Emporia Living Wishes 2015

wishes CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

2015

SEASON OF GIVING

Winter 2015

INSIDE

Emporia Community Foundation Guides Charitable Giving for a Stronger Community Ugliest Sweaters The Emporia Gazette hosted an Ugly Sweater Contest and inside are a few of our favorites!

Dynamic Discs for Christmas Presents Dynamic Discs has several discs that you may want to give as gifts year

Wish List The perfect presents for everyone on your list from local merchants

VB LOGO VARIATIONS

The perfect Christmas gift is closer than you think.

Shop local this year. Make your first stop the Emporia CVB at 719 Commercial St. for maps, guides and Chamber gift certificates. Then stroll around our historic downtown this holiday season and shop at our locally owned, one-of-a-kind businesses for a unique gift for that special someone.

Call 620-342-1600 or visitemporia.com

STAFF

TABLE OF CONTENTS Editor & Publisher Chris Walker

Marketing Director Briana Julo Marketing Staff Saundra Hutchinson Cassi Ellis-Olinger Contributing Writers Melissa Lowery The Emporia Gazette Contributing Photographers Kendra Johnson Design The Emporia Gazette Production Department IM Design Group For more information, please contact: 517 Merchant Street Emporia, KS 66801 320-342-4800

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Emporia Community Foundation Guides Charitable Giving for a Stronger Community

10 13 14

Best of the Ugliest Holiday Sweaters

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Wish List

Put Dynamic Discs on your Christmas List Christmas Light Display Celebrates Values of Late Mother

Wishes is a publication of

Your new Favorite plaCe to sHop in emporia

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2 | Wishes

1121 CommerCial emporia 620-208-lilY

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707 Commercial St •Emporia

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We have always enjoyed grilling out steaks. Now that we have tried the Choice Aged Angus we have at our new store, we love grilling out! The steaks are so Juicy & Tender they just melt in your mouth and the flavor is awesome! We have people call us every week telling us how great our Fanestil Steaks are! Enjoy our Great Fanestil Steaks or give as a Gift for The Holidays!”

Build Your Own Gift Steak Box! Choice Aged Angus Beef. The Best Gift Ever! Call, email or stop by to order a gift! We can mail it to anyone in the USA!

— Dan & Jan Smoots

THE FANESTIL SPECIAL STEAK BOX • 2 Filet Mignon Choice Steaks • 2 Ribeye Choice Steaks • 2 KC Strip Choice Steaks 4 | Wishes

ALL FOR $75.00

BRING HOME THE BACON • 1 - 14 oz. package of Peppered Bacon • 1 - 1 pound package of Regular Sliced Bacon • 1 - 1 1/2 pound package of Thick Sliced Bacon • 1 - 1 pound package of Steak Cut Bacon

Combo package all for $32.95

SMOKED HAM • Whole Bone-In 14-16 Lbs Ham

$65.95 • ½ Bone-In 7-8 Lbs Ham

$34.95 • 14-16 lbs. Whole Spiral Sliced Ham

$68.95 • 7-8 lbs. ½ Spiral Sliced Ham

$36.95

Orders can be shipped or picked up in a Holiday Gift Box at AVAILABLE

4700 West Hwy. 50, Emporia, KS 66801 Mon: 8-5 • Tues: Fri. 8-6 • Sat: 10-4 We accept Visa, Master Card & Discover.

Order online or call and talk to a live person, 800-658-1652 • 620-342-6354 • www.fanestils.com Wishes | 5

FEATURE

The ECF Board of Directors. Back Row: DJ Glaser, Mark Schreiber, Steve Harmon, Bob Symmonds, Front Row: Kay Louer, Janis Meyer, Cynthia Kraft.

Emporia Community Foundation Guides Charitable Giving for a Stronger Community

by Melissa Lowery

‘T

is the season of giving, but with so many worthy organizations and causes, how do you choose where to donate? Where can your donation do the most good? For the last 20 years, the Emporia Community Foundation (ECF) has helped connect caring people with causes that speak to their hearts and build stronger communities.

Community foundations are independent, public entities that oversee philanthropic resources from both institutional and individual donors to local

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nonprofits, using collective giving to amplify impact within a community.

To put it more simply, as ECF Director Emeritus Ken Calhoun liked to say, “The United Way is the checkbook for the community, and the Emporia Community Foundation is the savings account.”

20 Years of Collective Giving

Created in 1995, the ECF has grown from a single fund of $5,000 to more than 100 funds totaling approximately $17 million. Over

the past two decades, the ECF has awarded more than $8 million to charitable causes throughout Emporia and the surrounding communities through its various funds and the Foundation’s annual grant program.

The ECF accepts grant proposals in September each year and announces awards in December.

Grants cover a variety of needs in the community, from educational to cultural and recreational or social necessities. Some are small, but mighty, while others are large and far-reaching.

Recent recipients include the Emporia Recreation Commission, which received $9,995 to fund a portion of the timing equipment purchased for use in multiple local race events, such as the Dirty Kanza 200 and 5K races; ECKAN of Osage County, which received funds to meet the dental needs of low income residents; and the Emporia Child Care Center for improvements at their new facility.

Although Emporia is in the organization’s title, the ECF represents Lyon, Chase, Greenwood, Morris, Osage, Coffey

Loni Heinen, program officer, and Shirley Antes, executive director are at the administrative helm of ECF.

ECF provides $20,000 in community grants to charitable organizations

Elvin Perkins began gathering information about community foundations

1994

Kaltenbacher Trust of Chase County becomes first major gift to ECF

1999

and Wabaunsee counties through the charitable actions of a variety of funds established for the purpose of bettering the lives of individuals within these communities.

“When you see the list of our funds, you can see that our reach is a lot bigger than people realize,” said Loni Heinen, Program Officer.

In 2010, the ECF established affiliate funds in Chase and Greenwood counties, recognizing that local citizens are better able to see and meet the needs of their communities.

“We serve seven counties, but we don’t necessarily know what each county needs,” said Shirley Antes, Executive Director. “Our affiliate in Chase County has been very successful. They have their own board, raised their own endowment and award their own grants. They have their fingers on the pulse on what’s going on in their county, and they can best take care of those needs because they’re the ones who are living there and are a part of the community.”

Ultimately Antes would like to establish an affiliate in each county the ECF serves, with the organization providing the legal

• ECF assets reach $6.7M • Over $2M has been granted to charitable projects • NASCAR driver, Clint Bowyer holds 1st charity event & starts 79 Fund • First 5-year strategic plan developed

2001

• Loni Heinen hired as administrative assistant (now Program Officer) • Affiliates Chase County & Growing Greenwood formed • ECF is confirmed in National Standards

Fund the Future

With more than 100 established funds to choose from, the ECF has a fund for nearly every local cause you can imagine, from preserving heritage sites and improving playgrounds to feeding the hungry and caring for animals.

The abundance of options can be overwhelming, but Antes is happy to help donors find a cause that speaks to them.

“The first thing I ask donors is, ‘What are your interests? What’s your passion?’ Then we help people support the causes that matter to them,” said Antes.

Donors may choose to contribute to funds for specific needs, such as the Sertoma Train Fund, which maintains the miniature train at Soden’s Grove Park, or the Never Let Go fund, which provides financial assistance to Lyon County families with children battling cancer.

The ECF also oversees funds

• ECF celebrates 20 years of service to the community • Assets reach $17+ Million • Over $8M from all funds granted to charitable causes • ECF seeks re-affirmation of National Standards

• Shirley Antes hired as Exec. Dir./COO • ECF affiliates with Trusler Foundation • New 5-year strategic plan developed

2010

2008

and office support necessary to allow individual communities to guide giving and meeting their unique needs.

2013

2015

Celebrating our Past . . . Looking Toward our Future 1995

ECF is established on Feb. 6 with a $5,000 gift from Loretto Langley

2000

2007

Second major gift comes to the foundation through the Jane & Bernard Reeble Foundation Ken Calhoun hired as ECF Executive Director/COO

2009

1st ECF Annual Report is presented to the community

2012

• KHF awards ECF a $300,000 challenge match grant • 79 Fund gifts Bowyer Community Building to the community

2014

• 1st Emporia Area Match Day raises over $61,000 • ECF assets reach $16.7M

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with broader reaches, such as the 79 Fund, started

by Clint Bowyer with the intent to improve Emporia and the What’s In Outdoors Fund, with a mission to support and promote youth/ family activities in the Great Outdoors.

Managing these funds to strengthen our communities requires resources as well. In August, the ECF celebrated 20 years of growth and success, and launched a campaign to raise $1 million for the Fund the Future by 2020. The Fund the Future is an endowment fund used by the ECF for operational expenses, retaining highly qualified staff and promoting ECF’s future growth through an expanded grant program.

This is the first campaign for the public to contribute to the Fund the Future, said

Antes, and she is optimistic about reaching the goal.

After the 20th anniversary celebration, the Fund the Future had a balance of just over $300,000. The immediate goal is to raise $145,000 by December 15, 2015, which will result

rewarding in so many ways.

Whether you choose to donate to a specific cause or support a general fund, giving to the ECF ensures that your gift will help build a stronger community for everyone.

“So many of us don’t need material things, we’d rather help somebody else in some way, and the Emporia Community Foundation is a great avenue for people do to that through the numerous funds that we have,” said – Shirley Antes Antes. “Giving to one of our funds in a $50,000 match from or our Fund for the Future helps an anonymous donor and many, many people – that’s the bring the total to $500,000, beauty of collective giving. halfway to the goal of We truly are the community’s reaching $1 million by foundation.”

2020.

For more information about In this season of giving, the ECF, funds and giving extending that generosity opportunities, visit emporiacf. to our communities can be org or call 620-342-9304. 

“Giving to one of our funds or our Fund for the Future helps many, many people – that’s the beauty of collective giving. We truly are the community’s foundation.”

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AREA CALENDAR

SOS Preparing for Holiday Season The holiday season is quickly approaching and SOS is beginning to prepare to help our families who will be in need this season. For most of us, the holidays are a time of family celebration and happiness. For families torn apart by domestic violence or child abuse, the holidays are an ugly reminder of the pain and fear they are experiencing. To help make the holidays brighter for those troubled families, SOS will be asking for the community’s help to provide basic needs and small gifts to families during the holidays.

If you are interested in adopting a family/individual this holiday season or learning more about this opportunity to brighten the holidays for a family, call SOS, 620-343-8799 or e-mail Lydia Cope, LCope@soskansas.com.

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Ugliest of Holiday Sweaters The Emporia Gazette hosted an Ugly Sweater Contest and here are few of our favorites!

Brittany and Kevin Kramer had the ugliest of the ugly sweaters and won $100 to Java Cat and $100 to Studio 11!

Carla and Wayne Fessler

Kevin and Brittany Kramer

Danielle Johnson

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Joe Foster

Allison Foster

Kristen Lawrence

HEALTH

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Quality services

• Medical • Dental • Behavioral Health

For your schedule and budget

• Same-day appointments • Extended hours • Sliding-fee scale • Prescription assistance • In-house lab

Merry ChristMas froM

Holiday Health Tips: + Wash your hands often. Sanitize surfaces. + Take care to manage work, home & holiday stress. + Get adequate sleep. + Amid the treats, find ways to eat healthy & be active. + Stay home if you’re feeling sick!

420 W. 15th Ave. Emporia • 620-342-4864 • flinthillshealth.org Wishes | 11

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Put Dynamic Discs on your Christmas List

E

ven if you don’t play disc golf, Dynamic Discs has several discs that you may want to give as gifts this holiday season.

In celebration of 2016 Dynamic Discs hosting the Professional Disc Golf Association Worlds event in Emporia, they have released a commemorative disc to begin the fundraising process. The image on the disc is positively Kansas and Emporia.

“On our design we wanted to incorporate a Kansas feel as well as a World feel into the stamp. So we incorporated wheat, Kansas farming and the background image of the World brings everything together. I think it is a really cool and unique stamp for the world championships,” said Dynamic Discs owner Jeremy Rusco.

This fundraiser disc is available to everyone; throwers, collectors and those that simply want to help support.

“Our staff is focused on putting on the best and largest Worlds

event in history and that comes at a cost. Sales from these discs help us put on this event and help us have a great cash payout for the winning pros,” Jeremy Rusco said These discs are done in limited numbers and they will definitely be collectors’ items. Dynamic Discs is offering two versions of the Pro Worlds Fundraiser disc. A version in Lucid plastic for $19.99 or a full color stamp in Fuzion plastic for $24.99.

Discs for ESU, K-State or KU fans

Dynamic Discs also has a line of collegiate discs for fans of ESU, K-State or KU. Dynamic Discs is the only manufacturer to carry these universities and others.

“We wanted to help Emporia State in any way we can and these discs are a way to promote ESU,” Rusco said.

“We want to show Emporia as a destination to play disc golf and get an education. We have scholarships at ESU and are working towards

having kids come here to play in college, get an education and possibly intern or work for us after graduation,” Rusco said.

Marvel-themed discs

Dynamic Discs biggest release of the year may be their license agreement with Marvel featuring Marvel Superheroes.

The have produced a line of Captain America discs. To meet the demand of these hot sellers Dynamic Discs has had to increase their production and printing capabilities.

“From start to finish it took a year for us to enter into an agreement with Marvel. Marvel is owned by Disney and they don’t mess around when they give out their license commitment,” Rusco said. “You have to make sure you can make your financial commitments and fortunately it has worked out so far. We are also looking at other licensing agree-

ments with Disney.”

To purchase these discs or others, visit the Dynamic Discs retail store at 912 Commercial St. or go online to dynamicdiscs.com. 

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Christmas light display celebrates values of late mother

By John Giffin For the past two years, Jesse Shaver has built and showcased the most extravagant outdoor Christmas lights display in Emporia.

He calls the display, “Dancing of Lights.” Shaver started decorating his house with the display after the birth of his granddaughter.

“I used to put a lot of Christmas lights up when my kids were little and I got tired of doing it,” Shaver said. “Then I had a granddaughter.

Three years ago this Christmas she was six months old and I decided that I have got to put a display together. That’s what I built this for, was my granddaughter.”

Named The Emporia Gazette Person of the Week for his love of Christmas in the past, Shaver’s love of Christmas comes from his late mother.

“At first I started years ago because of what my mother instilled in me,” Shaver said. “She gave me The Shavers home located at 2942 W. Lake Drive.

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Wishes | 15

some good memories of Christmas and good values of Christmas.”

Shaver’s mother died when he was 12 from Lupus at the age of 35.

“Christmas was everything to Mom,” Shaver said. “It was a big deal to be sure we were taken care with something, even though we had no money, and to have a nice Christmas and be around family. That meant a lot to me and stuck with me.”

Passing that love of Christmas on to his children and now grandchild, Shaver said the light display made an impression on his then six month old granddaughter immediately.

“I took her out there and we actually did a remote,” Shaver said. “I set it up to push a button and it went off, kind of like Christmas vacation and I’m Sparky, you could see her eyes going everywhere looking at everything, so that right there made it worth it.”

For the past two years, neighbors and Christmas light viewers line up to see the display at 2942 W. Lake Dr. that is set to music. A low power FM signal is transmitted so the audience can tune their radios to hear the music the lights dance to.

“We’ve had families come and bring food,” Shaver said. “Threw a blanket out in the field north of my yard and had pizza and pop and watched.”

There are 8,000 to 9,000 lights in the display. The lights are hooked up to boxes that are programmed to make the individual strings

dance to the music. The FM signal comes from a FM transmitter attached to the boxes.

“There are four controllers,” Shaver said.

“They are steel boxes that control the lights.

They are driven from and sd card reader. That sd card reader is programmed by a lap top. Not by me. By the company in Kansas City (Holiday Technologies) that help me do it.”

The display card each has 12 to 14 songs.

Shaver has two cards, one for the weekdays, one for the weekends.

“He told me I didn’t need as many as I got,” Shaver said about the songs. “And he was probably right because most people come up and listen to two songs and they are on their way, so you don’t need so many. There are just certain ones I like.”

Shaver begins building the display in August, but can’t finish installing the ground display until after mowing and leaf raking season is over. He will not turn the lights on early.

In the future, Shaver is interested with partnering with someone to use his light display to raise money for a cause.

“Emporia is pretty good at giving,” Shaver said. “I’m always open to giving to something charitable. Helping someone out that needs help, especially at Christmas time. If there was a group that wanted to hook up with me and raise some food or toys, they can get a hold of me down here at the shop and maybe we can something next year.” 

Wishing You and Yours a Very

601 Cross St., Burlington • 620-364-2117 16 | Wishes

AREA CALENDAR

Breakfast with Santa The Emporia Public Library’s annual Breakfast with Santa is from 9 - 11 a.m.

Saturday, December 5 at the Emporia Public Library, 110 E. Sixth Ave. Activities will include a continental breakfast, crafts and holiday music. Families are also invited to view Emporia Public Library’s Storybook Christmas Tree and Polar Express train.

Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for special story times at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Cameras encouraged for photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Friendly, honest service with integrity for over 75 years!

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AREA CALENDAR

The Nutcracker Sherry’s Dance Workshop brings Emporians a dance recital each December, alternating between beloved family shows. This year students will present “The Nutcracker Ballet” on December 19, 7 p.m., in Albert Taylor Hall.

The Nutcracker Ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice.” Clara, a young German girl, dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fierce battle against a Mouse King with seven heads.

The ballet is performed to music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Principals for 2015 are Maranda Scheller (Clara), Isaac Hall (the Nutcracker Prince), Hannah Duncan (Sugar Plum Fairy) and Noah East (her Cavalier).

Admission is free. The performance is inside Plumb Hall, 1 Kellogg Circle, on the Emporia State University Campus. The nearest parking is along the west edge of campus on Merchant St.

USD 253 Seasonal Celebration For almost 80 years, Emporia schoolchildren have presented a holiday concert for the community called The Seasonal Celebration.

This year’s concerts are at 7 p.m. December 9 and 10 in the W.L. White Auditorium inside the Civic Building at Sixth Avenue and Mechanic Street. The program will feature vocal and instrumental holiday music from around the world performed by students in grades six through 12.

Ensembles such as the Choralaires, Viva Voce, Orchestra and Symphonic Band will all perform as the students celebrate a variety of holiday traditions.

Admission is $3; pre-school children are admitted for free. The public may view the dress rehearsal for free at noon December 8.

Project Warmth Project Warmth is led by 96One The Wave to provide coats, hats, gloves and blankets to those in need. The Wave collects at several sites through town from November through the 13th and then gives the donations to The Salvation Army for distribution. Learn more at www.ksradio.com.

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Delane Toy Drive Residents on DeLane Drive, Darlene Way, Diane Avenue and Hillcrest Drive unite every year to decorate their homes and yards with Christmas lights, holiday figures, and luminarias. The lights send up a beacon that lights the winter sky and guides sightseers to the horseshoe-shaped streets, west of Prairie Street and north of 18th Avenue.

There, from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12, Santa Claus, his elves and assorted friends will staff the drop-off boxes for the neighborhood’s annual collection of toys and money to benefit children in the area.

Residents are invited to drive by to enjoy the light show and, if they wish, to donate toys or money to purchase needed items.

SOS representatives will choose appropriate toys for children in their programs, and remaining toys will be donated to The Salvation Army. People who donate checks should make them payable to SOS. Donors and sightseers may enter the horseshoe from DeLane or Darlene streets. Drive slowly, put on the parking lights and enjoy the ambience.

Angel Trees The Angel Tree program matches donors with children from qualified families who are unable to provide gifts and clothing to their children during the holidays. The Angel Tree program helps The Salvation Army assist lowincome families in Lyon County with Christmas gifts for hundreds of children age 0-16.

Angel Trees will be set out November 20, with gifts due by December 14. A placard with information about the child and what they want is hung from the tree. Simply pick one (or more) off, complete the shopping and return the gifts to the designated location.

Information: 342-3093.

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Wishing everyone Happy Holidays from all of us at

3105 West 6th Ave.(Old Hw y 50) 620-343-0086 williamsautomotive.net

702 Commercial St. 620-340-0620

20 | Wishes

AREA CALENDAR

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from

Emporia Christmas Parade The theme for the 38th Annual Community Christmas Parade is “Holiday Glow.”

Civic groups, musical ensembles, schools, churches and business will process downtown at Emporia’s annual Christmas parade December 1, starting at Fourth Avenue and proceeding north along Commercial Street to the university. The rain date is December 3.

An opening ceremony with Mayor Danny Giefer will be held at 6:30 p.m. at 714 Commercial Street and the parade itself commences at 7 p.m. For the latest updates, go to www.emporiakschamber.org.

AMERICAN

REAL ESTATE

A White Christmas at Red Rocks

A Chase County Christmas Chase county will spend the weekend of November 27 celebrating the holidays, beginning with the Strong City Seasonal Express at 5:30 p.m., featuring guest performer Kevin Roth. Gather in the Strong City Caboose Park for this free event.

Saturday, activities move to Cottonwood Falls, with a Country Christmas Breakfast, Holly Jolly run, open house, a Remembrance service and tree, live music, a chili cook-off, arts and the Holiday Home Tour. The lighting of the Chase County Courthouse and Historic River Bridge is at 7 p.m., followed by a parade and Christmas Ball.

For a complete list of event locations and times please visit www. chasecountychamber.org

A White Christmas at Red Rocks, the historic home of William Allen White, will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. December 6. Hors d’ouevres, music and tours will be held in the beautifully maintained home, decorated for the holidays. Admission is free; Donations are welcome.

Red Rocks is located at 927 Exchange Street, Emporia. For more information call 620-342-2800, or visitkshs.org/red_rocks.

Gingerbread Contest

The Fifth Annual Friends of the Library Gingerbread Contest is December 9.

This fun contest with cash prizes is held in the library’s large conference room, and the entries are displayed December 10 through 13 during regular library hours.

There are categories for youth, adults, professional and groups; some allow kits, some must be completely edible. Previous entries have ranged from pirate ships to cathedrals, ranch homes to literary-themed constructions.

In addition to category prizes, three $100 prizes will be made: the Friend’s Choice Award, the People’s Choice Award and the Professional category.

Get a registration form and the guidelines from the library between now and Dec. 7 at 110 E. Sixth Ave. or www.emporialibrary.org.

KB Thomas Jr., Broker

“Round’n third and head’n home!”

• We respectfully solicit your listing and inquiries.

• 15 times Emporia’s top individual seller • Emporia’s all time #1 individual seller • The “record” 1972, 94 individual transactions

620-342-9500 Wishes | 21

WISH LIST

Luxe Bucks - The Perfect gift for that “hard to shop for� person on your list!

Gift certificates to French Lily and Karma Hair Boutique for any amount of your choosing. French Lily gift certificates good for any merchandise and Karma Hair Boutique gift certificates good for any services or products.

French Lily 1121 Commercial Street, Emporia 620-208-5459 (Lily)

Karma Hair Boutique 1119 Commercial Street, Emporia 620-794-1128

French Lily Signature Tote and FREE Small Tin Candle!

When you purchase a French Lily Signature Tote in black and cognac or winter white and cognac get a FREE small tin Volupsa candle!

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French Lily 1121 Commercial Street, Emporia 620-208-5459 (Lily)

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58

906 Commercial St. Emporia, KS 620-342-0022

Your smile makes our season bright

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, happY holidaYs and we have everything from you need to spread Bennett Christmas Cheer!

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WISH LIST

Guitar Package Make that special someone’s musical wishes come true this holiday season. With the purchase of any new guitar, receive free: 1 Snark Chromatic Tuner, 3 guitar picks, 1 pick holder, 1 extra set of strings, 1 free guitar lesson voucher. Prices vary.

Crash Back Brown Leather Keds

Flint Hills Music 715 Commercial Street, Emporia 620-343-4553

This casual, cute fall slip-on is the perfect addition to any stylish wardrobe. Easy going yet professional, this shoe is versatile enough to wear to the grocery store or wear to work!

Treat yourself, or add these to your wish list to experience the breathable lining and cushioned insole that make this item such a staple.

$

65

Studio 50-4 December special. Free earrings with a $50 purchase (select styles). Santa shops here!

Studio 50-4 504 Commercial Street, Emporia 815-403-1830

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Warm your soles this holiday season

EK Real Estate wants to thank the people of the Emporia area for allowing us to serve you for over 50 years and for making us the “Best of the Flint Hills”. 2015 has been an extraordinary year and we are excited to see the growth of Emporia. Our agents are ready to help you with all your real estate needs in 2016.

Jeff Kitselman 757-6833

805 Commercial St. • Emporia KS • (620) 366-2179 •

Deb, Jeff & Bre Williams 341-7653

like us on facebook

Lacie Hamlin 481-0213

Jan Utech 343-5100

and a

HaPPY nEW BEER!

Maurice Schmidt 366-3366

Matt Lowery 481-7033

Brenda Doudican 794-8075

Rachael Haynes 281-908-6657

Jo Sosa 757-3800

Marsha Worthen Office Manager

Laura Morrow Receptionist

Larry Ek 344-5620

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RESidEntial • CommERCial • land auCtionEERing • PRoPERty managEmEnt

620-342-3366 EMPORIA’S #1 SELLER 2716 W. 12th St. Emporia, KS 620-343-7414

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Wishes | 25

PAID CONTENT

A holistic approach to care

by Melissa Lowery

In October 2015, administrators at Newman Regional Health in Emporia learned that the hospital earned a spot on the list of the Top 10 Hospitals in Kansas from HealthGrove.com, a website that compiles statistics from a variety of sources. This achievement reflects a dedicated, holistic approach to improving the patient experience at Newman Regional Health, from admission to discharge and beyond.

Focusing on patient satisfaction

When Robert Wright accepted the position of CEO at NRH in 2013, he was pleased to see an overall high score for the hospital on Medicare’s Hospital Compare website. However, those scores primarily reflected the quality of the medical staff; overall patient satisfaction was low relative to other healthcare providers.

“We wanted to get in that top echelon,” Wright said. “So we began looking for ways to improve.”

Leveraging patient survey data, collected in compliance with Medicare requirements, healthcare specialists from the Studer Group

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created processes and training to improve the patient experience. After six months of implementing the recommended tactics, patient satisfaction scores began to increase, ultimately landing NRH on HealthGrove.com’s Top 10 Hospitals in Kansas list.

A major factor in this improvement is the pain team, said Julia Pyle, RN, MSN, Chief Operating Officer. This multi-disciplinary team is made up of nurses, anesthesiologists and physical therapists who focus on ensuring that patient pain is well-managed. Managing pain effectively not only increases patient satisfaction but results in better healing and less time in the hospital for patients.

Recently, hospital staff received a visit from members of The University of Kansas Hospital (KU Med) pain management program. KU Med shared their tips for pain management success with Newman staff and provided guidebooks to help handle more difficult cases.

The pain team also created more effective pain management education programs for patients, ensuring that they know prior to a

procedure what the process will be like. Joint Camp now begins 4 weeks before the procedure, implementing dietary changes and physical therapy conditions the patient prior to surgery which helps decrease any associated pain, and greatly improves recovery times. In addition, the team initiated the use of a new type of nerve block for joint surgeries. As a result of these changes, patients receiving knee and joint replacements are able to be released from the hospital days earlier than just a year ago.

Training for tomorrow’s patients today

In January 2015, Newman Regional Health opened a new Simulation Lab., the result of a collaboration between NRH, the Emporia State School of Nursing and the Flint Hills Technical College. Housed in the previous ICU area, which is now embedded within the medical surgery unit, the Simulation Lab., boasts three simulators to provide state-of-the-art training opportunities.

“We had been talking about developing a Simulation Lab. for several years,” said Pyle.

“When the former ICU area opened up, we began working with ESU and FHTC to make it happen.”

The Simulation Lab. has already seen a lot of use: FHTC and ESU students practice skills there; NRH uses it for training and orientation of new employees; and Lyon County EMS conducted training with it as well.

“It’s really a nice addition for the community,” Pyle said.

Attracting the best and the brightest

A hospital is only as good as its staff, and NRH administrators have been working hard to build an organization that not only recruits but retains quality medical professionals.

Turnover, particularly among nurses, is a growing problem for hospitals across the country.

“Nationally recruitment and retention of nurses is becoming a bigger issue, especially in rural areas,” Pyle said. Approximately 22% of nurses leave the profession within the first two years, in large part because they cannot make the transition from school to the workplace.

NRH is working to smooth that transition through a new internship program.

In partnership with ESU, NRH selects four nursing students per year to participate in a summer internship between their Junior and Senior years. These interns work with preceptor nurses who mentor them and oversee their activities. The program benefits both the students and the hospital, Pyle said.

“For the student, it enables them to get more hands-on clinical experience and experience real-world situations,” she said. “We also have the ability to recruit them, reducing their orientation time because they already know our systems and processes. It eases their transition from being a student to being in the real world.”

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Wright. Upon completion of the

internship, most students indicate that they would like to return to NRH after graduation.

“This is our big success story, it’s where our future lies,” Wright said. “If we can attract the best and the brightest, then we can continue to provide the quality care that we’re all in healthcare for. We want to do a good job for the community, and we can’t do that without good nurses and staff.”

Planning for the future

Currently NRH administration is working to attain Level IV Trauma designation, which they expect to achieve in 2016. A Level IV Trauma Center is one that has demonstrated an ability to provide advanced trauma life support (ATLS) prior to transfer of patients to a higher level trauma center. It provides evaluation, stabilization and diagnostic capabilities for injured patients.

In conjunction with earning that designation, NRH launched an initiative aimed at reducing falls within the community through education and risk assessment.

“Our biggest trauma mechanism is falls,” Wright said. “Approximately 70% of traumas we see are fall related, so we’re connecting that data back to the root cause and working to cut down on traumas. We’re out in the community, working with two of the home health agencies in the area, going into the home and looking for fall risks that can be eliminated.”

This holistic approach to healthcare – working within the community as well as the hospital to educate, assess and treat – creates a “halo effect” that increases the overall level of care. After all, Wright said, NRH is about providing the best healthcare possible for the community.

“While our financial performance is up and it is a focus, I want the operational people to be focused on what’s right for the patient and the community,” he said. “If you focus on caring for the patient, everything else will take care of itself.”

1201 W. 12th Ave, Emporia, KS 620-343-4800 www.newmanrh.org

Wishes | 27

AREA CALENDAR

Plumb Place The historic Plumb Place house will host the 11th annual Artist’s Open House December 4 and 5.

This event features fine art in a variety of media from area artists such as Terry Maxwell, Susan Fowler, Peggy Lyons, Gary Van Syoc, Mark Lee and Charlotte Nickel.

Plumb Place from 5 until 9 p.m.

Dec. 4 and 3 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5.

“We invite everyone to join us as local artists show and sell a variety of artworks including drawing, painting, fiber, photography, jewelry and blown glass,” said organizer Terry Maxwell.

Plumb Place, a shelter for women that provides life and work skills training, is located at 224. E. Sixth Ave. Admission is free and ample parking is available nearby.

Patrons can enjoy beverages and hors d’oeuvres provided by Plumb Place, music and a festive holiday atmosphere while viewing the offerings.

Happy Holidaze!

Santa Paws

2015 is the 10th anniversary of the lighting ceremony at the David Traylor Zoo of Emporia. It will be at dusk November 24 and the lights will remain up through New Year’s Day. The winning bidders for Flipping the Switch at the annual fundraising Round-Up went to Sandy Lyon and Melvin Beaushaw.

“Each year we have approximately 21,000 feet of lights in the Zoo,” said Zoo Director Lisa Keith. “We have converted about 40 percent of the lights to LEDs to help in our mission of conservation.

“This event is one way the Emporia Friends of the Zoo and the City of Emporia can Thank the community for their continued support of the Zoo and to hopefully put everyone in the holiday spirit.

“This event would not be possible without the financial support of EFOZ and the City of Emporia.”

Area pets can meet Santa Claus at “Santa Paws” from 1 to 4 p.m.

December 6 at L&L Pets. For $5 the pet will have a photo with Santa to benefit the Emporia Humane Society.

The address is 621 Commercial St. Dogs must be on a leash and cats in a carrier for their own safety. Information: 343-3398.

Sweeten the Season

with

Place Your Holiday Orders by December 15.

803 Commercial St. • Emporia • sweetgranada.com 28620-342-9600 | Wishes

WE SHIP • Holiday Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10-8 • Sun. 1-4

Life is unexpected.

We’ve got you covered for the Holiday’s

hometown store

511 Commercial St.

Emporia, KS 66801 (620) 342-2874 Mon-Fri: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Sat: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Sun: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

www.searshometownstores.com

Wishes | 29

AREA CALENDAR

Emporia Arts Center The Emporia Arts Center, will add new inventory for the holidays. Purchases made in the gift shop are shared between the artists and the EAC and will be available from November 21 through January 2. An open house will be held November 28.

Past artists have included Terry Maxwell (watercolors), Cecil and Lisa McKenzie (blown glass), Alan Tollakson (stone), Edward Barker (pottery) and Dave Leiker (photography).

The EAC is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays at 815 Commercial St. Information: 343-6473 or www.emporiaksarts.org.

The Red Stocking Breakfast Kansas Children’s Service League’s fourth annual Red Stocking Breakfast from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. December 5.

Pizza Ranch, 3000 W. 18th Ave, generously donates space and labor, while area celebrities and KCSL supporters serve a wonderful hot breakfast buffet with juice and coffee.

Keep kids safe and families strong; join this year’s Honorary Chairs Jeanine and Mark McKenna while supporting child abuse prevention and child-rearing education programs in Lyon County. Call 340-0408, Ext. 1001 or go to www.kcsl.org for tickets.

Serenading Emporia with Christmas Music for Over 30 Years! www.thomasunited.com

620-342-1163 • 800-835-3509 906 E. 6th Ave. • Emporia, KS • ICC # 67234 30 | Wishes

Shop local Emporia Main Street keeps the holiday action moving with events throughout the season. Learn more at www.emporiamainstreet.com and while you’re there look over the new Emporia historic scene playing cards or the Emporia Monopoly Game.

• Keep your money in town: Small Business Saturday is November 28.

• Slow down and relax: Carriage Rides are December 3, 10, and 17, leaving from and returning to the Farmers Market kiosk at Seventh Avenue and Merchant Street.

• Hang out late: Midnight Madness is December 10.

• Get one-of-a kind items at a fraction of the cost: Quarter Mania is December 8.

Merry Christmas to residents, family, friends and the Emporia Community from your neighbors at Holiday Resort

2700 W. 30th Avenue Emporia, KS 66801 www.HolidayResorts.net (620) 343-9285 Wishes | 31

Wishing you good health and happiness this Holiday Season Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc 2101 W. 6th Avenue, Emporia, KS 66801

Wishes team members and the Emporia area a safe and happy holiday season!

For Job Opportunities visit www.KansasWorks.com or www.TysonFoodsCareers.com

Tyson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, gender, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status.

• Specialists in diagnosis and disease management • Committed to promoting high quality living through preventative healthcare • Offering convenient evaluation, care and diagnosis

Wishing you happiness and togetherness...

ced, pe r i e n x e the hysicians o t lth aring p ssociates a e ur h and c cine A o y t Trus icated Medi ded ternal of In 620.342.2521 1301 West 12th Ave., Ste 202 Emporia, KS 66801 United Way of the Flint Hills

702 Commercial • Unitedwayoftheflinthills.org • 620-342-7564

32 | Wishes

Your friends at Newman Medical Partners

Wish you prosperity and good health this holiday season!

Newman Family Medicine

Jennifer Esau, DO

Bryce Heitman, DO

Newman Psychiatry

Anne LaSota, DO

Ryan LaSota, MD

Newman Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Andre Oulai, MD

Abbay Semhal, MD

Michael Yost, DO

Helena Stormont, APRN-C

Newman Cardiology 620-342-HART (4278)

Mulugeta Fissha, MD

Marcia Hendricks, APRN-C

Roger Roberts, DO

Tammy Black, APRN

Lindsay Garret, PA-C

Andrew Kneib, PA-C

Newman Surgical Specialists

Peggy Fell, APRN

Tim Harris, DO

Newman Ear, Nose & Throat

Newman Pediatrics

Joel Waxman, MD

Derek Brown, MD

Located in Newman Medical Plaza 1301 W 12th Ave. Emporia, KS 66801 Contact us at 620-343-2376

Matthew Turner, MD

“Let our family take care of your family!”