Westside story september 2015

August 2015 - 2

I INSIDE

Volume 30 • Issue 10 September 2015

ON THE COVER Conducting with pride | 16

W e s t S i d e S t o r y

WestSider Allegra Fisher leads Kansas State’s Pride of Wildcat Land marching band

Shepherd’s Center to mark 10-year anniversary | 4

Features

WestSider takes second in world competition | 8

Pet Smarts......................................9

Performing Arts Calendar.........6 People and Places.......................8

Cinema Scene............................10 Focus On Business....................12 From the Publisher’s Files................................................14

WSS’s Fall Home and Garden Special Section | 19-32

Dateline........................................18 Wichita Homes..........................21

Back to school means changes Back-to-school time has arrived, but in my family that means some larger-than-normal changes. My oldest son, Isaac, has headed off to college. We moved him into his on-campus apartment at Hutchinson Community College on a recent Monday.

In a way, it was anti-climactic. He didn’t take much stuff, and being a short drive from home means it’s very easy to get stuff transported to school or back home.

There was some stress-induced drama over his last weekend at home, so by the time move-in Monday rolled around, his mother and I may have been as happy to see him go as he was to be going.

By move-in day, though, everything was better and the move went smoothly.

We were done in a couple of hours. We had lunch, and by noon the kid was on his own.

Isaac’s brother, Aaron, a high school sophomore, quickly did some rearranging in their shared room at their mom’s house. I imagine the same thing will happen at my house soon. Aaron, it seems, has quickly adapted to his new situation.

I hope Isaac slips into college life a little more slowly than I did. My movein day was on a Friday. My folks left for home that afternoon. I spent the first two nights of college partying until 4 a.m. Don’t tell my kids.

I imagine I will notice the change more

Travis Mounts | Managing Editor

over the next couple weeks. Cooking for two instead of three – well, cooking for three instead of five. Teenage boys eat the equivalent of two normal humans.

The amount of clothing, books and other assorted crap left laying all over the place should decrease.

Isaac is a proud gear head, so he tends to leave tools and partially completed repair projects all over. My garage and yard have accumulated a trailer, a push mower and a scooter – none in working order. It’s like a scene from “Sanford and Son.” I won’t miss the random dirty socks all over the house, either.

But I will miss him. However, it’s time for him to have a new adventure and to begin building his own life. I’m excited for him and even a bit envious.

And if I get too lonely, I can always visit all his stuff still cluttering my garage.

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 & Billing

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

Now in our 30th year!

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

Managing editor Travis Mounts took a selfie with his son Isaac on move-in day at Hutchinson Community College.

September 2015 - 4 W e s t S i d e S t o r y

Shepherd’s Center begins its second decade When the Shepherd’s Center begins its annual fall series in October, it will be a milestone for the WestSide volunteer organization. This year marks its 10th anniversary.

The Shepherd’s Center offers lectures, activities, meals and socialization for senior citizens. It is supported by eight churches and three community partners: Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Lewis Communications and the Wichita Public Library.

Jane Richards, a volunteer who handles marketing for the Shepherd’s Center, said a group was aware of national Shepherd’s Center programs and recognized the need for a WestSide location 10 years ago.

“This small group decided it would be really good to be doing these classes,” she said, “and the east side of Wichita has been a part of the Shepherd’s Center for even more than 10 years.”

Programs and meals are held at West Heights United Methodist Church, 745 N. Westlink.

“We’re not strictly a church-based organization,” Richards said, “but the church offers us free space and is handicapped accessible and has a lot of parking.”

The sessions take place on six consecutive Thursdays, and the next series starts Oct. 1. The cost is $40, which covers all six weeks. Sessions takes place every spring and fall.

Those who attend may enjoy coffee and tea before presentations begin at 9 a.m. Various speakers are available at that time, so people may choose the topic that most interests them. Speakers may be retired university professors, Wichita Public Library representatives, book authors or others. Topics have ranged from memoir writing to yoga to Kansas history.

One program this fall is titled “Your police at work,” and it came about due to national concerns about police and their methods, Richards said.

“Each Thursday someone from the police force will come and talk about a specific aspect of the wide variety police are involved in,” she explained, “and ways they contribute to the community that we don’t even know about.”

Richards, a retired educator, began

attending the Shepherd’s Center after friends told her about it.

“I looked at the class schedule and Story

by

there were a couple of classes I was really interested in,” she recalled. “One of those was all the new plans for navigating the Arkansas River, and the other one was about red wheat coming to Kansas through our Mennonite community.

“They were so educational and stimulating, I decided that I would just go and take more classes and then it just evolved,” she added.

Floyd Hansen, chairman of the program committee, liked the informative talks when he first experienced the Shepherd’s Center. He pointed out that most older people were trying to maintain good health, so the programs often covered related issues: Medicare, prescriptions, how to keep balance and mobility, and money management – for example, maintaining wealth and distributing it through wills and trusts.

“It’s just a variety of information,” Hansen said. “And the role of the planning committee is to keep that

variety moving so the people who come to our meetings have choices.”

Richards said they try not to repeat Amy Houston programs for about four years, to keep the material fresh. Hansen believes the presentations are an important part of the services that the Shepherd’s Center offers. For instance, he said, when someone from the government comes to speak, he learns more about that

official, his or her politics, and what’s going on in the world.

“The more you learn, the more you’re able to respond,” he remarked. “I am a better voter for that.”

Lunch follows the morning programs, which start at 9 and 10:15. People may bring their lunch or purchase a catered meal for $9. Entertainment accompanies lunch, such as Wayne Bryan speaking about Music Theatre shows, a dulcimer group performing or library board members sharing future plans.

The afternoon features woodcarving,

About 90 people were part of the Shepherd’s Center visit to the Kechi Playhouse in July.

Shepherd’s Center West is marking its 10th anniversary this autumn.

Contributed photo

Shepherd’s Center’s July visit to Kechi also included a stop at Karg Glass. The next round of programs will be starting soon.

knitting and table games. People may come for just one presentation or stay for the whole day.

A Shepherd’s Center day trip occurs once a month in June, July and August.

A recent activity involved a trip to Karg Art Glass in Kechi and then a theater performance at the Kechi Playhouse.

Other trips were to the Braum’s factory in Oklahoma, the Capitol in Topeka and a Royals game at Kauffman Stadi-

um.

Richards said new people were always welcome, and the group was good about inviting visitors to coffee or tea, showing them the presentation rooms and inviting them to lunch.

“We survive on new people,” Richards said. “We need new people to keep all this going. And new people bring in fresh ideas, and that’s important.”

Speakers volunteer their time, and

homes and other facilities. Scholarships are available for those who can’t afford the $40 cost each semester.

Richards said the Shepherd’s Center crowd included people from the WestSide, small communities and even east Wichita.

“It depends on how interested they are in the topics for the sessions,” she said. “It’s not restricted in any way.

Everyone’s welcome.”

For more information, call 721-2208 or email scwestwichita@sbcglobal. net. The website www.shepherdscenterww.org includes the schedule of fall programs.

5 - September 2015

those who attend may ask questions as part of the presentations. That interaction – plus the opportunity to meet new friends – is crucial.

“There is a tendency, I suspect, for older people to simply slow down and not take on new things,” Hansen said.

“We’re maybe not as responsive to what’s going on in the world because of our own limitations. But I think people are healthier when they are involved.”

Richards said the group attracts a variety of age ranges, from young retirees who are passionate about staying active to those who arrive from nursing

Shepherd’s Center of West Wichita Fall classes begin Oct. 1 www.shepherdscenterww.org 316-721-2208 Located at West Heights United Methodist Church 745 N. Westlink

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September 2015 - 6

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Through Sept. 12 – “Pageant,” at Roxy’s Downtown A Cabaret. Tickets $40 for dinner and show, $28 for show only. Call 316-265-4400 to reserve your tickets.

Through Sept. 12 – “Mom and Pop’s Cockroach Casino” or “Quick, Run, It’s a Raid,” Mosley Street Melodrama.

Written by Tom Frye. Tickets $28, $18 for show only. Call 316-263-0222.

Sept. 3-12 – “Deathtrap,” The Forum Theatre Company. Shows at 8 p.m.

Thursday and Friday, and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. $25 for Friday and Saturday nights, $23 for Thursday night and Saturday matinee. Tickets: www. forumwichita.com.

Sept. 9-20 – “Fools,” a comic fable by Neil Simon. Directed by Steve Miotto.

Leon Tolchinsky is ecstatic. He’s landed a terrific teaching job in an idyllic Russian hamlet. When he arrives he finds people sweeping dust from the stoops back into their houses and people milking upside down to get more cream.

The town has been cursed with Chronic Stupidity for 200 years and Leon’s job is to break the curse. Tickets $14, $12 for student/military/seniors. Call 316-6861282.

Sept. 13 – Melodears Chorus, gospel/ spiritual chorus, 4 p.m. in the sanctuary of Historical Fairmount United Church of Christ, 16th Street North and Fairmount Street (just south of WSU and two blocks east of Hillside). Free concert, donations accepted for the church’s exterior renovation. Refreshments follow the concert. For more information, call 316-682-1597.

Sept. 17-Oct. 31 – “Hitchcock’s

Performing Arts Calendar

September 2015

Psycho Motel,” written by J.R. Hurst.

Tickets $28, $18 for show only. Call 316-263-0222.

Sept. 19 – “Disney In Concert – Magical Music from the Movies,” Wichita Symphony. Show at 7 pm., Century II Concert Hall. Tickets $40-$70.

Sept. 25-26 – “Tone Appetit,” a musical dining experience, Emerald City Chorus. Dinner and show at Southwest Presbyterian Church, 1511 W. 27th Street South, Wichita. Dinner seating at 6:15 p.m. American cuisine on Sept. 25, and Italian cuisine on Sept. 26. Meals catered by Truffles, followed by musical entertainment performed by Emerald City Chorus. Limited to 80 people per show. Advance tickets $30, deadline Sept. 23. Order from any chorus member, call 316-733-2619 or order online using PayPal at www.emeraldcitychorus. org.

Sept. 25 and 27 – Verdi’s “Don Carlo,” Wichita Grand Opera. Performances at Century II Concert Hall. Shows at 7 p.m. Sept. 25 and 3 p.m. Sept. 27.

Italina diva Annalisa Raspagliosi returns and superstar and Wichitan Samuel Ramey sings the role of the Grand Inquisitor. Tickets $40-$95, www.selectaseat.com.

WestSide Story

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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7 - September 2015

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WestSide Story

September 2015 - 8

People & Places

ate of Goddard High School majoring in instrumental performance, has been named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester 2015 at Baldwin Wallace University. Students who receive at least a 3.6 GPA for seven or more graded hours in a single semester are named to the dean’s list.

Drake Michael Dukes of Wichita has been named to the dean’s list for the 2015 spring semester at Trinity University. The dean’s list honors Trinity students who maintained a grade point average of 3.65 or better while enrolled in a minimum of 15 semester hours.

A total of 321 students earned this distinction in the spring.

Westsider Jasmine Massions will be featured in a Final Friday art exhibit this month. Her work will be featured from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at Artist Central, 3700 E. Douglas. For more information, visit www.jasminmassions. com or call 316-530-2863.

Wheaton College student Katherine Henson of West Wichita was named to the dean’s list for the spring 2015 semester. To earn dean’s list honors at Wheaton, an undergraduate student must carry 12 or more credit hours and achieve a 3.5 grade-point average or higher on the 4.0 scale.

WestSider Kramer Howell has been named to the president’s list at Drake University. To be on the list, students achieved a straight-A GPA of 4.0 for the spring 2015 semester.

WestSide Story

Raphael Aragon of Wichita, a gradu-

Christopher L. West, MSW, has been named service line administrator for Via Christi Behavioral Health.

West is a 10-year veteran of the U.S. Army with more than seven years in organizational leadership and experience in a variety of clinical settings ranging from outpatient services to correctional facilities. He served most recently as behavioral health service line director for McDonald Army Health Center at Fort Eustis, Va. Prior to that, he was administrator of the Behavioral Health Clinic there. While stationed at Fort Leavenworth, he worked in the Military Corrections Complex, first as supervisor of the Rehabilitation Division, then as manager of the Medical Assessment Division.

WestSider takes 2nd in world PowerPoint competition STORY

BY

SAM JACK

At the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship, held in Dallas from Aug. 9 to 12, Eisenhower High School senior Andrew Parker demonstrated his mastery of PowerPoint once again, taking second in a test of competitors’ skill with the software.

PowerPoint is used to create computer slideshows and presentations.

Parker was named U.S. champion earlier this summer, qualifying him to compete for a world title. A trip to Dallas was the prize for winning the U.S. title; for taking second in Dallas, he won a scholarship for nearly $4,000.

“It was fun, it was definitely fun,” said Parker of the competition. “I got to meet a lot of people from around the world. The one day they set aside for all the competitors to have some fun, I hung around with a group of people from Africa. It was really amazing to see all the different backgrounds and cultures.”

Competition organizers provided contestants with printouts of PowerPoint presentations. Contestants had to reproduce the presentations, as closely as possible, using the computer program.

“What you come up with, they ran through a program that graded what you did and whether it was right,” said Parker. “The highest points in the shortest amount of time won.”

Hundreds of thousands of candidates vied for the PowerPoint title, offered by certification company Certiport. Parker could not point to any

Andrew Parker

one stratagem that helped him stand out.

“Part of it’s just experience, messing around with it,” said Parker. “I’ve been using PowerPoint, just kind of goofing around on it, since elementary school.

Some of the ones looking back on it I kind of cringe at, but that’s how I learned all the different settings and options you could use.”

Parker took computer science classes at Eisenhower during his freshman, sophomore and junior years, learning both basics and advanced subjects like programming in C++. This year, he is taking an engineering course.

“As far as my career, I’m kind of bouncing around between engineering – which would be computer, electrical or something in that direction – or computer science for programming.

Or maybe mathematics, because I’ve always liked math too,” said Parker.

Parker is one of the drum line section leaders in the Eisenhower marching band and is also involved with the Business Professionals of America.

At our clinic, pets with skin or haircoat problems make up a large part of our caseload. Itching, hair loss, sore ears and red skin are common signs that are seen. Allergic skin diseases, parasites, low thyroid levels and infection with microorganisms are common causes.

Allergies in pets are caused by many of the same things that affect us. Airborne particles (allergens) that we breath in, what our skin absorbs, and food we eat are the ways that the allergy can cause problems.

Feet licking and sore ears are common signs in pets. Internal medications and topical shampoos and sprays are used for treatment. Veterinarians now have several new products to treat allergies.

The most common skin parasite is fleas. In dogs, itchiness around the rump and tail is common. In cats, scabs or bumps on the skin and excess licking and scratching are common. There are several new once a month pills and topical products that control and prevent fleas.

Dogs commonly develop low thyroid levels as they age (hypothyroidism).

Excess shedding, thin hair coat with slow hair growth, weight gain and inac-

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tivity are common signs. A blood test is needed to diagnose this condition. A thyroid tablet is used for treatment.

Microorganisms can cause or add to skin problems. Ringworm is caused by a fungus. Hair loss with scabs and itchiness is common. Mediated baths and antifungal pills are used for treatment. Bacteria and yeast are common skin inhabitants. With itchy skin and scratching, bacteria and yeast multiply.

Antibiotics, antiyeast medications and medicated baths are used for treatment.

If your pet is itching or has hair loss, call your veterinarian. Your pet will sleep better and be much happier if he is treated.

9 - September 2015

Skin and hair problems are common

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September 2015 - 10

Wichitan’s ‘Pinocchio’ book is an ‘epic’ treat Wichitan and Walt Disney authority J.B. Kaufman has produced a book so meticulously researched and lavishly printed as to be worthy of what is commonly regarded as the greatest movie every made, “Pinocchio: The Making of the Disney Epic.” And if “epic” seems a bit much of a word to refer to what is often thought of as a children’s movie, one has only to browse its 352 oversize pages to find justification for it.

It begins in Collodi, Tuscany, in 1881, when Carlo “Collodi” Lorenzini, a writer of everything from operas to political criticism, published “The Story of a Puppet,” a newspaper serial so disorganized that a character that dies in one chapter appears again in a later chapter with no explanation whatsoever. And Collodi’s novel was a very different thing from Disney’s classic.

Pinocchio himself is hanged until dead at one point, and the Blue Fairy dies twice. Pinocchio himself “starts as an unredeemed combination of cruelty and malice,” not a mere Disney-ish little boy whose most evil dreams seem to

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be to play hooky, smoke cigars and play pool. Early illustrations were at best grotesque caricatures while Disney’s version is a quite attractive child with a surprising similarity to Mickey Mouse (see illustration on page 298). Disney’s movie is pretty dark for Disney, with all the villains (Honest John the fox, Gideon the cat, Stromboli the puppeteer, his coachman and Monstro the whale) still alive and active at the end. But Disney dropped a scene of Pinocchio being taunted by a gang of boys in the street, perhaps to avoid a suggestion of evil of a type that Pinocchio will have to return

to as a real boy. Common prudence can protect him from the downright villains, and Disney may have wanted to avoided the more everyday wrongdoing that none of us can avoid.

The abandonment of this proposed scene is typical of the innumerable changes “Pinocchio” underwent during production. Walt Disney, never a man much concerned about finances, had been hypnotized by the insane profits from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” into believing that there was no need to consider the budget at all. Absolute perfection became his holy cause.

The best aspect of Kaufman’s book is the attention to the continual revisions and adaptations as “every… part of the story…was developed in a variety of ways.” Kaufman tells me that nothing we see on the screen is pristine original work (full disclosure: I have known Kaufman and admired his work for more than 20 years). Every shot was revised or reconceived at one stage of production or another.

Because Walt Disney himself sat

in on every meeting and encouraged everybody to make suggestions, there was always more material than could be used, and a great deal of Kaufman is about what was eventually – or immediately – abandoned, usually in the name of pace. And one once do I regret the committee (or Disney personally) decision: In a lengthy underwater sequence, Pinocchio was to be pursued by a villainous octopus that was so inept that Pinocchio never knew he existed. Kaufman ends with a section of spinoffs and uses made of “Pinocchio” ideas in other forms, even television commercials, but the octopus was never revived.

There is God’s plenty of material here. The remarkable thing is, I still wanted more. But the bibliography and notes tell me where to look for that.

A scholarly coffee-table book about a movie – there aren’t many of those.

J.B. Kaufman, “Pinocchio: The Making of the Disney Epic,” The Walt Disney Family Foundation Press, 2015.

STORY

BY

AMY HOUSTON

Thea Lippoldt recently won an award for her work in special education at Maize High School, but when she first pursued a teaching career, she planned to instruct elementary students.

“My advice would be to be open to lots of different ideas,” Lippoldt said. “I went into education thinking that I wanted to teach primary grades, first through third grades, and I hated it. I came into high school and I kind of jumped in with two feet, into the classroom that I had, because I started middle of the year. It wasn’t what my thought was that I wanted, but it’s been my home.”

The Sedgwick County Educational Coop in Goddard has named Lippoldt the outstanding secondary special education teacher – an honor it awards each year. Officials presented the award during a recent inservice.

“It’s kind of humbling because I really feel like I’m lucky that I get to come to a job that I love, and that I work with

a team that is amazing,” Lippoldt said.

“So I kind of feel like I don’t know what I did that made them decide that I deserved this, but it’s definitely an honor to be chosen.”

Lippoldt grew up in Cheney and graduated from Cheney High School. She said her teachers influenced her career.

“I had some amazing teachers,” she said, “and they definitely had a passion for what they were doing and helped to shape the teaching philosophy that I ended up with.”

Lippoldt received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s in adaptive special education, both from Wichita State University. She taught first grade in USD 259 for a year and a half.

Lippoldt had previously seen what she described as “bad teachers” who failed to help special education students reach their potential, but she was exposed to strong special education teachers during her student teaching and practicum.

That experience remained in her mind.

Thea Lippoldt

“Every year, at the end of the school year, I definitely look forward to the summer and the break,” she said. “But when we hit July, I think, ‘I wonder what this student’s doing. I wonder how that student’s doing.’ I can’t wait to see them. … My 13-year-old teases me that we hit July and I’m like, ‘I can’t wait to see my kids!’”

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“It was more in my student teaching, the students I made real connections with were ones who had exceptionalities,” Lippoldt recalled. “It thrilled me when I got to see them thrive.”

She began working at Maize High School in December 2004. She is still passionate about teaching special education.

“When I have a student who masters a skill, because they have to work so hard to do that, whether it’s an academic skill or a vocational skill or a social skill, the way that they just celebrate that is contagious,” Lippoldt said. “Teaching special education, you learn to celebrate the small steps that students make, but you still get to see the big steps when they’ve done that. It’s amazing. It’s so rewarding.

That’s why I do this.”

She and her husband, Chad, have two sons, ages 13 and 17. Lippoldt’s mother, brother and his family still live in Cheney.

Classes started recently at Maize High School, and Lippoldt was ready to return to her students.

11 - September 2015

WestSide teacher wins special education award

September 2015 - 12 WestSide Story

FOCUS ON BUSINESS

Featured this month Hair Solutions................................ Page 12

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

Wichita Grand Opera..................... Page 13

A golden opportunity: Successful westside salon is up for sale If you’ve ever considered owning and operating your own hair salon, Sherry Brown is waiting for your phone call or email.

Hair Solutions, Brown’s full-service salon located near the corner of Maple and Maize Road in west Wichita, is officially up for sale, and owner Sherry Brown is excited about the unique opportunity that she can provide for a new owner.

“After seven years, I’m ready to let someone else have as much fun as I have had with this salon,” said Brown.

“Business has been very good, we’ve grown this into a successful salon, and now it’s time for me to make a change.”

Brown opened the salon to fulfill her own dreams. For 30 years, she had worked in the banking industry, and as a stylist at other salons.

“When I opened Hair solutions, it was just me and one other stylist, Pat Allen,” Brown said. “Now we have eight stylists and a manicurist.”

Her emphasis always has been to provide more services and options for the salon’s customers. The salon serves

After seven years of successful operations, owner Sherry Brown is selling Hair Solutions.

Pictured from left are: Christine McManus, Shirley Randall, Pat Allen, LeaAnn Mohr, Sherry Brown, Norma Pearson, Janet Beyrle, Kathy Larson. Not pictured: Darlene Bird.

the whole family – women, men and children.

The salon is full service, and meets the needs of both older and younger clients. As the salon grew, Brown expanded the business to include manicure and pedicure services, and laser therapy for thinning hair.

“The greatest success for our salon has been our customers,” said Brown.

“Without them we would be nothing.”

The salon’s other key to success has been the dedication and professionalism shown by the salon’s staff members.

Now, that success can be someone else’s.

“I still want to work, but not have the responsibility of running the salon,” said Brown.

Brown said it’s time for her and her

husband, Ronnie, to take some time for each other.

“This is the perfect opportunity for someone who wants to own a salon, but not start from scratch,” she said.

“We’ve had seven great years,” said Brown. “We still do shampoos and sets, which is kind of unique these days, plus all the newer techniques you’ll find at other salons. Our mix of younger and older stylists really helps us with our customer base and makes this one of the busiest salons in town.”

Hair Solutions takes walk-in clients, and has stylists who begin taking appointments as early as 6 a.m. for customers who need to stop in before work. Evening hours are available, too, up until 7 p.m. two nights a week.

Brown currently leases her building space, and the large salon has seven stations. It’s a “blended salon,” said Brown, offering a mix of booth renters and commissioned stylists.

For more information, call Sherry Brown at 316-722-3633, email her at stylingbanker@cox.net, or stop by the salon at 244 S. Maize Road.

By SAM JACK

ABOVE: World-renowned bass and Wichitan Samuel Ramey stars as the Grand Inquisitor in this month’s Wichita Grand Opera production of “Don Carlo.”

LEFT: Annalisa Raspagliosi will star as Elisabeth. Tickets for the production are available at www.WichitaGrandOpera.org.

the Inquisitor a few times now, and it’s a great part. One of the greatest scenes in all of opera is the duet between Philip and the Grand Inquisitor.”

Italian soprano Annalisa Raspagliosi is a rare treat for opera lovers in the notoriously difficult role of Elisabeth, the queen. The frequent partner of the late, great Luciano Pavarotti all across the globe, Ms. Raspagliosi stole the show in WGO’s Inaugural Gala in 2002.

She returned to Kansas for Mr. Ramey’s

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houses. His seemingly endless list of accolades include highlights such as three Grammy awards, the rank of Commander in the Order of Arts and Letters from the French Ministry of Culture, a lifetime achievement award from Opera America, and Kansan of the Year. “’Don Carlo’ is one of my favorite operas,” said Ramey. “Through most of my career I’ve sung Philip, in all the big opera houses of the world. I’ve done

FOCUS ON BUSINESS

Wichita Grand Opera brings Verdi’s masterpiece, “Don Carlo,” to the Concert Hall stage on Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. and Sept. 27 at 3 p.m. While the opera is named after its leading tenor, “Don Carlo” is one of the greatest ensemble works in Verdi’s repertoire. It takes six phenomenal singers to do justice to Verdi’s most profound score. The cast features stars from around the globe, including Gaston Rivero in the title role, Annalisa Raspagliosi as Princess Elisabeth, William Powers as King Philip, Samuel Ramey as the Grand Inquisitor, Sarah Heltzel as Princess Eboli and Michael Nansel as Rodrigo, Marquis of Posa.

“Don Carlo” pulls from all Verdi’s favorite sources of drama – father against son, church against state, and duty against freedom. Its story has been yanked straight out of the history books and gilded with layers of romantic tension in a way that can only be called Grand Opera.

Uruguayan tenor Gaston Rivero headlines the international cast as the troubled Prince of Spain, Don Carlo.

Mr. Rivero makes his return to Wichita more than a decade after his WGO (and U.S.) debut as Alfredo in “La Traviata.” He is best known for his 2014 performance in the title role of “Il Trovatore” at Berlin State Opera alongside Anna Netrebko and Placido Domingo, conducted by Daniel Barenboim, seen globally via telecast. Opera News praised his performance as “exciting and fresh… a youthful voice that projects both daring and vulnerability.”

“Something that I loved about performing in Wichita 10 years ago was the colleagues and members of the chorus I worked with,” said Rivero. “It was very special, the teamwork we had, and the caring for one another. I’m excited to return.”

Kansas native Samuel Ramey stars as the Grand Inquisitor, constantly in a battle of wills with King Philip. Mr. Ramey is a living legend in the opera world, a “national treasure” according to the Los Angeles Times. Throughout his career, Ramey has performed in the globe’s most prestigious opera

home-state debut, singing the title role in WGO’s 2007 production of Puccini’s “Tosca” opposite his malevolent Baron Scarpia. Her appearance with the WGO this year, in honor of WGO’s 15th anniversary, is her only appearance outside Europe.

“She was excellent,” said Ramey. “I came in late in the rehearsal process, and she was very sweet and understanding. I’m looking forward to seeing and hearing her again.”

Metropolitan Opera bass-baritone William Powers makes his debut as King Philip II, the most complex role in Puccini’s “Don Carlo.” Mr. Powers has sung more than 100 roles in his distinguished career, including world premieres of Penderecki’s “Paradise Lost” for Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Harbison’s “The Great Gatsby” for the Metropolitan Opera, among others.

Sarah Heltzel makes her WGO debut as the prideful seductress Princess Eboli. Michael Nansel, Wichita’s favorite son returns in the role of Rodrigo, Carlo’s best friend and confidant.

At the helm of this production is famed American stage director Stanley M. Garner, protégé of Maestro Franco Zeffirelli, and internationally renowned Maestro Martin Mazik, principal guest conductor for the Wichita Grand Opera this season. The concept and design of “Don Carlo” is created by Margaret Ann Pent, WGO Founder and Artistic Director, and executed by renowned European scenic artist Stefan Pavlov.

Tickets for Verdi’s Don Carlo or any other productions in the 2015 season are $95, $60 or $40, with Senior, Student, Corporate, and Group discounts available. Season Subscriptions are also available, saving up to 10 percent off full ticket price. WGO also offers the “Day at the Opera” Student package, which includes backstage tours, saving up to 75 percent for groups of more than 20. For visitors from out of town, a hotel and ticket package is available with Ambassador Hotel.

For tickets to “Turandot,” call the WGO Box Office at Century II at (316) 262-8054, online at www.selectaseat. com, in person at Century II or any Select-a-Seat outlet at your local Dillons.

13 - September 2015

Samuel Ramey and Raspagliosi reunite in starry ‘Don Carlo’

September 2015 - 14 WestSide Story

Understanding Facebook...LOL I’m not sure I ever really understood the power and connection of Facebook, but it’s starting to sink in with me.

For years I was the guy who refused to get a Facebook account. Then I was the guy who was on Facebook and never used it. Literally.

Like so many other friends of mine, who then became my initial friends on Facebook, I eased into the whole Facebook thing by saying I was just there to see pictures of my grandson, Felix, and to stay connected with my three kids.

Actually, that was totally true.

After considerable time as an inactive member of the Facebook community, I still had fewer “friends” than I had real friends up and down Main Street in Cheney. It wasn’t a sad situation…just a factual situation.

For me, having real friends had always been more important than having Facebook friends. And yes, Facebook friends can be real friends, too. So a couple of years ago I actually made an effort to get

From the Publisher’s Files

Paul Rhodes | Publisher

more Facebook friends as I started actually posting some of the snippets of my life on social media.

A turning point was my trip to South Korea in 2013, and the volumes of posting I did from that adventure. I was there for my son Bill’s wedding to his beautiful bride, Eun-Ah, and we also did some extensive traveling across the country.

My posts on Facebook were well-received and followed closely. Hmmmm…I was on to something.

Back home in Kansas I reverted to my routine of rarely posting on Facebook, except for trips to see my kids and other vacations – large and small. My recent trip to Egypt with my girlfriend, Kim, also was a hit on Facebook as I shared pictures and comments on almost a daily basis.

And then, just this past weekend, I hit the mother lode of reaction on Facebook. What monumental event, you might ask, did I share?

I picked peaches from a tree in my back yard and shared a photo and a note on Facebook. Granted, it was a near-perfect picture of a near-perfect peach, but holy smokes! The reaction from my friends on Facebook was literally double compared to anything else I’ve posted in the last couple of months.

What was so special about the peach post? I really had to scratch my head on that one.

And then it dawned on me…the peach post was reminiscent of the best-

loved columns I have written for our newspaper group. It was a simple, everyday moment that struck a nerve with folks. The peach (one of the few perfect ones…most had worms and spots) instantly made everyone hungry for one, and my comment about taking some to family produced a flurry of “Am I not family?” replies.

The whole process made me smile and chuckle. And, it made me realize why my simple, down-to-earth columns about everyday moments in my life are so important to our readers. Those moments are real, and they can relate.

Sure, I occasionally write about serious, pressing issues in our readership area, and I still believe that’s important from time to time. But if I turned those thoughts into posts on Facebook, guess what?

I wouldn’t get half the response I got from my picture and comments about a tree full of peaches.

Put that in a pie and eat it.

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15 - September 2015

SEPT. 12, 2015

HELTEN VETERINARY CLINIC New Clients Welcome!

10% Discount on First Visit Please Call For An Appointment

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The WestSide Church Directory

Mon-Fri 8am - 5:30pm Sat 8 - 11:30am

6630 W. Central

www.heltenveterinaryclinic.com

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.

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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.

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

Conducting with Pride

As drum major, WestSider Allegra Fisher leads K-State’s Pride of Wildcat Land marching band Story

by

Sam Jack

Allegra Fisher, right, was an assistant drum major last year.

She teamed up with drum majors Brett Eichman, center, and Jordan Parker to lead the Pride of Wildcat Land at the 2014 Alamo Bowl in San Antonio.

Contributed photo

WestSider Allegra Fisher got involved with marching band as a Maize High School student, serving as drum major – marching conductor – during her senior year. When she started her freshman year at Kansas State University, joining the Pride of Wildcat Land – K-State’s 400-strong marching ensemble – was a natural continuation.

“I originally picked K-State because I was looking into going into hotel and restaurant management, and they are the only state school in the Midwest that has that combination as a major,” said Fisher. “I decided to try the band because my brother was in it, and I heard how much he loved it.”

Fisher switched from flute to tenor sax – she also plays bassoon – and quickly found that she loved the marching band too. By the end of her fresh-

man marching season, she had switched her major from hotel and restaurant management to music.

As a sophomore, Fisher began her climb into marching band leadership, earning a post as section leader. At the end of her second season, with two years of experience and with music and conducting classes under her belt, she was ready to audition for one of two assistant drum major spots.

“When you audition for drum major, you go into a room and Dr. (Frank) Tracz (the director of bands) is there, Mr. (Don) Linn (the assistant director), and all of the graduate assistants are in there as well, along with the returning drum majors,” Fisher recalled. “I believe I had 11 people sitting in on my audition.”

Using the clear, large-gestured style

necessary to communicate across the open space of a football field, Fisher conducted three different songs for the panel, all using different time signatures.

Then Tracz set a metronome and had Fisher keep time while cuing imaginary musicians around the room.

An interview followed, and a few days later, Fisher found out she got the job. She was also informed that, since the other drum majors would graduate at the end of the year, she would take the post of head drum major after a year as an assistant.

“Last year, the other drum majors took a lot of time teaching me how to conduct, teaching me certain things that we do while we’re conducting that are off the wall but that are traditions, like signals for dynamic cues. They spent a lot of time teaching me all that,”

said Fisher. “And because I’m a music major, I’m in a conducting class, so I learned a lot from Mr. Linn during that class.”

Fisher said she relishes her participation in the band’s now traditional pregame performances of the “Wabash Cannonball.” Arsonists set fire to Nichols Hall, and with it the music department, in December 1968. All the band’s sheet music went up in smoke – except the Wabash Cannonball, which band director Phil Hewitt had taken home with him the night before. The folk ballad was the only piece the band played during a home basketball game three nights after the fire, and it has been a fixture with the group ever since.

“During pregame, we play ‘Wabash’ to the student section, and the drum majors start the song and then sprint

ing to do to signal different things like that, and we have a very close relationship with the drum line, so we practice with just them, to make sure they know what we’re going to be doing. As long as we’re together, things run smoothly.”

Outside of the football stadium, the drum majors conduct pep bands that play in various locations on game days. They lead the annual band camps, teaching fundamentals to rookies and coordinating with section leaders to keep musical quality high.

The band’s efforts have been frequently recognized. Last December, the Pride of Wildcat Land won the Sudler Trophy, a John Philip Sousa Foundation award given every two years to the top marching band in the United States. The prestigious honor led to an increase in applicants this year, Fisher said.

After eight years of marching, in high school and college, it will be strange to say goodbye to the activity at the end of this season, according to Fisher.

“That’s something I’m trying not to think about a lot, just because I’ve done marching band for so long. It’ll be a sad moment, but just looking back and seeing what I’ve accomplished and the things I’ve gotten to experience, it’ll be a very rewarding feeling as well,” she said.

After marching band concludes, Fisher will focus on concert ensembles and the bassoon studio of which she is a member.

Contributed photo

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Allegra Fisher, a Maize High School graduate, is head drum major of Kansas State University’s 400-member Pride of Wildcat Land marching band this year.

The band puts on a different halftime show at each K-State football home game.

17 - September 2015

back across the field,” said Fisher.

“That’s always fun, because you have to make it in time while dodging around people.”

The drum majors also sprint onto the field ahead of the band and perform the KSU chant, with up to 50,000 eyes on them, and they are frequently shown on Jumbotrons as they conduct from elevated podiums.

Being the focus of so much attention took some getting used to.

“The first time I did it was terrifying, because you are just so exposed,” said Fisher. “My parents love to talk about their kids, so they come to all the games and tell everyone they’re sitting around to watch for us and what the band is doing. It was intimidating to know that was happening, but it’s so much fun that you don’t always think about how many people are watching.”

The marching band performs a different program for every home game.

This year’s selections include everything from “Also Sprach Zarathustra” – of “2001: A Space Odyssey” fame – to Pharrell Williams’ recent chart-topper “Happy.” Putting the shows together takes up most of the time Fisher doesn’t spend on her studies or her on-campus job.

“During a game week, it’s probably 20 or 25 hours spent doing band things,” said Fisher. “The drum majors meet very frequently to talk about the score of the music and what we’re go-

September 2015 - 18

Sept. 1 – Prairie View’s East Wichita Caregiver Support Group, open to caregivers for older adults, meets from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept.

1, at Prairie View’s Legacy Park office, 9333 E. 21st St. N., Wichita.

Nancy Trout will present the program on “Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.” She is a licensed specialist clinical social worker at Prairie View.

The group offers education, mutual support and problem solving with others who are dealing with similar caregiving situations. This includes caregivers whose care receiver has any illness, including dementia.

Admission is free and open to the public. This program is funded in part by the Kansas Department on Aging through the Older Americans Act of 1965 and administered by the Central Plains Area Agency on Aging. For information, phone 316634-4700 or 800-992-6292 or see prairieview.org.

Sept. 5-6 – Fear Buster Challenge, Saturday, Sept. 5, 10 a.m.

- 5 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 6, 12-5 p.m., at Exploration Place. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Tackle some of the most common fears with special activities. Learn dance steps and be part of a flash mob.

Walk through a narrow tunnel before the walls collapse. Find out how to properly interact with dogs and pet a pooch. Ride a bucket truck, nibble on strange foods and more. Fill your Challenge Card with your accomplishments to win a special prize and coupon from the Explore Store.

More information at www.exploration.org or 316-660-0620.

Join us for:

National Assisted Living Week!

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September 15, 2015 » 5:00 p.m.

Rain Date: September 17, 2015 The City of Goddard Mayor will be giving a proclamation.

Hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans and drinks will be served!

A car show along with several vendors will be set up!

501 Easy St, Goddard, KS 67052

Drawings for Door Prizes!!

Sept. 13 – Chivalry for Children, 12-5 p.m., Exploration Place. Join the king and queen of Exploration Place castle and find out what it takes to become a knight.

Sept. 17 – Project Beauty annual membership tea and fashion show, 12:30 p.m. at the Lotus Room at Botanica Gardens, 701 N. Amidon.

Lunch will include light sandwiches and cookies. Guests are welcome, no reservation needed. The event is free.

Dateline

Upcoming events in and around Wichita

Sept. 19 – Wichita Area Garden Railway Society’s 18th annual Garden Railway Tour, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., at Botanica. Admission to Botanica is free for a family that day if they present the tour guide.

The garden railway tour is free to the public but donations are welcome.

Sept. 19 – Wichita Genealogical Society monthly meeting, 1 p.m., Lionel Alford Library, 3447 S. Meridian. The meeting is free.

Sept. 24 – Senior Expo, 9 a.m. 3:30 p.m., Exploration Place. Held in partnership with the Central Plains Area Agency on Aging. Seniors age 55 and older, along with their caretakers, will get free admission and find valuable information from more than 130 vendors.

Sept. 27 – Hot air balloon rides, a fundraiser to benefit the American Revolution Memorial at Veterans’ Memorial Park in Wichita, located just west of Second and Waco on Veterans Parkway. Rides will be available 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lloyd Stearman Field Airport in Benton, 14789 SW 30th St. in Benton.

Suggested minimum donations are $20 per adult and $10 per child age 6-12.

Sept. 29 – Senior Employment Program of Wichita job fair for seniors age 55 and over, Senior Services office, 200 S. Walnut, Wichita. Job seekers must be 55 or older. Pre-register through Sept.

19 at the same office. For more information, call 316-267-1771 and ask for Hila.

19 - September 2015

WestSide Story Clever kitchen tricks for multiple generations • Swing time. Pull-out shelves give you easy access for under-cabinet storage without a lot of bending, stooping and digging around.

• Rise to the occasion: Integrated toe-kick ladders that hide under cabinets can help everyone reach the high shelves with less stretching and more safety.

• Here’s a bright idea. Older eyes often need more light, so improve visibility inside drawers with integrated LED drawer lighting.

• Don’t get a handle on the cabinets. Sleek, handleless design makes cabinets easier to open.

• Keep it down. Replace cabinets with drawers below countertops and place microwaves under the counter.

• Smart sinks. If several people will be cooking different meals at the same time, multiple sinks might be in order.

If there’s just one sink, consider single-lever faucets that are easier to turn on and off and to control the temperature, even for someone with arthritis.

Similarly, a magnetic pullout for a chef faucet is easier to use than a standard

With more families becoming multigenerational, families’ kitchen needs are changing and evolving.

hook. The magnet, not a hook, holds the faucet in place until it’s time to use it again.

Kitchen sinks with integrated accessories keep tools convenient so you don’t have to search for them, plus they save space. In-sink caddies can hold knives, utensils and cleaning tools inside the sink to save counter space and

HOME AND GARDEN

(NAPSI) – If yours is among the 5.1 million families that the U.S. Census Bureau says live in multigeneration homes, there are eight tasteful ideas that can help you make your kitchen better for everyone.

Whether your parents, your adult children or both are moving in with you, these may make the living easier on everyone: • Go big or go small. Put in a kitchenette with a microwave, fridge and sink near an easily accessible bedroom or go for a large gourmet kitchen with a kitchen island if there will be more people eating at different times of the day.

Allow for wide aisles so many people – including those with a walker or a rolling baby chair – can use the room without getting in each other’s way.

Consider a second dishwasher, stove or refrigerator.

• The height of convenience. Vary counter thickness and height and go for multilevel divided sinks to make lifting pots and pans easier.

Lower the cooking surfaces, too, so seeing inside pots can be simpler.

provide greater convenience. Cutting boards and colanders integrated with the sink can make food preparation more convenient.

If someone in the household uses a wheelchair or is likely to someday, you can have a kneehole put in under the sink with an inclined board to cover the plumbing.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE COLD? Call us today to schedule your maintenance appointment

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...because the last thing you need on the first cold day is to find your furnace not working!

September 2015 - 20

Say goodbye to gutter cleaning!

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A bright pop of color and a symmetrical placement of furniture can give a room a revamped, open look.

HOME AND GARDEN

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

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Cabinets, Counter tops, Fireplaces, windows, doors and More!

The right

products and the right price for every project!

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2 large Lumber Yards with thousands of products!

Garden Plain: 316-531-2295 Andale: 316-444-2125 Wichita: 316-721-1228

Simple design tricks to revamp your home (BPT) – Whether you’ve just moved into a home or you’ve lived there for years, it might be time for a design tune-up. While many may think tackling their home decor takes a bundle of time, money and expertise, it doesn’t have to be so frightening. You don’t need to spend a fortune or go to design school to breathe a little life into your home.

“It’s all about simplicity,” said Susan Yoder, interior design expert for Clayton Homes. “A little goes a long way when it comes to home decor and living spaces. Only a few simple changes can make a big difference and allow you to create a room you’ll be itching to show off to friends and family.”

Yoder offered a few of her design tips that will help homeowners revamp their space: Pops of color. “Nothing livens up a room like a bright pop of color,” Yoder said. If you have neutral-toned furniture, try sprucing up the room with lamps, curtains and accessories in bold hues. If you’re up for a painting challenge, an accent wall is a great way to incorporate color into a space. Choose your favorite color from a throw pillow or wall-art piece in the room to pull the look together.

Varying textures. A room tends to get boring when it focuses on only one texture, so it’s important to create a sense of balance. Try varying the fabric types on your sofa and curtains. Add in some metal or wooden accents to draw

the eye around the room. You can even play with lighting to reflect off certain objects and create visual interest.

Antique feature. Choose an antique or unique piece of decor to be the inspiration for the room. This could be a rug, lamp, chair or even a chandelier – anything that gets you energized and motivated. Get creative and run with the theme it creates. Or if your style is more on the modern side, an antique object will stand out among your contemporary decor.

Symmetrical yet functional. The furniture collection in a room should form a restful, symmetrical layout. It’s all about balance. There should be between three and 10 feet between each seat. Additionally, instead of pushing each piece up against the wall to create more space, give your furniture a bit of breathing room a few inches from the wall. This makes the room appear open and airy.

Clutter-free organization. Getting rid of clutter is a grand challenge for most homeowners. When you decide to take on the mess, drawers and cabinets are your best friends. Take some time to go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate or throw away.

Store any leftover items that can cause clutter in an organized, out-of-sight area.

Use these tips to revitalize your space and you’ll be ready to confidently host gatherings and enjoy your home instead of shying away from your living space.

Wichita Homes

Philip Holmes | Interior Designer

Manufactured Locally in Wichita!

Call 316-838-0033 for a free consultation.

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SUNROOMS / GREENHOUSES / SOLARIUMS / CONSERVATORIES / POOL ENCLOSURES

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your colors with the season. Neutrals are still a good idea for the backdrop of the room, which will allow you to add or change color with well-placed accessories. This can be done without much effort or expense. Switch from your light summer colors to deeper, earthier hues for a rich autumn feel.

Start with all of your fabrics from bedding to windows. It’s about time to bring out the heavier duvet covers and thermal blankets. Pull out the throws for cozy evenings. You might consider switching out your window treatments to a heavier, insulated fabric, if possible. Be sure to bring in pillows with seasonal colors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with various sizes, textures and patterns. Keep in mind, if you like it, it works.

There are many other things that you can do that will make a big impact on the ambiance of your home. Accessories and furniture with metal and/or leather speak to fall. A change in artwork can quickly transform a room for the season. Finally, adding candles can provide a nice glow as the days become shorter.

With less heat and humidity, autumn is also a great time to be outside. So, don’t forget about your outdoor spaces.

Comfortable seating and functional spaces are a must. An outside heater or chimenea would be a bonus.

When the seasons change, most people make significant changes in their activities, their wardrobe and even their menus. Why not do the same for your home?

HOME AND GARDEN

There is always talk about spring cleaning. However, there is a much to be said about transitioning into fall as well.

The move between summer and fall can be quite a challenge. We can sort of ease into spring, depending on the outside temperatures. But with the end of summer camps, vacations and backto-school activities, summer comes to a screeching halt and fall commences.

For many of us, the change in seasons means a change in lifestyle. We do different things, we wear different clothes, and we use our homes differently. This is the perfect opportunity to make some changes around the house.

First of all, a good general clean and sort is in order. In the summer doors and windows are frequently opened, letting in dust, dirt, etc. And, as summer activities change into fall schedules, the items you use and the way you use your spaces all the way from the garage to the kitchen changes. As you are cleaning, pack up all of the summer gear in an organized fashion to make it easier to retrieve next spring.

This is a chance to simplify your home and make it a little more stress free. Besides storing the seasonal items, you may want to streamline your accessories and get rid of the bulk. Many people try to cram too much stuff into their spaces and oversized furniture may not be your best option. Lighten it up and breath easier. As winter approaches, you and your family will be spending more time inside, and you certainly don’t want your home to feel claustrophobic.

As you evaluate your furnishings, consider your home decor needs for fall and, yes, even the holidays. Don’t wait until the last minute to decide you need to redo your home or even add that certain piece. Now is the time to plan for the upcoming season. This way you can get the right look rather than settle for what you can find a few days before Thanksgiving.

Then have a little fun and change

ADD ELEGANCE TO YOUR HOME.

21 - September 2015

Up and autumn…Are you ready for fall?

September 2015 - 22 HOME AND GARDEN WestSide Story

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Greener, cleaner bathrooms save water, time and money (BPT) - If you’re considering a green home renovation, or building an eco-friendly house, you’ll likely put a lot of thought into heating and cooling, as well as kitchen appliances. But don’t overlook the value of greening your bathrooms, too. Environmentally-friendly bathrooms can conserve water and energy, while helping create a healthier home atmosphere by reducing the need for chemical cleaners.

The National Home Builders Association expects growth in the green building market to rise approximately 30 percent by 2016, as reported by real estate website Zillow. Bathroom renovations continue to be among the home projects with the highest return on investment, so greening yours can save money while you’re living in your house, plus pay off when it’s time to sell.

As you’re choosing eco-conscious plumbing fixtures for the bathroom, keep a few key considerations in mind.

Low-flow bathroom fixtures abound, and today’s models are significantly improved over earlier versions that

conserved water at the expense of effectiveness and user experience. Look for WaterSense labeled products to help ensure your toilet, showerhead and faucet choices are water-saving, high-performing styles.

Products like high-efficiency toilets use less water, yet can provide a more effective flush than standard toilets.

They can use 20 percent less water per flush than typical toilet models.

Replacing standard showerheads with water- and energy-efficient options can also help reduce water usage without sacrificing the user’s experience. From basic models to luxury choices, manufacturers offer a range of water-saving showerheads that produce powerful,

The WaterSense-certified VorMax high-efficiency toilet from American Standard delivers a powerful, horizontal jet of water to thoroughly scrub the bowl with every flush, all while using only 1.28 gallons of water per flush.

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This FloWise water-saving showerhead from American Standard uses exclusive turbine technology to deliver an invigorating shower using 40 percent less water than standard models.

HOME AND GARDEN

Chemical cleansers have been linked to allergies, asthma and other respiratory ailments, which could explain why 75 percent of respondents to the J.R. Watkins Cleaning Survey by Kelton said they believe it’s important to use natural products when cleaning around the home. It’s possible to choose bathroom materials that can help minimize the need for harsh chemical cleaners.

Fixtures that perform more efficiently can help you spend less time cleaning and reduce the use of chemicals to stay sparkling and sanitary. Choosing a toilet with an antimicrobial surface that helps prevent the growth of germs, mold and stain can reduce the need for overly powerful cleaning products. And opting for stain-resistant bathroom tiles, grout and countertops can help deter mold and mildew growth while allowing you to clean less.

A greener bathroom can easily be a cleaner, high-performing and healthier room for you and your family to live and grow, with simple choices that can improve the environment, inside and out.

23 - September 2015

fulfilling spray patterns suitable for any bathroom remodeling project. Installing water-efficient fixtures can help your family use 30 percent less water, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

While bathrooms generally consume less electricity than other rooms in the house, it still pays to keep efficiency in mind when choosing bathroom lighting and ventilation fans. Look for light fixtures that are Energy Star-rated.

Replace incandescent bulbs with more efficient LEDs or CFLs. Choose a ventilation fan that can remove humidity and odors from the room while still conserving energy.

While you’re upgrading your bathroom’s productivity, don’t forget that all those hot showers contribute to the bathroom’s overall energy footprint, too. If your water heater is an older, inefficient model, upgrading to a newer Energy Star-rated model can significantly reduce energy bills. According to the EPA, water heaters are the second highest source of energy usage in the home.

September 2015 - 24 HOME AND GARDEN

Tips to tackle any DIY project (BPT) - It’s time to open the windows, reimagine your space and get to work on the home improvement project you’ve been dreaming about. This is an exciting time of year but before you jump in with booted feet and workgloved hands, you need to do a little planning.

“I’ve found the best results are achieved when you have a plan in mind,” says Carter Oosterhouse, one of America’s most recognized home-improvement experts featured on many popular TV shows on HGTV. “There’s certainly a time for spontaneity, but you should have a vision of your finished work and know where you’re going before you pick up that first tool.”

Carter offers these preparation tips to ensure the project you’ve been dreaming about is set up for success.

Know when to rent and when to buy No matter what type of DIY project you’re planning, you’re going to need some tools. It doesn’t mean you need to own all of them. Smaller tools, such as screwdrivers or hammers, are worth buying because you’ll use them in the future. However, if you need larger tools like floor sanders, carpet cleaners and big power tools, you’re probably better off renting those instead. Before you make any big purchase, ask yourself if you’ll ever use it again. If the answer is no rent it from your local home improvement store. You’ll save the money and space.

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Don’t ignore your pain DIY projects can be hard work, especially if they involve the repetitive use of muscles you may not commonly use. With these types of projects, soreness and pain are common during

the work and afterward. Don’t ignore the pain or allow it to affect your productivity. Muscle aches, backaches and joint pain can be common with DIY projects.

Have the right tools on hand Some tools have a place in just about every project, so it’s a good idea to keep a collection of these often-used tools nearby. Your go-to tool collection should include a hammer, tape measure, drill, saw, sander, glue, level and an assortment of screwdrivers. You won’t use all of these tools on every project but it’s a safe bet you can find a use for a few of them on any project.

Safety first Your beautiful project won’t be worth your efforts if you get injured in the process. To keep yourself and your project partners healthy, remember these common DIY project safety practices when you tackle any DIY goal: • Always wear safety glasses and a mask when appropriate.

• Situate ladders on level ground, avoid stepping on the top two rungs and always use a spotter for taller climbs.

• If you’re working on an electrical project make sure your environment is water and moisture free. You should also wear rubber-soled shoes for safety.

• Keep your work area well-lit and clean. The better you can see, the better you can avoid accidents, slips and falls.

• When using sharp objects, cut away from your body and never leave power tools unattended.

• Always keep a first-aid kit and fire extinguisher nearby. No one likes to think the worst but it’s good to know you’re ready if it happens.

Completing a DIY project can be a rewarding experience that improves your home for years to come. So grab your tool belt and start planning, because making your dream projects a reality depends on you.

Gross Tile brings talent and passion to every job

ABOVE: Owners Cathy and Mark Gross, from left, are excited to open a second location for Gross Tile and Concrete Design in the Delano District. The family team also includes daughter Jenna Hill. BELOW: Gross Tile’s westside location is at 10680 W. Maple.

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

Gross Tile actually got its start right

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

Making dreams happen Right now, Gross Tile is completing a local bathroom project that shows what can happen when you put your dreams on paper and turn the job over to an expert in the industry.

From their first meeting, East Wichita homeowners Steve and Karen Nestelroad were impressed with Mark Gross as they 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 was immediately able to visualize the clients’ ideas and get the ball rolling on this all-important home renovation.

What the Nestelroads want for their master bathroom is a totally accessible walk-in shower system with a “curbless” entry to replace their existing tub and small shower. The tub never gets used, and the shower isn’t comfortable or safe for either Steve or Karen.

In addition, the double-sink vanity in the master bathroom needs to be raised to a more comfortable height for both of the homeowners.

“Mark has his business down to a ‘T,’” said Steve. “People like Mark make it great to launch a project like this.”

The Nestelroad project is now in its final phase. Simultaneously, Gross Tile has launched a major commercial job at McConnell Air Force Base.

Watch next month’s East Wichita News and WestSide Story for updates on projects, and the new showroom in Delano.

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

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Launching a second location In addition to remodeling projects for his clients, Mark Gross is finishing a major renovation project of his own.

Gross Tile is expanding with a new showroom at 1528 W. Douglas in the historic Delano District of downtown Wichita.

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

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

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

Maple and Maize Road.

“We’ve got a lot of satisfied customers, and we want to continue to focus on our remodeling work, especially with bathroom renovations and custom curbless showers,” said Mark. “I love it when I can share my ideas with clients and give them the ‘wow’ factor they’re looking for.”

HOME AND GARDEN

Mark Gross is a little busy these days.

From a customer’s perspective, that’s good news.

His flooring and remodeling company, Gross Tile and Concrete Design of Wichita, is busy with both residential and commercial jobs, and he’s putting the finishing touches on a new, second showroom location in the Delano District. All of that excitement just brings a smile to Mark’s face.

Gross Tile has grown from a respected flooring company into a leader in bathroom and kitchen renovations, as well as a total remodeling company.

It’s a transformation that Mark Gross relates back to customer satisfaction.

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

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

25 - September 2015

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September 2015 - 26 HOME AND GARDEN

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(BPT) – Do you feel like your house could use more natural light to brighten and warm your favorite spaces? Patio doors offer unobstructed views that flood your home with natural light and provide convenient access to the outside.

Whether you’re replacing an old door or installing one for the first time, a new patio door like those available from Pella can add light and comfort to any room. With a variety of styles available, follow these four simple steps to choosing the right patio door for your home.

1. Think about your lifestyle and budget Keep the people, places and things in your life in mind as you shop for a new door. Need to keep blinds and shades out of reach of children and/or pets?

What’s the size of the room? Do you live in a particularly hot, humid or cold climate?

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2. Select a style You’ll be able to choose from a variety of styles, including hinged, French and sliding doors. Many manufacturers offer an online design tool letting you play with different styles and finishes.

Hinged and French wood patio doors add a classic, elegant look and work well in more spacious rooms where they don’t run the risk of bumping into any furniture or walls when open. You can choose from two doors that swing open from the middle, one movable with one fixed door or a single hinged door.

Since they don’t swing open, sliding patio doors require less floor space.

This allows you to place furniture nearby or brighten up the smaller rooms in your home.

3. Choose a material type It’s important to consider the material type of your door based on your climate, the style of your home and your personal preference. Patio doors can come in three different material types:

• Wood creates a warm, natural look and can be stained or painted to complement most home styles and decor.

• Fiberglass is the most durable option and is well suited for extreme heat and cold climates while also providing the look of a painted wood door.

• Vinyl offers added energy efficiency, low-maintenance and affordable quality.

4. Select additional features and options You can personalize your patio door with added features to create more style and function. Try out different stains and finishes, add stylish nickel hardware, or select a patio door with blinds, shades or grilles tucked between the panes of glass.

If you’re still not sure which one to choose, don’t worry – an expert, such as a Pella representative can help match you with the right one. Visit Pella Windows and Doors on Houzz for more design inspiration or Pella.com to schedule an in-home consultation.

certified to perform well and use less water and energy than the standard ones.

• Follow the rules. When in drought, your community may need to enforce temporary water restrictions to save limited supplies for those who need it most, including firefighters, hospitals and utilities. Respect requests to use less water on your lawns, cars and other outdoor uses during water shortages.

• Go the extra mile. If you want to go above and beyond, you can collect water in a bucket while waiting for the shower to warm up or when washing pots, and use it to water container plants or flower beds. Use your imagination to come up with creative ways to save water or visit www.epa. gov/watersense/our_water/drought.html.

In the future, consider landscaping with plants that are suited to your area’s climate and use less water. Learn more at www.epa.gov/watersense/ outdoor/landscaping_tips.html.

And if you live in a drought-prone area and already gave your landscape a makeover with plants that use less water, post a photo to Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #watersavingyard to show your friends and neighbors how beautiful a drought-tolerant yard can be.

HOME AND GARDEN

(NAPSI) – As drought conditions ease in Kansas, it may be tempting to leave the water running to keep yourself and your lawn cool.

However, as seen on the West Coast, droughts rob communities of the rain or snow that replenishes their much-needed water supplies, so saving water for the future becomes more important than ever.

Drought may not be an issue right now, but water shortages strike different areas at different times of the year, so saving water is always in season. Be water-savvy with the following tips.

• Take a sprinkler break. Grass doesn’t have to be bright green year-round. It’s natural for it to turn a little brown at the tips during summer’s hottest months. You can cut back on watering and maintain a healthy lawn, so skip that shower for your landscape. For every 20-minute watering session missed, you could save 2,500 gallons of water or more.

• Consider an upgrade. If you’re thinking about a bathroom update, now is a good time to replace old plumbing fixtures with water-saving models.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “WaterSense” program labels toilets, faucets and showerheads that have been independently

27 - September 2015

Drought or not, every drop counts

WestSide Story

September 2015 - 28 HOME AND GARDEN WestSide Story

Ways to protect your family at home (NAPSI) – A few simple steps can help reduce the risk that your loved ones will be injured in your house.

Be sure your home is adequately protected by smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For the best protection, smoke alarms should be interconnected, so that they all sound if one sounds. You can now interconnect battery-operated alarms by wireless technology.

Combination devices that include both ionization and photoelectric alarms offer the most comprehensive protection. An ionization alarm is more responsive to flames, while a photoelectric alarm is more responsive to a smoldering fire.

Once the alarms are installed properly, be sure to test them monthly and replace the batteries once a year or anytime an alarm “chirps” or “beeps” to indicate low batteries. In any case, smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

If children live in or visit your house, you should know that every day, nearly

seven youngsters are treated in hospital emergency rooms for electrical shock or burn injuries caused by tampering with a wall outlet. Fortunately, tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs) can replace standard outlets to protect children from injury.

They include a built-in shutter system that keeps foreign objects out. When equal pressure is applied simultaneously to both sides, the receptacle cover plates open, so a standard plug can make contact with the receptacle contact points.

Without this synchronized pressure, the cover plates remain closed.

Give your home a check-up. To reduce your risk, your outlets, extension cords, appliances and lightbulbs all need to be safely inspected, installed, utilized and maintained.

To help you identify and remedy any electrical hazards in your home, the Electrical Safety Foundation International has a variety of resources that can show you how to protect your home and loved ones. Visit www.esfi.org to view and download these materials free of charge.

Consider replacing outlets with tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs) to protect children from trying to stick some foreign object into the outlet.

29 - September 2015

Kitchen Tune-Up to the rescue!

Recent makeovers transform kitchens into functional, beautiful spaces It’s that time of year – the kids are off to school, the weather is changing and it’s time to focus on your house again.

If that focus includes a new kitchen, the Kitchen Tune-Up team is ready to step in and turn those visions into reality.

Kitchen Tune-Up has remodeled more than 1,000 kitchens since Jim and Arlene Phillips started the business in 2005, and the company’s services range from One-Day Restoration or “Tune-Up” of cabinets or any interior wood surfaces, to cabinet refacing projects to complete custom kitchens.

Recent custom kitchen projects have produced amazing results for their owners:

Typically, the first consultation is by appointment at the new Kitchen Tune-Up design center and showroom, located at 4057 N. Woodlawn, Suite 1, with designer, Rachel. Clients can look at samples of the new cabinet structure, door styles for custom remodels and/or refaces, an example of actual reface projects, tilework, and many different kinds of countertops including granite, quartz, and laminates.

“In addition to kitchen cabinet work, Kitchen Tune-Up will coordinate countertops, back splashes, floors – anything to do with a kitchen project,” said Jim. “And when the work is done, clients can rest assured that they’ve gotten the best possible results.”

For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call Kitchen Tune-Up at 316-558-8888.

Be sure to check out the Phillips company’s extensive BEFORE/AFTER portfolio on Facebook!

When you visit the local Kitchen Tune-Up Facebook page, be sure to ‘LIKE’ Kitchen Tune-Up, Wichita.

BEFORE A previous kitchen renovation done by Kitchen Tune-Up went so well for homeowners Joy McLain and Diana Rickson that Kitchen Tune-Up was the obvious choice for the next project in their new home.

AFTER

The Kitchen TuneUp design team helped transform a cramped kitchen space and dining room (left) into a bright, modern and open space (above).

WestSide Story

• When homeowners Diana Rickson and Joy McLain were ready for a kitchen makeover at their recently purchased home, they knew just who to call: the experts with Kitchen Tune-Up! This was the second home – and second project – that Joy and Diana had turned over to Jim and Arlene Phillips.

At their new home, Joy and Diana quickly realized their kitchen wasn’t exactly what they wanted. Their experiences with the previous Kitchen Tune-Up project made it easy to pick up the phone and get started with designer Rachel Phillips, Jim and Arlene’s daughter-in-law, who works with customers on their design needs from start to finish.

The new kitchen features a vertical tile backsplash with a glass look, contrasting white granite countertops that look like marble, but without the issues of marble in a kitchen. Rollout trays were added, and

• Another recent project – a complete makeover of a cramped kitchen and dining room area – produced just the right response from the happy homeowners.

“We now have a truly transformed kitchen and we give all the thanks to Kitchen Tune-Up,” said the homeowners.

For years, the homeowners had lived with a small kitchen space that was made even more awkward by a peninsula that jutted into the room and a set of upper cabinets that cut off the kitchen from the small adjacent dining room.

“It was a very cramped kitchen for 26 years,” the homeowners said with a laugh. “We loved our home, but we didn’t get to design anything.”

The resulting kitchen, while still small, has a much larger feel to it. Now, the kitchen area – with all new cabinets (including the pantry that the homeowners wanted) – flows directly into the dining room space.

New dining room furniture completed the transformation, and copper accents tie everything together.

AFTER

HOME AND GARDEN

• A stunning kitchen transformation began by replacing the tired, worn-out cabinetry with beautiful Mission-style, solid knotty-alder doors and drawers in a natural finish. Contrasting cabinets in black painted maple provided a striking accent against the natural wood tones.

Baltic Brown granite also highlights the light cabinetry color, introducing shades of Olive Green and Terra Cotta. A coordinating backsplash using a mix of natural slate and linear glass tiles brings to life the colors in the granite, while blending with the rustic elegance of the beamed ceiling.

Updated lighting in an oil-rubbed bronze color blends perfectly with the updated kitchen sink and faucet finishes. Bronze hardware on the cabinets showcases an eclectic blend of country chic cup pulls and classic style hardware. New stainless steel appliances and soft-close drawers and doors make this kitchen as functional as it is beautiful.

the new look is very modern yet very comfortable.

New lighting and paint color completed the project.

Joy and Diana do a lot of entertaining, and the new kitchen space is open and inviting. Guests can sit and visit along a kitchen counter, or gather in an adjoining family room that is fully open to the kitchen. And in addition to the kitchen make-over, a bank of doors in the linen storage area was redoored to blend with the modern look they love.

September 2015 - 30 HOME AND GARDEN WestSide Story

Flint Hills Spas New location provides expanded showroom for customers

Pictured in their new location are Flint Hills Spas’ owner Jamil Toubassi, left, and former owner Dave Garretson.

Garretson is still actively involved with the business. Come see what Flint HIlls Spas has to offer at 6350 E. Central Ave.

Flint Hills Spas has gained some much-needed elbow room.

But the new location for the city’s premier hot tub and swim spa dealer has filled up fast.

Owner Jamil Toubassi is excited about the more than doubled showroom space he now has available for customers, and the new product lines being carried by Flint Hills Spas.

The new showroom is located at 6350 East Central, just east of Ace Hardware. Flint Hills Spas moved there in late August.

“The timing was perfect,” said Toubassi.

“We’re heading into Fall, and now’s the time to think about backyard improvements. We can help with hot tubs, swim spas and many other new products like infrared saunas, pellet and ceramic grills and various patio accessories.”

One of the exciting new products for customers in the Flint Hills Spas showroom is a floor model swim spa.

“Swim spas are the fastest growing segment of the overall hot tub industry,” said Toubassi.

“They offer a great combination of exercise and therapy, they can be used year-round and are way more affordable than an in-ground swimming pool.”

Former owner Dave Garretson is still heavily involved with the business and is well-known as the hot tub guru of Kansas. He continues to share his more than 40 years of knowledge and experience with customers.

“We knew Dave, and after I left Koch Industries, I decided to buy a business here in Wichita,” said Toubassi. “He’s very passionate about the business, and we’re so glad he’s a long-term part of our growth.”

Flint Hills Spas is open seven days a week.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

For more information, call 316-733-1200, stop by the showroom at 6350 E. Central, or visit the company’s website, www.flinthillsspas. com.

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improvement to outdoor living areas.

You have many options for creating an outdoor kitchen, from building a simple frame and sliding a standard gas grill into it, to a more elaborate stone installation complete with an oven and multiple burners. You can save money by using online guides and renting tools to build your own backyard kitchen.

4. Build a dedicated space for napping What’s more relaxing than napping in the shade with a soft breeze as your blanket? Constructing a wooden swing, suspended bed swing or a wooden hammock can be an easy weekend project that requires the rental of only a few simple tools. When you’re done, you’ll enjoy testing the fruits of your labor with an afternoon nap.

5. Set up superior seating Anyone can buy some patio furniture and put it on the deck, but built-in seating takes outdoor relaxation to the next level. Adding built-in seating can be as simple as building a wooden frame along a deck railing and adding plush cushions, or as elaborate as creating a sunken pit from field stone and patio pavers. Look online for inspiration and ideas that will fit with your space and design tastes.

Whatever project you decide to tackle, renting the tools you’ll need is a cost-effective way to get the job done without overspending. Plus, when you’re done with the tools you won’t have to worry about finding somewhere to store them. To find a local rental store, visit www.rentalhq.com.

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HOME AND GARDEN

(BPT) – A beautiful back yard has become a suburban status symbol much like a brand-new car in the driveway.

Upgrading your outdoor space is not only uplifting, it’s practical, too. A great back yard expands your living space, enhances your enjoyment of your home and can boost resale value.

Anyone can plant some flowers or put in a patio. To truly take your outdoor spaces to the next level, though, look to projects that offer a big “wow factor.” Many are well within the capabilities of most do-it-yourselfers. You can find detailed instructions online, and all the tools you’ll need are at your local American Rental Association member rental store. Here are five warm-weather projects to turn your back yard into an enticing oasis.

1. Create a fire pit area Metal fire pits and chimineas are available in home improvement stores, but to create a truly memorable outdoor experience, consider building your own fire pit. Rather than simply being another portable accessory cluttering up your outdoor space, a built-in fire pit becomes an ambience-boosting design element in your yard. To create a fire pit, you’ll need a good-sized circle of level ground in your yard, tools for digging, stones or bricks for construction, and implements for hauling sand, stone and bricks.

2. Plant a vertical garden Gardening is a popular summer pastime, one that can fill your yard and home with beautiful blooms, lush greenery and nutritious, low-cost produce. If you don’t have a great deal of room for a spacious garden plot, or if you want a garden that’s more visually striking than raised beds or containers, consider a vertical garden. Virtually any unadorned outdoor wall can accommodate a vertical garden. Depending on how you choose to affix plants and containers to the wall, you may need to rent nail guns or construction-grade staple guns.

3. Add an outdoor kitchen Cooking and eating outside are among the great joys of warm weather, and outdoor kitchens are a popular

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31 - September 2015

Five over-the-top outdoor improvements for DIYers

September 2015 - 32

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