Manhattan, KS December 2025 by City Lifestyle

You Get What You Give

The holidays have a way of reminding us what really mat ters. Between the glowing lights, the bustle of downtown shopping, and the laughter that lingers after another holiday meal, there’s an undeniable warmth that fills this season — not just from the fireplaces, but from the people around us.

It’s easy to think of the holidays as a time of getting: gifts, time off, a little rest after a busy year. But when you take a step back, the real magic has always been in the giving. Whether it’s a wrapped present under the tree, a meal shared with someone who needs it, or a quiet moment spent listening to a friend, there’s something about giving that changes us.

We talk about getting what you give as if it’s a reward for good behavior. But maybe it’s simpler than that. Maybe you get what you give because giving fills you up, as the act itself reshapes how you see the world. When you give freely, without keeping score or expecting something in return, you notice how abundance has little to do with what’s in your wallet, but what’s in your heart. After all, the easiest way to judge a tree is by its fruit. I think that’s the reason why Manhattan’s called The Little Apple. We’re good at this. You see it at our non-profit fundraisers, volunteering opportunities, and just in the way our small businesses pour energy into local causes. You see it when someone quietly picks up the coffee tab for the person behind them, and in strangers that are so friendly to each other at the grocery store. Those small acts ripple outward. They’re often unseen, but always deeply felt.

Real generosity doesn’t have to look grand. It might be an encouraging word. Maybe it’s a little bigger than usual tip, or a moment of patience when the checkout line’s long. The joy truly is in the exchange.

So, as you move through this season, don’t worry too much about the perfect gift. Just give. Give what you can: your time, your attention, your laughter, your care. You’ll find, as always, that what you send out somehow finds its way back. Not always in the way you expect, but always in the way you need.

Because in the end, the best part of giving is realizing you were never missing anything at all.

Happy Holidays!

Warm Regards,

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Tyler Jackson | tyler.jackson@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Heather Hoffman | heather.hoffman@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Tim Sigle | siglephoto@gmail.com

MARKET SUPPORT ASSISTANT

Cooper Deters | cdet112@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kenny Whitis, Cooper Deters

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

JACKSON, PUBLISHER

Pour Decisions Tasting Room

Where

Build Together

BHS Construction celebrates 60 years of Building Together and giving

Celebrating 60 years in Manhattan in 2025, BHS Construction continues to shape Manhattan. Completing St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in 2023, the company celebrates this milestone season by giving back—just as it has for decades.

Year-Round Events, Seminars, Workshops 785-539-2217

ROUTINE UPDATES

Houseplants, Pottery, Potting Soil,

Stands

city scene

1: K-State’s Avery Johnson rushes for a touchdown against Texas Tech 2: The ribbon cutting at ReNew Spa & Fitness at 1128 Hostetler Drive 3: Wildcats’ P.J. Haggerty scores a lay-up against Bellarmine 4: K-State basketball’s Nate Johnson throws down a monster dunk! 5: The 2nd Annual Flint Hills Balloon Festival 6: The Powercat Hot Air Balloon with a full moon in the background at Anneberg Park 7: Como Se Llama and the Re/Max balloons at the 2nd Annual Flint Hills Balloon Festival

SIGLE PHOTOGRAPHY

business monthly

In Memory of C. Clyde Jones (1922 - 2025)

C. Clyde Jones’ passion for people, education, and service left an indelible mark on all who knew him. From founding initiatives that strengthened local business to inspiring generations at Kansas State University, his legacy lives on through kindness, leadership, and unwavering dedication. C. Clyde reminded us that true success is measured not by wealth, but by the lives we touch. His legacy continues, and Manhattan shines brighter because C. Clyde called it home.

In Memory of Sunset Zoo’s Susie (1954-2025)

Sunset Zoo’s beloved resident and the world’s oldest chimpanzee in captivity was born in 1954 and arrived in Manhattan in 1974. Susie spent more than five decades inspiring awe with her intelligence, charm, and gentle spirit. Living well beyond the average chimpanzee lifespan, she thrived under the care of Sunset Zoo’s dedicated team and Kansas State University partners. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were touched by her remarkable life.

Holiday Pop-Up Bar at Mr. K’s Cafe & Bar

Step into the magic of the season at Mr. K’s Holiday Pop-Up Bar, open now through mid-January! Enjoy festive cocktails, twinkling lights, and cozy holiday vibes perfect for celebrating with friends and family. From nostalgic classics to creative new sips, every drink is crafted to make your spirits bright. Whether you’re toasting to the year’s end or simply soaking in the cheer, Mr. K’s is Manhattan’s favorite holiday destination. 3901 Vanesta Place.

Photography by Sunset Zoo

Photography by Savannah Lauren Photography

POUR DECISIONS TASTING ROOM

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENNY WHITIS

For 24 years, the building at 1130 Westport Drive in Manhattan was home to Westloop Floral, owned and operated by Karen and the late Neal Medlin. In March 2025, the space found new life and purpose as the Pour Decisions Tasting Room, bringing a fresh chapter of community and connection to Manhattan’s west side.

Located right next door to The Fridge Wholesale Liquor Store, Pour Decisions Tasting Room serves as a classroom for curious minds and refined palates

alike, where every tasting is an opportunity to learn and connect.

Every educational event at Pour Decisions is led by industry experts who bring deep knowledge, passion, and a personal touch. From winemakers and distillers to cicerones and certified specialists, their presenters share insider insights into the artistry and science behind exceptional spirits, wine, and craft beer. Whether you’re a casual enthusiast eager to understand the basics, or a seasoned connoisseur refining

Where Education Meets Enjoyment

your expertise, you’ll leave each experience with a richer appreciation of what’s in your glass.

But Pour Decisions isn’t just about education — it’s about making a difference. At the heart of every tasting is a commitment to community. Every tasting ticket is $10 each, and one hundred percent of proceeds from all Pour Decisions events are donated to local charities, helping to support initiatives that strengthen and uplift Manhattan and the surrounding area. Every pour, every toast, every shared story contributes to something greater, while helping to fund programs and people that make our community thrive.

It’s called Pour Decisions, but trust us—this choice always pays off.

Find the full calendar of tastings and buy your tickets at fridgeliquor.com

• Educational Experience: Pour Decisions Tasting Room is a one-of-a-kind classroom dedicated to the art and appreciation of spirits, wine, and craft beer.

• Expert-Led Tastings: Each session is guided by industry professionals who share insider knowledge and tasting techniques.

• Hands-On Learning: Guests enjoy interactive, guided tastings designed to deepen understanding of flavor, origin, and craftsmanship.

• Community Focus: 100% of proceeds from all tastings and events are donated to local charities and local causes.

• Next Door to The Fridge: Conveniently located beside The Fridge Wholesale Liquor Store for seamless access to your favorite selections.

• Sip with Purpose: Every pour supports meaningful local initiatives, all the while raising a glass and raising support for those in need.

ARTICLE BY TYLER JACKSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIGLE PHOTOGRAPHY & PROVIDED

BHS CONSTRUCTION CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF BUILDING TOGETHER AND GIVING BACK TO MANHATTAN IN 2025

BUILD TOGETHER

The sharp clang of steel on wood echoed through the Wareham as a crowd gathered in the 145 year-old historic hall in November 2025. Instead of golden shovels and dirt, this groundbreaking came with sledgehammers. At the

Trenching, Inc., and then, alongside business partner Bill Rogers, Baril established Rogers and Baril, Inc. a nonunion firm that would go on to shape much of Manhattan’s mid-century growth on November 15, 1965.

“EVERY BUILDING TELLS A STORY, AND OURS HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT PEOPLE.”

center of it all stood Patrick Schutter, president of BHS Construction, surrounded by major donors, city leaders and project partners. With one strong swing, Schutter and company brought the hammer down, splintering the worn stage boards and marking the ceremonial start of Wareham Hall, a transformative $40 million redevelopment project that will breathe new life into the heart of downtown Manhattan. For sixty years now, BHS Construction has been building the very fabric of Manhattan itself.

The story of BHS Construction traces back to a man whose entrepreneurial spirit would shape the Flint Hills region’s construction landscape. In February 1926, Robert M. “Bob” Baril was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After making his way to Manhattan, he founded the first of three companies: R.M. Baril General Contractors, Inc., a union-based general contracting company. Not long after came Manhattan

In those early decades, the company’s projects could be found all over town. Schools, churches, municipal buildings, and businesses that helped define the look and feel of the growing Little Apple. They built with a craftsman’s pride and a neighbor’s care, taking on everything from classroom additions to community landmarks. As the city expanded through the 1970s and ‘80s, their crews were busy laying the foundations for a thriving local economy.

When Bill Rogers suddenly passed away, Baril brought on his two sons-in-law, Mike Hoover and Bob Landsdowne, marking a new chapter and a new name: BHL Construction— representing Baril, Hoover, and Landsdowne. Under that banner, the company grew rapidly, earning a reputation for reliability and precision.

Meanwhile, a young, 15 year-old builder named Wayne Sloan was learning the ropes at Green Construction, a contemporary of R.M. Baril Construction,

that began operating in Manhattan in the early 1900s. After a stint in Wichita with Conco Construction, Wayne returned home to Manhattan and joined R.M. Baril General Contractors. His work ethic and leadership quickly stood out. In 1982, he became a partner in the company—joining Baril and Hoover—and on January 2, 1982, the business was officially renamed BHS Construction, representing Baril, Hoover, and Sloan. Ownership at that time was split with Baril holding 50%, and Sloan and Hoover each holding 25%.

For Wayne, that year marked the start of a remarkable four-decade journey. He guided BHS through a period of steady growth, expanding its scope while keeping its heart in Manhattan. Over the years, BHS built schools, churches, hospitals, and commercial developments across the region; structures that became integral to daily life. Wayne’s personal favorite projects reflected both craftsmanship and community impact: Dick Edwards Ford, the sanctuary space at St. Thomas More Church, and the renovation of the Columbian Theatre in Wamego.

BHS Construction’s offices tell a parallel story of progress. The company began at 1600 Fair Lane, and then expanded to 1714 Fair Lane before moving to 612 Pottawatomie, where their shop remains today. Growth pushed them next to 727 Juliette, and in 2018, BHS moved into its current home at 301 S. 4th Street, a modern headquarters that reflects both their craftsmanship and their commitment to community.

Bob Baril

“BUILDING SMARTER. BUILDING STRONGER. BUILDING TOGETHER.” —PATRICK SCHUTTER

In the summer of 2003, Sloan hired a promising Kansas State University student named Patrick Schutter for parttime work, a decision that would shape the company’s future yet again. Over the next two decades, Schutter would learn every aspect of the business, from jobsite management to client relations, embodying the work ethic and values that BHS had been built upon. By 2012, Sloan had become sole owner of the company. Eventually, he passed that torch to a new generation of leaders - Patrick Schutter, Levi Schneider, and his son Zach Sloan, who currently serve as President, Vice President, and Treasurer/Client Solutions Project Manager, respectively.

Today, BHS Construction employs 119 people, each one contributing to the company’s ongoing mission to serve communities together. Their portfolio speaks for itself. Recent years have seen high-profile projects like St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center in Manhattan, Manhattan Tech’s Advanced Technology Center, and

the magnificent Immaculata SSPX Church in St. Marys, as well as countless educational, healthcare, and commercial developments throughout Kansas.

For Schutter, one project holds special meaning - the renovation of Tallgrass Taphouse, a cornerstone of Manhattan’s downtown revival. “That job represented the best of what we do,” he’s said. “It was about preserving history while creating something that brings people together. That’s the essence of what building should be.”

Now, as BHS Construction celebrates its 60th anniversary, the company has remained steadfast in its mission: build relationships first, and buildings second. That philosophy has shaped more than 2,500 projects across Kansas, with each one built on trust and connection.

And on that day at Wareham Hall, when the sledgehammers fell against the century-old stage, it wasn’t just another demolition. It was a celebration. It was a symbolic bridge between past and future, between the generations who built the city’s bones and those now shaping its skyline. For six decades, BHS Construction has shaped Manhattan from the ground up, building its foundation and defining its skyline. Today, that foundation stands stronger than ever.

Winter Simmer

Magic

ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN

FILL YOUR HOME WITH THE COZY SCENTS OF TART CRANBERRIES, BRIGHT CITRUS, AND WARMING SPICES

Creating stovetop potpourri is a delightful way to indulge in the scents of the festive season. This Cranberry Orange Potpourri combines sparkling notes of fresh citrus and cranberries with nostalgic spices and woodsy herbs to create a welcoming atmosphere.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• 1 orange, sliced

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 teaspoon whole cloves

• 3 star anise

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 2-3 cups water (plus more as needed)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine cranberries, sliced orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and rosemary in a pot. Add 2-3 cups of water, ensuring the ingredients are submerged. Simmer on low heat, allowing the aromas to release. Check the water level, adding more as needed to prevent drying out. Simmer for several hours to fill your home with the scents of the season.

This potpourri is perfect for setting the holiday mood, whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or simply want your home to smell warm and inviting.

Manhattan’s Favorite Christmas Spot

Elevate Your Impact with Parker Hannifin –Where Excellence Meets Innovation

We’re more than just a local manufacturer. Our passion lies in crafting high-quality hoses that redefine industry standards. We take pride in producing hoses that elevate performance, boost productivity, and ensure unparalleled safety. Our commitment to innovation extends beyond the ordinary, as we cater to both the industrial and hydraulic hose markets. At Parker, your work becomes a legacy, influencing and setting new benchmarks for quality and innovations. Where excellence is not just a goal but a daily commitment to revolutionize how hoses shape industries. Join us at Parker to help build the future

unique GIFTING

ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN

SEASON

The holiday season is officially on, and gifting is top of mind. We’re all used to scrolling online, browsing the malls or hitting the local boutiques, but sometimes it’s fun and unexpected to switch it up. If looking to surprise and delight recipients this year and to bring a new tradition to the season, offbeat gifting can be a great way to turn a new leaf on stale routines.

1) PRE-HOLIDAY SURPRISE. For those traveling, send gifts early, such as cheeses, fruit or pies.

2) FUTURE FUN. Browse winter or spring events; snag tickets to enjoy with recipients.

3) GENEROSITY. Donations make heartfelt, thoughtful ideas.

4) TRAVEL. Gift a loved one with a trip.

5) TIME. Is a recipient busy, overloaded and overworked? Treat them to a whole home cleaning before or after the holiday.

6) LOVE OF LEARNING. If a loved one is planning international travel, grab them a gift card for a language learning app.

7) THOUGHTFUL MESSAGES. Ask friends and family to record loving messages on cellphones; combine recordings using a video app for meaningful holiday greeting.

8) BON APPÉTIT. Sign up special someone for cooking class regarding favorite cuisine, or cuisine they struggle to make.

9) RECIPE BOOK. Gather traditional family recipes and create printed books for guests as priceless keepsakes.

MENTORING THAT MATTERS

Big Brothers Big Sisters is making a big difference for Manhattan youth

ARTICLE BY HEATHER HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

If you ask the team at the Manhattan-area chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) what motivates them, you’ll hear one common refrain: these relationships change lives. The oneto-one mentoring program carefully matches mentors (“Bigs”) with local children ages 6-18 (“Littles”). The local chapter

“It’s just as rewarding for the mentor as it is for the youth that we’re helping out.” - Michelle Sink.

currently supports 119 matches and has served 167 youth thus far in 2025. One long-running local match just celebrated a decade together! Yet, another 48 children are waiting for a mentor. Locally, boys can wait up to two years to be matched.

Independent research shows that youth who participate in the program are more likely to finish school, hold leadership roles, and report higher self-confidence. Beyond the data, the impact of this work is personal to the Manhattan team. “It’s just as rewarding for the mentor as it is for the youth that we’re helping out,” shares BBBS Area Director Michelle Sink.

Locally, the need for strong role models is greater than many in the community might realize. Over 1,000 kids qualify for the Manhattan-area BBBS program based on income alone. Many enrolled youth have faced difficult circumstances — from experiences of

abuse to challenges in school and feelings of isolation — yet each one is taking steps toward growth and connection with the support of BBBS. “We know that a lot of the kids in our program may have suffered some type of loss or sense of loss in their life… We really want to make sure that we’re making a positive impact on all of our kids’ lives,” says Michelle.

Five years ago, most local mentors were Kansas State students. The average match lasted about a year, before college graduation or life changes brought an end to the match. Under Michelle’s leadership, the organization has expanded the focus of its outreach efforts to community volunteers, extending the average match length to almost three years. College students are still encouraged, especially in site-based matches that meet during the school year. Community volunteers often choose community-based matches,

which meet two to four times a month, a few hours each time. Rob Wild, a local Big who meets his Little once a week for lunch, sums it up this way: “If you have time to eat lunch, you have time to be a Big.” The commitment is lighter but more impactful than most people expect.

Behind every match is a mighty Match Support Specialist: a trained professional who interviews volunteers and families, makes thoughtful matches, and checks in regularly with mentors and families. Their work involves helping Bigs navigate tough moments and connecting families with resources when they experience hardship, like food insecurity, an unexpectedly high heating bill, or even temporary homelessness. “We don’t ask Bigs to solve every problem,” says Match Support Supervisor Kaydee Tran. “We ask them to show up with a listening ear and a kind heart. We’ll help with the rest.”

The holiday season is a busy time for BBBS. On December 6th, the organization will show up in Studio 54 style to the Lighted Holiday Parade. Later in the month, matches can join a cookie-decorating event with kits donated by Eileen’s Cookies. And, through the Give Gratefully campaign, Bigs and Littles will team up to thank BBBS supporters.

Through the end of 2025, donations of $50 or more will be matched 100% through the Give Gratefully campaign. The local goal is to raise $110,000 to help close the waiting list and sustain professional support. Donors can also support the organization through Grow Green Match Day, event sponsorships, and in-kind partnerships that underwrite match activities.

If you have an hour a week or a skill you’d love to share, there’s a place for you:

• Become a Big. Bigs meet with their Littles two to four times each month. To apply, attend a

“We don’t ask Bigs to solve every problem. We ask them to show up with a listening ear and a kind heart. We’ll help with the rest.”

- Kaydee Tran

short info session, complete an application, background check, and interview, and provide references.

• Share your talent. Serve on an event committee, join the Community Leadership Council, host or facilitate a Match Event or Waitlist Event like a game night, mini golf, or bowling.

• Invest. Donate during Give Gratefully and double your impact, sponsor a fundraiser, or provide in-kind goods/services for match activities.

• Invite a conversation. Host a 15–30 minute info session at your workplace, faith community, or friend group.

• Amplify the message. Follow, like, and share on Instagram and Facebook to help reach the next volunteer or donor.

Want to help shorten the two-year wait for a boy in our community? This holiday season, your time, talent, or treasure can help turn this waiting list into a new chapter for a child in Manhattan. Learn more at kansasbigs.org/north-central-manhattan

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

DECEMBER 2ND

Light of Life Memorial

Manhattan Town Center, 100 Manhattan Town Center, Manhattan, KS | 6:00 PM

Honor a loved one this holiday season. Good Shepherd Homecare & Hospice invites you to the Light of Life Memorial, a poignant way to remember a loved one and support a worthy organization. Purchase an angel ($100), star ($50), or dove ($25) ornament to display on the Light of Life Trees.

DECEMBER 4TH

150th Garden Celebration Finale

K-State Gardens, 1500 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS | 5:30 AM

Get in the holiday spirit at the K-State Gardens! Stroll through sparkling lights, sip cocoa, and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy music, cookies, and festive photo ops. Admission and parking are free, with holiday gifts available for purchase inside the Quinlan Center.

DECEMBER 5TH

24th Annual Spirit of the Holidays Lighted Parade

Poyntz Avenue: from 3rd Street to City Park | 5:30 PM

Experience the magic of the season at the annual Lighted Holiday Parade! Enjoy dazzling floats, marching bands, and festive fun as holiday cheer fills downtown Manhattan. Arrive early for the best views, easy parking, and the joyful community atmosphere. Note: The 2025 parade will not go down Moro Street.

DECEMBER 5TH

Celtic Woman: Christmas Symphony Tour 2025

McCain Auditorium, 1501 Goldstein Cir, Manhattan, KS | 7:30 PM

Celebrate the season with the Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum Irish sensation Celtic Woman! Enjoy their angelic harmonies and holiday favorites performed with a full symphony orchestra. Bringing together timeless Christmas classics with Irish charm, this concert promises to be an enchanting evening with the most successful all-female group in Irish history.

DECEMBER 6TH & 13TH

Breakfast with Santa

Flint Hills Discovery Center, 315 S 3rd St, Manhattan, KS | 8:15 AM

Santa Claus is coming to town... to the Flint Hills Discovery Center! This family-friendly event includes a holiday scavenger hunt, a hot breakfast, and opportunities to take a family photo with Santa, decorate a gingerbread man, and craft a take-home ornament. Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance: flinthillsdiscovery.org/3499/Breakfast-with-Santa

DECEMBER 10TH

A Christmas Story: The Musical

McCain Auditorium, 1501 Goldstein Cir, Manhattan, KS | 7:30 PM

A Christmas Story: The Musical is a hilarious, heartwarming stage adaptation of the beloved 1983 film. Join Ralphie Parker on his quest for the perfect Christmas gift, complete with leg lamps, pink bunny pajamas, and holiday chaos. A Broadway favorite, this Tony-nominated musical returns on national tour!

Stay Active This Winter with Expert Orthopaedic Care!

Don’t let winter aches or injuries keep you from enjoying the season. At OSMC, our experienced team is here to help you stay mobile, recover faster, and embrace everything winter has to offer.

Comprehensive Orthopaedic Services:

Joint Pain & Arthritis Care – Relief for knees, hips, shoulders, and more

Sports Injuries & Fracture Treatment –

Get back in the game safely

Personalized Rehabilitation Plans –

Tailored to your goals and lifestyle

On-Site Diagnostics – X-ray and MRI for accurate care

TEXT US AT:

785-384-9315

www.kansasortho.com

785-537-4200