to my kids, and once I got settled in it was time to turn this into my home,” said Suzanne. First, she did simple, modern updates throughout the house…except for the kitchen. She knew the kitchen was going to be a more difficult challenge, and she knew she was going to need some serious help. “I knew from the start that the kitchen was going to need to be totally remodeled,” said Suzanne. “It had an old, cramped pantry area, and a peninsula that jutted out into the kitchen space and had the stove in it.” All of that needed to go, and instead Suzanne wanted an island for seating and a kitchen workspace. In addition, she wanted to relocate the stove, and create a cooking area that was comfortable and convenient. “It was time for a totally new footprint for the kitchen,” said Arlene Phillips, who with her husband Jim owns and operates the local Kitchen TuneUp franchise. Jim and Arlene launched Kitchen Tune-Up in Wichita in 2005, and since then they have remodeled hundreds of kitchens. The company’s services range from One-Day “Tune-Up” of cabinets or any interior wood surfaces, to cabinet refacing projects to complete custom kitchens. With Suzanne’s kitchen, designer Rachel Phillips focused on a modern style that was taken to transitional levels that could work in any setting…even traditional homes. Rachel used lots of grey and white in the new kitchen design, including custom maple wall cabinets, painted in light grey, custom maple cabinets for the island that were stained dark grey, grey painted walls, white quartz countertops with swirls of

AFTER

grey and a white subway tile backsplash. All color choices are a neutral backdrop for the pops of color in Suzanne’s art collection. New stainless steel appliances completed the look, and the new custom cabinetry was designed to meet Suzanne’s specifications. Those touches include extra wide and deep drawers for pots and pans, a tall pantry and rollout trays. “This was an awesome experience, and I love the results,” said Suzanne. “And everyone worked so well together. “It was a little unnerving for me to start such a big project, but it turned out exactly the way I wanted it to be.” Kitchen Tune-Up in action All of Kitchen Tune-Up’s refacing and new cabinet options are now available to see at the company’s new design center in East Wichita. The new design center is located at 4057 N. Woodlawn, Suite 1, and is a cornerstone to the services that make Kitchen Tune-Up the best solution for your next home remodeling project. “We’re excited to start the process with clients at the new design center,” said Arlene. “This facility helps us make the process comfortable and hassle-free for all of our clients.”

AFTER

An old, cramped kitchen with a peninsula, right and below right, was totally transformed by Kitchen Tune-Up. The revamped kitchen, above, now has an entirely different footprint with an island for seating plus a kitchen workspace as well as a relocated stove, above right, which replaces the old pantry space.

Your local Kitchen Tune-Up team includes Jim and Arlene’s daughter-inlaw, Rachel, who helped Suzanne with her project. She, as the designer, is the “creative mind” on the staff, and works directly with clients, first at the design center and then in their homes, to make their dreams and ideas come to life. Today, Kitchen Tune-Up specializes in kitchen and bath remodeling projects. Rachel’s design services are always in high demand. She has a strong background in design and customer service. “My goal for each customer is to design the most amazing space possible for their budget and then make the whole remodeling process as relaxing as possible,” said Rachel. “Great customer service is the cornerstone to our success. My clients know I will take care of them and their space won’t look like everyone else’s on the block.” For more information or to schedule a consultation, call Kitchen Tune-Up at 316-558-8888 or visit kitchentuneup/

BEFORE

wichita-ks-phillips. Be sure to check out the local company’s extensive BEFORE/AFTER portfolios on Facebook and when you visit the Facebook page, be sure to ‘LIKE’ Kitchen Tune-Up, Wichita, Kansas!

A monster hit since its premiere, and still a hit today

Wichita Grand Opera’s final production of the season will be a new production of Offenbach’s comical opera, “The Grand Duchess,” Oct. 16 and 18 at Century II.

get anything she wants... but she can’t really get everything that she wants,” said Kaitlyn Costello, who will make her debut in the title role with WGO. “That’s the idea behind it: You may have everything in the world, but you can’t buy happiness, and happiness is key.” A classically trained dancer as well as an accomplished singer, Costello earned high praise for her Florida appearance in “West Side Story” last season. “She’s always in the moment, always energetic and engaged, always brightening and galvanizing the stage ... this performer is the real deal,” a rave “Broadway World” review read. WGO audiences have previously enjoyed Costello’s comedic gifts as Rosina in last season’s “Barber of Seville,” and as Cherubino in 2013’s “The Marriage of Figaro.”

WestSide Story

have been managing their tiny country for years but are growing concerned that the Duchess, now 20 years old, is growing bored. She has shown no interest in making a strategic marriage match with Prince Paul, and if she turns her attention to running the country it will be disaster – particularly for Puck and Boom. To distract the Duchess, they declare war on a neighboring country. Their plan backfires when the Duchess spots an army private named Fritz and becomes infatuated with him. Hoping to win his favor, the Duchess makes Fritz the new commander in chief. But it’s not enough to woo him away from his girlfriend Wanda. “She’s a woman who has a huge amount of power and thinks she can

The role of Fritz will be sung by tenor Cullen Gandy, who recently made his Los Angeles Opera debut in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” opposite star soprano Renee Fleming. The International Music Review called his performance “flawless.” Gandy covered the role of Fritz a few years ago as part of Santa Fe Opera’s prestigious apprentice program. “I think Fritz is the most heartfelt and most naïve character of the operetta,” said Gandy. “A naïve guy, but a really well-meaning one. When he becomes commander-in-chief, the power goes to his head somewhat, but he comes out all right.” Powers described the role of General Boom as the “comic relief ” for an opera that is already comedic straight through. “He’s very pompous and thinks that the world revolves around him. He’s entertaining simply because he takes himself so seriously, when everybody else around him does not,” Powers said. Powers sang the role of Don Basilio in WGO’s “Barber of Seville” last season, and sang King Philip II in last month’s “Don Carlo.” His career has included world premieres of Penderecki’s “Paradise Lost” for Lyric Opera of Chicago, and of Harbison’s “The Great Gatsby” for the Metropolitan Opera, plus performances with renowned opera companies in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Paris and dozens more. Tickets for Offenbach’s “The Grand Duchess” are $95, $60 or $40, with 20 percent senior and student discounts available. Special group and corporate discounts are also available, offering savings of up to 40 percent. For students, WGO has the “Day at the Opera” student package, offering a 75 percent discount as well as a backstage tour for groups of 20 or larger. Tickets can be purchased through the WGO Box Office at Century II, by phone at 316-262-8054, online at selectaseat.com or in person at Century II or Select-A-Seat ticket outlets. For more information, visit www.WichitaGrandOpera.org.

FOCUS ON BUSINESS

By Sam Jack Wichita Grand Opera will close its 15th anniversary season with a new production of Jacques Offenbach’s “The Grand Duchess” at Century II. The production, performed in an English translation, opens Friday, Oct. 16, with a second performance Oct. 17 at the McPherson Opera House followed by a matinee Sunday, Oct. 18, at Century II. A master of parody, Offenbach, referred to as the King of the “CanCan,” was known for taking the most popular melodies of the “serious” opera world and reusing them in ridiculous ways, such as setting the lyrics “Your coat has split down the back” to a patriotic, martial melody. “He wrote nearly 100 operettas, and at one point in time, he had multiple shows running simultaneously in Paris,” said William Powers, who will add the blustering General Boom to his repertoire of more than 100 opera roles. “He was the Andrew Lloyd Webber of his day. In fact, he bought theaters in order to put his shows on. People were just crazy about him.” At the height of Offenbach’s popularity, the composer decided to create a new production for the opening of the 1867 Paris Exposition. As a subject, he decided to poke fun at Russia’s Catherine the Great and her notorious appetite for handsome young lovers. The result, “The Grand Duchess,” satirized squabbling Prussian states and got in some jabs at the foibles of grand opera along the way. Many of Europe’s upper crust felt that they had to be seen attending the production: If they were laughing, then clearly Offenbach’s barbs were directed at somebody else. Napoleon III, Emperor Franz-Joseph of Austria, King William I of Prussia, Otto von Bismarck, Tsar Alexander II and King Edward VII attended the first performances, and “The Grand Duchess” became an instant hit. As the opera begins, we are introduced to the Duchess’ chief advisors: General Boom and Baron Puck. They

21 - October 2015

Offenbach’s ‘The Grand Duchess’

October 2015 - 22 FOCUS ON BUSINESS WestSide Story

Gross Tile provides ‘expert knowledge of the industry’ Homeowners thrilled with bathroom makeover “Welcome to our incredible new bathroom.” If there ever was to be a new sign over the door of Steve and Karen Nestelroad’s master bathroom, that’s probably what it should say. The Nestelroads are still getting used to the final results, which were skillfully completed by Mark Gross and his team at Gross Tile and Concrete Design. From beginning to end, Steve and Karen were impressed with the professionalism that Gross Tile brought to the job site. There were many reasons for those first impressions to be positive as the Nestelroads unveiled their plans for a total renovation of their master bathroom. They already knew they were meeting with an industry leader in the Wichita area, and Mark Gross was immediately able to visualize the clients’ ideas and get the ball rolling on this all-important home renovation. “This is exactly what we wanted,” said Steve, as he proudly talked about the finished project. “It really turned out nice.” Gross Tile had been recommended to the Nestelroads after they were dissatisfied with the high price of another quote they had received. A glass company that was familiar with the Nestelroads’ proposed project suggested Gross Tile as its top recommendation for the renovation work. What the Nestelroads wanted for their master bathroom was a totally accessible walk-in shower system with a “curbless” entry to replace their existing tub and small shower. The tub never got used, and the shower wasn’t comfortable or safe for either Steve or Karen.

Steve and Karen Nestelroad stand inside their newly renovated bathroom. Mark Gross and the team at Gross Tile and Concrete Design took Steve’s design and did the work in turning their old bathroom into a stunning new bathroom. The highlight is a walk-in shower system with curbless entry. They also have a new double-sink vanity in the master bathroom. See photos below.

The Nestelroads’ old bathroom and vanity, at left and below, included a shower that was cramped, a tub that they never used and a vanity that was too low.

In addition, the double-sink vanity in the master bathroom needed to be raised to a more comfortable height for both of the homeowners. “I designed this project and it really is satisfying to see a final product that looks so great and is perfect in terms of function,” said Steve Steve said that Mark Gross obviously “has his business down to a ‘T.’” That isn’t surprising, considering Mark’s extensive experience in the business and track record working with customers. Over the years, Gross Tile has grown from a respected flooring company into a leader in bathroom and kitchen renovations, as well as a total remodeling company. It’s a transformation that Mark Gross relates back to customer satisfaction. “We found that over the years, we had clients who liked our work and wanted us to tackle other projects for them, and we expanded into those areas,” said Mark. “That’s really how we started getting into bathroom makeovers, and then kitchens, too.” The company’s showroom is located in West Wichita at 10680 W. Maple. Mark’s daughter, Jenna Hill, also is an integral part of the business. She has years of experience working with clients at the Gross Tile showroom. Right from the start, Mark and the Nestelroads were able to picture the same end result for this important project. They shared ideas, and the plan got even better. Steve has some neuropathy issues that make an easier-access shower and a higher vanity important for the future. Gross Tile specializes in curbless showers, and a double showerhead design makes the new walk-in shower system beautiful, comfortable and functional for the Nestelroads – now and in the future. For more information about everything Gross Tile has to offer, call 316-773-1600, or stop by the showroom at 10680 W. Maple, near Maple and Maize Road in West Wichita. You can also find Gross Tile on Facebook.

Outdoor merchandise now located in main store in Goddard

The WestSide Church Directory

Oswald. “That says a lot.” The Ace location in Goddard buys and sells guns, including special orders, and offers ammunition, pistols, rifles, shotguns, hunting and fishing gear and live bait. The store is a certified YETI dealer, featuring premium ice chests and apparel. “We’ve got a large selection of fishing rods and reels, as well as lures,” said Oswald. “We’ve had a great selection since opening the outdoor store – now there’s just a lot more visibility, and a lot more traffic.” Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Goddard store is located at 19950 West Kellogg, with convenient access at the corner of 199th Street and Kellogg. For more information, call 316-550-6147. The store manager is James Beardsley. Duane Cook on the Ace staff is the store’s “gun guru,” and can help customers with their selections.

Williams Ace Hardware in Goddard has created more visibility for its outdoor merchandise by relocating that part of the store .

Worship at the Church of Your Choice Aldersgate United Methodist Church - 7901 W. 21st St. N. (west of Ridge Rd.), (316) 722-8504, www.aldersgatechurch.org. Sunday morning services at 8:15 a.m. (traditional), 9:30 a.m. (blended), and 11 a.m. (traditional). Wednesday night activities. Nursery available for all services. Sunday school each week at 8:15 a.m. for adults and at 9:30 a.m. for all age groups. Youth group and youth worship on Sunday evenings. Bible studies, children’s activities, and different fellowship events available throughout the year. Asbury Church – Administrative Offices - 2810 W. 15th St., Wichita (one block north of 13th on St. Paul) (316) 942-1491. Two locations across the Wichita Metro Area. Sunday Services: Central Campus – 15th & St. Paul. Traditional Service at 8 a.m., a Praise Service at 9:15 a.m. and a Blended Service at 10:45 a.m. West Campus – 119th & Pawnee. An Upbeat Praise Service suited for the whole family at 10:45 a.m. Visit www.asburychurch.org to learn more about Asbury’s many familycentered ministries. Asbury Counseling Center information can be found at www. AsburyCounselingCenter.com Beacon Community Church - 810 N. Casado, Goddard; 794-2424; 10:45 a.m. Sunday Service; Sunday School at 9:25 a.m.

…is for you and your family

Goddard United Methodist Church – 300 N. Cedar, Goddard; (316) 794-2207 • 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Worship • Children’s church during both services • Nursery Available • 10 a.m. Sunday School • Steve Morgan, Pastor • Eric Wilson, Youth Pastor • Children’s Pastor, Kassie Taylor Good Shepherd Episcopal Church – 8021 W. 21st St. N., Wichita; (316) 7218096; Saturday 5:30 p.m. Spoken Worship; Sunday 8:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship; 11 a.m. Traditional Choral Worship; Church School - Children 9:50 a.m., Adults 10 a.m.; Children’s Chapel 8:45 & 11 a.m. Harvest Community Church – Worship at 8340 W. 21st in Wichita Sunday at 10:30 a.m.; Senior pastor Rev. Dr. Dave Henion; www.wichitaharvest.com.

Hope Christian Church – Meeting 10:30 a.m. Sunday mornings, NEW LOCATION - 1330 E. Douglas. Worship is casual and encouraging. Online at www.hope4wichita.org and on Facebook. Pastor Mark McMahon. markm@ hope4wichita.org. 316-648-0495. West Heights UMC – 745 N. Westlink Ave. (Just north of Central on Westlink); (316) 722-3805, Email: westheights@westheightsumc.org. Sunday services 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. (Traditional/Blended); Sunday school 9:15 a.m.; Wednesday meal (during school year) 5:30 p.m. fun classes and study for all ages; nondenominational preschool, host to the Shepherd’s Center of West Wichita providing dynamic activity for the Classic Generation, full children’s programming, and an active youth program challenging today’s generation, website: www.westheightsumc.org. Pathway Church – Westlink Campus, Saturday at 5pm, Sunday at 9:30 & 11am • Café Campus, Sunday at 11am • 2001 N Maize Rd (21st & Maize), Wichita • 316-722-8020 • Goddard Campus, Sunday at 9:30 & 11am • 18800 W Kellogg, Goddard • 316 550 6099 • www.pathwaychurch.com • Following Jesus/In Community/For Others. Trinity Reformed Church (RPCNA) – Come glorify and enjoy God with us. 3340 W. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67203 • Sunday worship 9:30 a.m. • Sunday School 11 a.m. • Evening services 5 p.m. • Pastor Adam King • www.trinityrpcna.org • 316-721-2722 Westlink Church of Christ – 10025 W. Central, Wichita; (316) 722-1111; Sunday 9:30 a.m. Bible Classes, 10:30 a.m. Worship, 6 p.m. Devotional; Wednesday 6 p.m. Meal (during school year), 7 p.m. Bible Classes; Gary Richardson, Minister; Nick Miller, Youth Minister; Website: www.westlinkchurch.org. Westwood Presbyterian Church – 8007 W. Maple, Wichita; (316) 722-3753; “Simply making disciples who walk with Jesus, grow to become like Jesus, and live for Jesus by loving others.” Worship Sunday 9 a.m. with Praise Team, 10:30 a.m. with Choir; Fellowship and coffee between worship services; Sunday school for all ages 9 a.m. Nursery open 8:45-11:45 a.m.; www.westwoodpc.org.

WestSide Story

This empty seat…

For HIS Glory Church – 2901 W. Taft St., Wichita • (316) 794-1170 • Worship Sunday 11:00 a.m. • ChurchForHISGlory@gmail.com • Family integrated full Gospel church where all ages worship and study God’s word.

Heritage Baptist Church – Corner of 135th St. & 13th St. N., Wichita; (316) 7292700; Sunday School 9:45 a.m.; Morning Worship 10:45 a.m.; Evening Worship 6 p.m.; Wednesday Adult Bible Study/Prayer Time 7 p.m.; Wiseguys 3 yrs.–6th grade 7 p.m.; Nursery provided at all services. “Your neighborhood church just around the corner.” Email: swede132@sbcglobal.net; Website: heritage4u.net.

FOCUS ON BUSINESS

What seemed like a simple and straight-forward store reorganization has proved to be very beneficial for the Williams Ace Hardware store in Goddard. “We knew we needed more visibility for our outdoor store merchandise, so we came up with the plan to move that merchandise into the main part of the hardware store, just off to the right of the entrance,” said Kurt Oswald, director of operations and marketing for the Williams Ace Hardware stores in the Wichita area. “Wow. What a change this proved to be.” The Goddard Ace location took a former coffee shop space attached to the hardware store and turned it into an outdoor store last year. The separate shop did well, but Oswald and other store officials knew that more visibility was needed. “It has really increased our traffic, and we’ve even heard people say, ‘I’ve been coming into your store for the past year, and I never knew you sold guns,’” said

23 - October 2015

Move proves beneﬁcial for Williams Ace Hardware

October 2015 - 24

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Postal employees observe POW-MIA Recognition Day POW-MIA National Recognition Day was recently observed by employees at the Wichita Post Office Processing and Delivery Center (P&DC). POW-MIA Day is observed on the third Friday of the month of September. This year it was Friday, Sept. 18. Postal facilities traditionally observe the day by flying the POW-MIA flag below the National Ensign from sunrise to sunset. This year, the Wichita facility observed the day by not only flying the flag, but also by setting up a POW-MIA awareness display at the employees’ entrance. The display included the POW-MIA (Missing Man) Remembrance Table and a description of the meaning of the table. In addition to the display, employees wore black shirts and black wristbands with the inscription “POW-MIA Never Forgotten.” On March 9, 1989, an official POWMIA flag that flew over the White House on National POW/MIA Recognition Day 1988 was installed in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda as a result of legislation passed overwhelmingly during

the 100th Congress. Other than “Old Glory,” the POW/MIA flag is the only flag ever to fly over the White House, having been displayed in this place of honor on National POW/MIA Recognition Day since 1982. Passage by the 105th Congress of Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act required that the POW/MIA flag fly six days each year: Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day and Veterans Day. It must be displayed at the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Departments of State, Defense and Veterans Affairs, the headquarters of the Selective Service System, major military installations as designated by the Secretary of Defense, all Federal cemeteries and all offices of the U.S. Postal Service. The POW-MIA display at the Wichita P&DC was inspired by mailhandler Lenard Hostetler and was approved by plant manager Stan Blasi. Lenard is a retired Chief Petty Officer of the U.S. Navy.

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The Wichita Post Office Processing and Delivery Center hosted a remembrance table and display in honor of prisoners of war and those missing in action.

Movie Review

Jim Erickson

der the protection of the FBI and the government’s curtailing of any criminal investigation that might have involved him. He is supposedly an informant for the FBI, but characters on both sides of the law say he never gave the FBI any information it could use. He insists to the end that he never divulged anything that could harm his family or friends, but this means little when we can see the enormous damage he does to both, whether through informing or not. And the damage he does to both individuals and the establishment itself is not only clear but closely parallel to what he does to his own criminal world. In my case, at least, there was only one likable character and that one was only in a single episode not much involved with the main plot, and we don’t see enough of him to be sure he is much different from the rest (the new superintendent). But it’s refreshing to see a crime movie in which the protagonist is in no way a hero, in which the multitudinous killings are not shown to be essential to any important cause, in which the action does not include long car chases and big orange explosions or James Bond gadgets and stunts, and in which no sets, interior or exterior, imply wealth or luxury. Still, “Black Mass” lacks certain things I would have liked to have seen. I kept wondering how Bulger could have kept the FBI working for him if the information he gave was worthless and why the underworld didn’t detect what he was doing and take action against him. His brother, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, was a state senator; there must have been some kind of electoral story about that. I kept wondering what became of the son See REVIEW, Page 26

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“Black Mass” is a first-rate, Oscar-bait movie if you aren’t offended by language and violence and aren’t easily depressed. It’s about a real-life partnership between the FBI and semi-organized crime, it claims to be a true story, and it offers neither hope nor inspiration. Its characters are not sympathetic, no problem in it is really solved, and the world shown by it is not one you want to live in. But as a work of art, it offers a lot of satisfaction. Perhaps the greatest satisfaction is the performance of Johnny Depp. He is all but unrecognizable under no prosthetics other than a false nose, and he plays a stone-faced character without giving the impression of an actor acting stone-faced. How he does it is impossible to detect, but he comes across as a man who simply lacks normal human responses beyond a very limited feeling for his boychild. His gangster character is not oldschool like James Cagney, or of the new member-of-family-much-like-yourown in modern mafia movies. He is so totally a moral freak that he takes away a good deal of whatever moral message “Black Mass” may have wanted to convey. There is nothing society can do about such horrors as James “Whitey” Bulger (the real-life counterpart) is alleged to have inflicted, and there probably aren’t enough such moral cripples as to make much of a social problem, anyway. But questions remain about what is shown to have been done by the law establishment, especially the FBI. Even if Depp’s FBI lieutenant is right in claiming that the Depp/FBI operation did clean South Boston of the mafia – a claim the movie neither supports nor denies – one can wonder whether this is progress if it simply replaces the FBI with Depp’s Winter Hill Gang, and there is no suggestion that it accomplished any more than that. One also wonders whether the law had any resources except informants. It is satisfying that Depp’s Bulger is not granted any special qualities except maybe courage, which doesn’t seem particularly admirable in a character with no detectable emotional life at all; his success is no great achievement un-

25 - October 2015

Review: ‘Black Mass’

October 2015 - 26

Botanica ZEN fundraiser earns $75,000 to support garden growth

316-667-2429 www.mounthopedental.com

After revitalizing and rebranding its annual outdoor fundraiser last year, Botanica’s ZEN: An Alfresco Event welcomed another year of growth and success for the Wichita garden. Attracting more than 700 donors, enthusiasts and partygoers, Botanica said the event raised upward of $75,000 for the garden, which relies heavily on monetary gifts to fund its annual events like the holiday light display Illuminations and the family-focused fall festival BOOtanica. The “Alfresco” event itself has been a tradition for many years at Botanica, but last year the garden’s event team opted to breathe fresh air into the fundraiser by capitalizing on the impending opening of Botanica’s Chinese Garden of Friendship. With Asian-themed activities and food, the event was redubbed “ZEN” and the response was overwhelmingly positive. “Not only is ZEN our premier fundraiser but it’s also our chance to share with our benefactors the results of their generosity,” said Jamee Ross, Botanica’s Director of Development. “But beyond that, people really seemed to have a fabulous time – hanging out in the gardens, enjoying food and drinks with friends. It’s easy to forget you’re at a fundraiser.” This year, the Chinese Garden was ﬁnished and hosted its grand opening in June, but the theme stuck. ZEN

seemed like a natural fit for the peaceful gardens, Ross said. “This place is on fire,” said Bill Rowe of Blue Moon Catering, whose company supplied the flame-kissed hibachi meals served during ZEN. “Between ZEN, the Chinese Garden and the Children’s Garden, the growth at Botanica has just been dynamic. They’re on a roll!” In 2014, Botanica served more than 200,000 visitors, includin 70,000 who came through the doors during the holiday season for Illuminations, which begins Nov. 27. In addition to the Chinese Garden opening in 2015, Botanica began renovations to its Pavilion area to transform it into a warm indoor respite for serving hot drinks and snacks during the sometimes frigid monthlong light display. “I want to just keep growing,” said Marty Miller, Botanica’s executive director. “I’d love to see 100,000 people for Illuminations this year.” Topping Miller’s list of growth projects is Botanica’s upcoming capital campaign to finalize the restoration of the Joyland Merry-Go-Round donated by Margaret Nelson Spear last year. The Botanica Carousel Project will also include fundraising to erect a new home for the horses adjacent to the Downing Children’s Garden. Next year’s ZEN fundraiser has been slated for Sept. 9.

Review

covers, and “Black Mass” is not extra long. If it lacks the complexity of what I take to be modern realism, it also lacks the feeling of sprawling confusion that too many modern movies produce. I suspect that what a lot of people prefer about the old studio movies is a matter of classical simplicity of character, plot and theme. (That includes the old notion of stardom; I doubt that the old studios would have allowed Johnny Depp to depart so far from his established persona.) As it is,” Black Mass” is a masterpiece of modern crime drama.

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Continued from Page 25

who seemed to be the only thing in the world Bulger cared about. Covering all these things would certainly have diluted the movie’s concentration on its monstrous protagonist, and in any case no movie even of abnormal length could have covered every aspect of such subjects as “Black Mass” (what does that title mean?)

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This month, the Wichita Asian AssoAnd 11 contestants will compete for ciation will hold its 35th annual Wichita the title of Miss Wichita Asian Festival Asian Festival. 2015. It was created in 1981 at Wichita Wu became host of the pageant State University to let non-Asians know while still a teenager and became more about Asian cultures and for Asians to involved while in college, even though celebrate their cultures. After 3-1/2 de- she never competed. cades, there are still many people who “I love organizing the pageant,” she don’t know about the event, which now said. “I’ve grown up around Asian fills both Convention Hall and ExhibiFestival. It’s part of my experience in tion Hall at Century II, covering more Wichita.” than 97,000 square feet. Wu said one of the biggest misconLily Wu, reporter and anchor at KAceptions is what “Asian” means. Many KE-TV, is a longtime participant in the non-Asians think of southeast and festival. She is finishing a two-year term south Asia. The continent stretches as president of the from Pacific Ocean Wichita Asian Assocountries like the Wichita Asian Festival ciation, and each year Saturday, Oct. 24 • 5-10 p.m. Philippines (where she emcees and orgaSpanish and English Century II nizes the Miss Asian are among the most Free admission Festival pageant. She common languages) was a performer as a north to Russia, Monmiddle school student, and as a stugolia and Kazakhstan, through Central dent at East High School she helped Asian countries like Iran and Afghansell food at East High’s Asian student istan to western Asia – what is often group booth. called the “Middle East” – and counWu said the festival is a wonderful tries like Turkey, Israel, Syria and Saudi bridge between cultures, especially for Arabia. This year’s pageant will include non-Asians. a Miss Lebanon for the first time. “It gives people that first taste of “This is the one time of year people Asia,” she said. get to wear their traditional attire…their The festival now draws 6,000 people Chinese dresses, their Indian saris. It’s of all cultures. Food, a major part of so exciting to see,” Wu said. the festival, is what draws many people The Wichita Asian Festival is free to in for the first time – and keeps them attend, but you should bring cash to coming back. This year more than 40 spend with food vendors and at other vendors will be selling food or merbooths. The festival is Saturday, Oct. chandise from 12 different countries, 24, and runs 5-10 p.m. at Century II. including India, Vietnam, Japan, Pakistan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, China, Lebanon, Malaysia, Korea and Bangladesh. Food booths generally fall into one of three categories: local restaurants, community groups such as churches and high school student groups. Wu was involved with the Asian student group at East High. She said the food is amazing. “The moms did all the cooking,” she said. “It’s a family affair. And it’s a chance to show your Asian pride, and the best way is food.” The St. Anthony’s Lion and Dragon There will be 17 cultural arts perforDance Team performs during the 2014 mances from seven different countries. Wichita Asian Festival.

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27 - October 2015

Wichita Asian Festival to celebrate 35 years

October 2015 - 28 WestSide Story

On and on with ‘Citizen Kane’ Just like old home week, isn’t it? Back with “Citizen Kane.” Don’t be discouraged; at the rate we’re going, we should be done sometime next spring. The section on Kane’s childhood ends with the same white screen it started with, as falling snow slowly covers the abandoned sled Rosebud and a retreating train whistle carries Kane away from the childhood he eventually dies dreaming about. But the white turns into wrapping paper, which is torn away to reveal a very expensive sled, obviously an effort to replace what was really valuable with something merely flashy, very nearly the theme of Kane’s life as a whole. Kane’s face shows dissatisfaction. The next shot is of Thatcher, the lawyer/guardian, shot from very low, the point of view of the child. Such low-angle shots normally make human figures look huge and powerful, again the point of view of the child. But much later we will see a shot from so low an angle that as a man passes by, we catch a glimpse of the bottom of his shoe sole. And it occurs in the sequence after Kane has lost the election, roughly the moment when his rising action ends and he enters his slow descent into failure and lonely old age. My suspicion is that Welles wants us to feel that Kane is still a highly significant figure, whether any character in the movie thinks so or not. And this might be a good time to put in a note on the use of point of view in “Citizen Kane.” We have, not counting the opening newsreel, five different narrations of Kane’s story: Thatcher the guardian’s, Bernstein the manager’s, Leland the friend’s, Susan the second wife’s, and very briefly Raymond the butler’s, each presenting a specific period of Kane’s life. Welles is not totally devoted to what we might expect regarding points of view. For example, Leland, supposedly Kane’s only close friend, reports things he must have learned from Kane because he certainly did not witness them himself. But the introductions by each narrator suggest the main developments of Kane’s character that each section will illustrate, and – perhaps unfortunately – keep shifting our feelings about Kane and forcing us to study the character and, thus, the theme, instead of getting fully absorbed in the plot, which the

Cinema Scene

Jim Erickson

opening newsreel told us in sufficient detail that the outcomes of the various situations are not matters of suspense, and also, transitional material can be much reduced because we can always tell where we are in the story. Whether this undercutting of our emotional involvement is desirable is up to the individual viewer to decide, but it is one of the unusual qualities of the movie that limits its usefulness as a model for other movies and, let’s face it, dilutes our desire for other movies like it. But back to our Thatcher section on Kane’s public career. After a very sour “Merry Christmas” from Kane, the camera cuts to a closeup of a significantly aged Thatcher, the first in which we can’t tell whether he is formally dressed, and he says “And a happy New Year” in an equally insincere way. Time has passed. Obviously relations between Kane and Thatcher have not improved, and we later learn that Kane has been off to colleges and has been kicked out of a number of them. I suspect that this is jumped over because it would be too tempting for the audience, which would like to see the fun, details of which are not necessary for what Welles wants to achieve, which is a concentration on the major stages of Kane’s life. “Citizen Kane” is almost as notable for what it leaves out as for what it includes. It’s remarkable how few really intimate scenes there are, and how few scenes there are of Kane’s personal life. And some people have been unhappy that it shows so little of the exact methods used in his public career, whether as a journalist or as a politician. Which is what we will start with next time. Do you begin to see how my film appreciation classes spent nine class hours in shot analysis?

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29 - October 2015

Actors get ‘Footloose’

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One On One Sessions · Group Classes Gym & Off Site Classes Available Coaches- Ask about team rates! Nathan Wadsworth Several East Wichita youth will take part in Music Theatre for Young People’s production of “Footloose,” Oct. 9-11 at Century II’s Mary Jane Teall Theatre. Tickets are available by phone at 316-303-8100 or online at www.wichitatix.com. Pictured, front row from left: Logan Patterson, Georgia Zavala and Madyson McNulty. Back: Jesse Theademan, Ashley Peery, Lauren Voigt and Ryan Teer. Travis Mounts/WestSide Story

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October 2015 - 30 W e s t S i d e S t o r y

Balancing old traditions with new adventures My annual trek to the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield was a de- From the Publisher’s Files lightful mix of traditional happenings spanning several decades and new experiences that were savored for the first time. The Walnut Valley Festival celebrated its 44th year this fall, and I’ve been a regular at the music festival since 1975. That was the year I ventured down to the festival from Paul Rhodes | Publisher Kansas State University where I was a first-year student, slept in the back of my Vega hatchback, and got hooked on this unique experience. Since then, I’ve done everything from more solo sojourns to the festival up to huge camps filled with dozens of family members and friends. There is no right or wrong way to experience the festival…well, as long as you’re following federal, state and local laws. This has, and always will be, a family-oriented festival, and I appreciate that aspect of the event. Still, there are energy levels that differ across the massive expanse of the festival’s camping areas, and that has to be figured out by each individual camper. Similarly, there are varying energy levels across the lineup of entertainers at each year’s festival. That was obvious this year as we took in performances ranging from regulars with years of experience at the festival to groups performing for the first time ever at the Walnut Valley Festival. I took a chance this year and for the first time ever I set up my camper in a new location. For decades I had camped in an area that was more congested and a little more energetic, but this year I was looking for something different. I found it in a secluded area devoid of electrical hookups but rife with large pecan trees. For a change, we weren’t crammed together like sardines in a giant tin…and we had shade. Wow. Shade. You’ve gotta have shade when you’re camping, and for so many years I had to create my own with structures and tarps. This was a pleasant turn of events. Next on my list of new adventures, I vowed to listen to as many new acts at the festival as possible. My girlfriend, Kim, and I saw several traditional performances over the course of four days filled with music, but we also experienced some incredible bands that were first-timers at the festival. One such band was Theory Expats, comprised of young college students who rocked the festival with their youthful take on traditional bluegrass and folk tunes, and wowed audience members of all ages with their fresh and hip original tunes. I had a chance to interview the band’s members during a break in their performance schedule at the festival, and it was such a treat to hear their perspectives on music, stage performance…and life in general. That experience was just one reminder why I keep returning to the Walnut Valley Festival each year, and I’ll share more on those adventures – and the interview with Theory Expats – in a separate story (See Page 31).

ABOVE: John McCutcheon, who has performed at the Walnut Valley Festival for dozens of years, sings during one of his performances last month. LEFT: A crowd enjoys McCutcheon’s performances. BELOW: The five-woman band Della Mae performs for the first time at the festival. Staff photos/Kim Swansen, Katie Rhodes and Rob Hornstra

STORY AND PHOTO BY PAUL RHODES There’s a simple story as to why three young musicians call their band Theory Expats. “We were all in a college music theory class together, and now we’re together as a band,” said singer and fiddle player Sadie Gustafson-Zook. “So we’re expats from the music theory class.” Talent overflows from this band of young musicians, and the trio took the recent Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield by storm. This year’s lineup of bands and solo performers numbered just over 30, and Theory Expats was one of several new bands this year. The rest the band consists of singer, songwriter and guitar player Andrew Pauls and mandolin player Ethan Setiawan. Pauls was a newcomer to the festival, and Setiawan made a name for himself at the Walnut Valley Festival last year when he won the National Mandolin Championship. The three musicians were students in the music theory class at Goshen College in Indiana, where Pauls and Gustafson-Zook continue to study. She is a vocal performance major, and he is working on a degree in peace studies. Setiawan is now studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston and has nothing but musical aspirations in his future. He said the chance to perform at this year’s festival was amazing – and

it didn’t end with the band’s shows. On Saturday night, after the popular band Steel Wheels performed on the festival’s main stage, the band made an appearance on Stage 5 in the campgrounds. That show in the campgrounds drew rave reviews…and a guest performance for Setiawan, who was asked by Steel Wheels front man Trent Wagler to join the band on stage. It was an experience of a lifetime for Setiawan and likely will be followed by many more magic moments. Gustafson-Zook is more of a festival regular, having grown up in a family band that previously performed at the Walnut Valley Festival. Her father won the International Autoharp Championship a few years ago during the festival. “I’m still thinking about what I want to do,” said Gustafson-Zook. While she loves performing, she knows the future could take her in other directions. Pauls also knows that life could pull him in another direction. That mix of performance-driven artists and those who might let their talents hang more in the shadows has helped deﬁne the Walnut Valley Festival over the years. While headliners like John McCutcheon and Tom Chapin continue to return to the festival year after year, new acts like Theory Expats breathe new energy into the event. And whether they return or not another year isn’t as important as the fact that they left their mark at some point.

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Theory Expats took this year’s Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield by storm. The bluegrass festival has been held in Cowley County for more than four decades.

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31 - October 2015

Young band – and its young members – bring new energy to music festival