Topeka, KS April 2021

A P R I L 2 02 1

We Are The Golden City!

LI F E + C U LTU R E I T ’ S H ERE - T H E AL L- EL EC T RI C M US TAN G M AC H - E L AW FI RM C EL EB R AT ES 14 0 Y E ARS HOME + DESIGN T U N E U P YO U R H O M E ENVI RO N M EN T LO F T L IVI N G

ENROLLING NOW!

2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR PRE-K THROUGH 8TH GRADE Meet the teachers, see the classrooms and explore your options.

Schedule a Private Tour

Early Childhood Virtual Open House

One-on-One Assessments

Tours available from 4-5 PM, most weekdays.

Masks required.

Available now at topekacollegiate.org/ admissions

Ready to apply?

Contact us today to schedule your child's assessment!

CONTACT THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE: sayhello@topekacollegiate.org Brittany Crabtree, Director of Admissions 785-228-0490 sayhello@topekacollegiate.org

2021 FORD MUSTANG MACH-E Built from all the passion of its iconic heritage, Mustang Mach-E is the new shape of freedom.

Get ready for 0–60 thrills, 100% electric, expansive range, zero vehicle emissions and more from the 2021 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year.

WE WILL BEAT ANY DEAL & WE HAVE A BETTER WARRANTY Voted best new and used Auto Dealer in Topeka | 300 employees with a total of 2,000+ years of service

TRANSPARENT BUYING EXPERIENCE.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

APRIL 2021 PUBLISHER

Brian Rodehorst | brian.rodehorst@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Going Green in The Golden City AHH, THE SMELL OF FRESHLY CUT GRASS....THE HUM OF THE NEIGHBOR’S LAWNMOWER, OR HEARING THE BIRDS CHIRPING OUTSIDE YOUR WINDOW ....FOR ME IT’S ROLLING THE CAR WINDOWS DOWN FOR THE FIRST TIME AND FEELING THE BREEZE ON MY FACE. No matter what it is that signifies spring for you, I hope you are getting outside to enjoy this long-awaited weather.

Kathy Graham | kathy.graham@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Rachel Chrisman L AYO UT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Linda Ditch, Kelsey Huber CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

John Burns, Thomas Hall, Shelby Brokaw

Our April edition is filled with all kinds of outdoor-themed stories and ideas. This spring, in particular, seems to bring with it a renewed appreciation for the outdoors and nature. After a particularly long winter of feeling trapped inside our homes, thanks to COVID-19, the fresh air, sunny days, and toastier temps all beckon us outside. That makes our Eco/Green theme especially fitting for this edition.

April features Earth Day on the 22nd and Arbor Day on the 30th. Both days serve to remind us that it is our job to take care of this planet. So plant a garden, research bee-friendly flowers, or plan to harvest fresh herbs or vegetables this year from your backyard. Or even better, plant a tree! If you can’t plant your own garden or tree, look into local community gardens or donate a tree to an organization that will plant it like the National Arbor Day Foundation. Trees clean our air and water, provide shade, and beautify our planet for decades to come.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

And speaking of clean air, check out our article on the new all-electric vehicle from

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Ford - the Mustang Mach-E. (Hint: We’re pretty sure the “E” stands for exhilarating).

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

Take a walk through Gage Park, the tulips are beautiful this time of year. Hop on a

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

bike and explore Lake Shawnee, Ted Ensley Gardens, or Topeka Zoological Park. Or

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

take a short drive to discover the few thousand remaining acres of tallgrass prairie where the buffalo still roam! Whatever you do, get outside and enjoy this spring weather and all that our Golden City has to offer.

Blessings,

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA

Kathy Graham/Editorial Coordinator

IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

ON THE COVER Mustang Mach-E courtesy of Laird Noller Ford

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS HALL 4

Topeka Lifestyle | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

Proverbs 3:5-6 Topeka Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Topeka area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Topeka Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

:: Home Organizing / Moves & Relocations :: Attics | Bathrooms | Closets | Garages Home Off ice/Den | Kitchen/Pantries Laundry Rooms | Mudrooms | Kids Rooms | Storage Areas

Celsie Sneden

Owner - NEAT Method Kansas City Also serving Lawrence + Topeka

785.213.5781 | celsie@neatmethod.com | neatmethod.com

INSIDE THE ISSUE APRIL 2021

FEATURES 14 Loft Living How one couple changed up their lifestyle and are happier than ever

18 It’s Here - The All-Electric Mustang Mach-E The “E” Stands for Exhilarating

20 Law Firm Celebrates 140 Years Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds and Palmer, LLP mark their start in the early days of Kansas

26 Tune Up Your Home Environment Blue Dot offers tips and suggestions

18 14

to cut costs, save energy, and be eco-friendly

26 DEPARTMENTS

20

4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

12

Around Town

14

City Scene

18

Driver’s Notebook

20 Legal Compass 24 Giving Back 26 Locally Owned 28 DIY 31

Realty Report

32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Road Trip

Designing homes from concept to completion.

KITCHEN B AT H WHOLE HOME REMODELS NEW CONSTRUCTION FURNISHING D EC O R AT I N G www.tdesigncompany.com

@TDesignCompany @thiessen_designco

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Limestone Veneer, Natural Thin Stone, Custom Cut Stone.

Kansas limestone building products since 1988.

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7

GOOD TIMES 1.

2.

3.

Garden Variety There are many types of gardens; vegetable, flower, water....even indoor garden towers. Each beautiful in their own way. We are proud to show off some photos submitted by local green thumbs listed below. Congratulation for making the ECO-issue.

4.

5.

6.

1. Lynn Heiniger | 2. Dr. Julie C. Swift | 3. Kay Smith | 4. Susan Schuster-Woodard | 5. Vanessa Rogers | 6. Elaine Schwartz

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Topeka Lifestyle | April 2021

Greenhouse to Green Lawn Skinner Garden Store is ready to help with your gardening needs. They are always ready to get their hands dirty and are as excited about your project as you are. Visit: skinnergardenstore.com PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHELBY BROKAW WITH THE GREATER TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP.

- T H E R E ’S A S T O RY -

B E H I N D E V E RY S M I L E

DR. JULIE C. SWIFT | TOPEKAPERIO.COM | 785.233.1756 | INFO@TOPEKAPERIO.COM | 3100 SW HUNTOON ST, STE 103, TOPEKA, KS 66604 CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

9

GOOD TIMES

Tea Time Anyone?

Best of Topeka Winner 2020 At Cafe Barnabas, you’ll experience not only a warm, caring environment but one of the best and most innovative cups of tea you can find in this country. Visit: cafebarnabas.org PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE GREATER TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP.

Showcasing the best art in Kansas, as well as the finest custom framing!

Stop by and see us or buy online at ... southwindfineart.com

3074 SW 29th Street· Topeka· Kansas· 785-273-5994 www.southwindfineart.com · Tuesday- Friday 10am-6pm· Saturday 10am-2pm

10

Topeka Lifestyle | April 2021

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5000 SW 21st Street, Topeka KS 66604 785-271-8100 • www.ctrmm.com CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

11

AROUND TOWN

Great custom home sites are still available

Topeka’s premier new home neighborhood.

WELCOME TO THE TOPEKA MUSTANG CLUB INC. The Topeka Mustang Club, Inc. is a group of automotive enthusiasts dedicated to the preservation, care, and enjoyment of Mustangs from the 64

CATHY LUTZ

(785) 925-1939 | CathyLutz.com Cathy@CathyLutz.com

1/2 to the present day models.

TMC was founded in August 1981. They have members with Mustangs from 1965 through 2020, coupes, convertibles, Fastbacks, and Shelby’s.

Laird Noller Ford will be hosting the 6th Annual National Mustang Day Celebration on April 17th from 10am to 2pm.

Registration is $20, all proceeds to benefit the Festival Of Trees and The Wounded Warrior Family Support Program.

THE BEACH MIGHT BE OUT OF REACH, BUT THE SUN IS SHINING AT

Spray Tanning · UV Tanning Red Light Therapy (Boost Collagen) · Teeth Whitening

LOVE2TAN.COM (785) 228-1815 | 2025 Southwest Urish Road Topeka, Kansas 66615 12

Topeka Lifestyle | April 2021

MULVANE ART MUSEUM: NEW EXHIBITIONS OPEN FOR SPRING 2021 Four new exhibitions are open to visitors at the Mulvane Art Museum on the Washburn University campus for Spring of 2021.

DAYCARE | OVERNIGHT BOARDING | GROOMING SERVICES

Sustainability / Social, Environmental, Economic Renovatio: Artists and Antiquity Two Ponders

MAKE YOUR PET 'S RESERVATION NOW FOR SPRING B REAK 2021 !

Updates in Endangered Art: a conservation project The Mulvane Art Museum is open with restrictions (face masks and social distancing required) on the following days: Tuesdays 12 to 7; Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 12 to 5.

SPECIAL CARE

For more information visit www.mulvaneartmuseum.org, call 785-670-1124, or email mulvane.

for

info@washburn.edu

SPECIAL PETS

785.329.6141 TLCPETNURSINGHOTEL.COM 2 5 0 0 S O UT H WE S T 1 7 T H ST R E E T | T O P E KA

PROM NIGHT! For 2021 prom night Cortez Transportation is running a four-hour package special. Pick your custom ride. They have several different vehicle types to choose from including sedans, SUVs, executive vans, stretch limousines, limo buses,

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limo coaches, executive shuttles and executive

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reliable chauffeured transportation for the most exciting night of the school year!

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FUN FIRST TRAVEL - READY TO GET AWAY? After years of helping friends and family plan their vacations, and with a passion for all things travel, Nicole Hamm launched Fun First Travel in

785-286-2463

• Home/Office • Carpet/Upholstery Cleaning • Rental Make-Ready • New Home Final Phase • Spot/Stain Removal

January 2021. Her goal is to help you navigate travel

• Deodorizing

in this crazy COVID world of constant changing

• Window Washing

policies and restrictions. She’d love to help you plan your next adventure. Her services are free! For

• Bio-recovery

more information visit www.funfirsttravel.com or email nicole@funfirsttravel.com CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

13

CITY SCENE

loft living

HOW ONE COUPLE CHANGED UP THEIR LIFESTYLE AND ARE HAPPIER THAN EVER ARTICLE SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY THOMAS HALL

14

Topeka Lifestyle | April 2021

"I t made really perfect sense for us t o do t his and we don' t t hink we'll ever go b ack," says E die. "I t 's been a lot of fun. A nd plus we don' t h ave all t h at upkeep of a house."

INSTEAD OF FLOCKING TO THE SUB-

removed the ceiling to reveal the timber

URBS,

beam work hidden above.

MORE

AND

MORE

PEOPLE

ARE SEEKING OUT THE BENEFITS OF

However, the real find came when the

DOWNTOWN LIVING. Many spaces above

plaster from the exterior stone and brick

businesses in downtown Topeka have been

walls was removed. What emerged was

or are now being converted into trendy,

an advertisement painted in 1887 for a

maintenance-free lofts, as homeowners and

restaurant and another for buying coal.

renters see the potential for an easier and

Today, a part of this advertisement is

more engaging lifestyle. With close access

exposed in the loft area.

to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment,

This unexpected and unique addition

loft living is not just for the young, but also

to the loft mixes well with what the couple

for the young at heart.

calls their eclectic, quirky taste. Their bar

In 1978, Stephen Smith rented the first

stools are dental stools from the 50s, and an

floor of 933 South Kansas Avenue for his

old wooden dining table is paired with var-

photography studio, now the Stephen Smith

ious colored leather Herman Miller chairs.

Gallery. “In 2006, we acquired the prop-

A fun addition is a light-green ottoman that

erty and seriously started moving toward

conceals a game table that they believe

a potential loft on the second floor for our

is most likely from a gentlemen’s club in the

living quarters,” says his wife, Edie.

50s. It has a chess board and checkerboard

The couple had a beautiful home in Lake

underneath the removable cushions, which

Sherwood, but with the 20-minute commute

serve as a place to sit while playing. Another

to and from the gallery and with working

novel item is their entertainment table, which

long hours, they were never there. So ten

is actually a chrome tool chest that serves as

years ago, they decided to make the move.

a television stand and storage space.

“It made really perfect sense for us to do

All this is mixed in with more modern

this and we don’t think we’ll ever go back,”

pieces of furniture. The overall style is a

says Edie. “It’s been a lot of fun. And plus we

blend of contemporary with a vintage and

don’t have all that upkeep of a house.”

retro design. “It’s not traditional by any

When designing their new home, they

means,” says Edie.

took into account the historical aspects

The overall living space of the loft is

of the building. They demolished multiple

expanded with a multi-level rooftop. “The

small rooms to open up the space, and

lower rooftop is right as you walk out of the CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

15

CITY SCENE (CONTINUED)

loft,” says Stephen. “There are stone walls on both sides from the neighboring buildings.” Here they have a grill and a little garden area where they grow herbs and hang potted plants. A spiral stairway allows access to the top roof, where they’ve added furniture so they and their guests can relax and enjoy the 360° view.

Upon seeing and hearing how great their downtown lifestyle is, friends have actually gone out and acquired nearby lofts of their own.

“We can account for about six couples,” says Stephen.

Loft living, they say, frees up their time to pursue other interests, such as travelling, taking walks and exploring all there is to do throughout downtown, especially the new Evergy Plaza.

“We’ve made new wonderful friends,” says Edie. “We love sharing our rooftop views and an evening glass of wine with friends. And, sometimes morning sunrise breakfasts!”

16

Topeka Lifestyle | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

17

DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK

It’s Here - The All-Electric Mustang Mach-E

ARTICLE KELSEY HUBER PHOTOGRAPHY THOMAS HALL

+ STARTING MSRP: $42,895 + MILES PER CHARGE: 300 + GT MODEL: 0-60 in 3.5 seconds + TAX CREDIT: up to $7500

18

Topeka Lifestyle | April 2021

THE “E” STANDS FOR EXHILARATING

It ’s no su r pr ise that a recent a r ticle i n Busi ness I nsider sa id the Musta ng Mach-E is giv i ng Tesla a r u n for its money.

THE FIRST THING I NOTICED WHEN I SLIPPED BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THE ALL-NEW, ALL-ELECTRIC FORD MUSTANG MACH-E SUV WAS THE LARGE TOUCHSCREEN COMMAND CENTER MOUNTED ON THE DASH. It immediately imparted a futuristic feel. When I started it, I heard...nothing. “Is it running?”

I thought to myself. One touch of the accelerator immediately answered that question. This baby had no issues with get up and go.

The Mach-E GT Performance boasts 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. Honestly, while driving, I felt like there wasn’t another car on the road that I couldn’t take! I suppose Ford couldn’t give it the Mustang name and badge without including the feel of the ponies under the hood (even though there’s nothing actually under the hood but a trunk).

As expected, this car is loaded with fantastic features, but most impressive was the range - up to 300-miles! With an MSRP starting at $42,895, this car is the perfect marriage of luxury and future technology.

If you’re a gearhead, you may not think you’re a fan of electric vehicles, but considering this one was named the 2021 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, it might just be worth a second look.

Remember, nobody really liked those noisy, stinky, gas-powered, “horseless carriages” at first, either!

Make sure you attend the Mustang Show on April 17th at Laird Noller Ford in Topeka.

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

19

LEGAL COMPASS

Law Firm Celebrates 1 4 0 Ye a r s

ARTICLE LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY THOMAS HALL

GOODELL, STRATTON, EDMONDS AND PALMER, LLP MARK THEIR START IN THE EARLY DAYS OF KANSAS

20

IN 1881, A YOUNG MAN NAMED BENNETT R.

During the following 140 years, the firm Wheeler started grew

WHEELER CAME TO TOPEKA, FRESH OUT OF

to become today’s Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds and Palmer, LLP,

BOSTON UNIVERSITY, TO ESTABLISH A LAW PRAC-

a highly respected health care, business law, and civil litigation

TICE. At that time, Topeka was booming. People were

firm in the State of Kansas. Several highly respected attorneys

coming from all over to settle in the state thanks to the

have passed through their offices, including Assistant U.S.

“Ho, for Kansas” campaign and the migration of freed

District Attorney John L. Hunt, Margaret McGurnahan, who

men and women from the South. Construction on the

was honored by Washburn University with the Law Lifetime

Capitol dome was beginning and the State soon adopted

Achievement Award, and Judge Marla Luckert, the second

the prohibition amendment.

woman to be appointed to the Kansas Supreme Court.

Topeka Lifestyle | April 2021

“It is an honor to be a part of Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds & Palmer, and very exciting to be able to be a part of the 140th Anniversary,” says partner David O’Neal. “All of us are standing on the shoulders

“It is always positive to be a part of something bigger than just

of some of the best attorneys to have practiced in Kansas, and I was

you, and it pulls out the best in you,” says partner N. Larry Bork. It

fortunate enough to have been able to work with and learn from

makes you want to do what it takes to maintain that reputation and

several of them. This firm has prospered for so long because of its

perspective, and hopefully, even enhance it.”

dedication to its clients and the community.”

The firm was a part of two high-profile lawsuits to come out

Partner Miranda Carmona adds, “I am proud to be a part of this firm and hope to keep building on its reputation for quality.”

of Topeka. One was the 1933 Finney bond scandal when mem-

Goodell Stratton Edmonds and Palmer LLP lists its core values

ber Sardius M. Brewster exposed the bond forgery operation of

as being satisfaction, leadership, excellence, professionalism,

Ronald and Warren Finney. The Shawnee County Attorney at the

trustworthiness, collegiality, understanding, competence, gener-

time, Lester M. Goodell, went on to join the firm after Brewster’s

osity, and balance. Along with pledging to provide superior legal

death. He went on to play a key role in the second high-profile

services, the firm’s members also commit to spending time focus-

lawsuit—Brown v. Topeka Board of Education in 1952. He was the

ing on their families, friends, and the community, which they feel

attorney for the school board.

makes them better lawyers.

CONTINUED >

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

21

LEGAL COMPASS (CONTINUED)

“It is an honor to be a part of Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds & Palmer, and very exciting to be able to be a part of the 140th Anniversary.”

Managing partner Timothy A. Shultz notes, “The future of the firm

office by horse and buggy. Partner Cynthia J. Sheppeard says,

will continue the incredibly high level of legal expertise, profession-

“The law office probably relied on gas lights and the office type-

alism and community involvement that was established in the past

writer was a very new invention. Today we have computers and

while rising to the challenge of changes in technology, society in

internet access in every office, and on our cell phones, and we

general, and the ever-evolving laws and legal requirements of mod-

conduct much of our work by Zoom. We do not know what Topeka

ern and progressive business. The incredibly bright and talented

or the practice of law will be like in another 140 years, but we are

attorneys and staff at Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds & Palmer, LLP will

planning and working so GSEP will still be here taking care of our

continue to carry the torch handed off by the legal greats of the past

clients for at least that long.”

that so amazingly served the firm and its clients.”

Partner Susan L. Mauch adds, “We look forward to continuing the

Historic prints in the office from when this firm was created

tradition of the past 140 years and embrace the opportunity to pro-

show people traveling down a dirt Kansas Avenue outside the

vide quality legal services to the firm’s clients for the next 140 years.”

22

Topeka Lifestyle | April 2021

Spring!

AT

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23

GIVING BACK BA

L DA N I | P H

O

T

R AP

AR TICL

OG

ES

SAVING LIVES, SUPPORTING FAMILIES U

E

H Y PR O

VI

D

ED

BY

S T. J U D E

THE TOPEKA ST. JUDE DREAM HOME GIVEAWAY IS UNDERWAY 24

Topeka Lifestyle | April 2021

“I cried when the school called me because I thought the opposite would happen, and that this is happening is just such a blessing,” says her mom, Jennifer.

In the beginning, Josh admits he was skeptical that they would never receive a bill for Bella’s treatment, or for anything. Today, he’s a believer.

“Bella has had over a million dollars’ worth of treatment in eight years and a middle class family like ours, we would be bankrupt.”

ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL IS ON A MISSION, AND

To continue to find cures for patients like Bella at no cost to their

HAS BEEN FOR CLOSE TO 60 YEARS. Founded in 1962, its

families, it takes people who are willing to support its mission. This

commitment to finding cures for childhood catastrophic dis-

month, St. Jude Children’s Hospital is kicking off The Topeka St. Jude

eases has enabled patients and their families not to just survive,

Dream Home Giveaway, a community service project that brings

but to live their best lives.

together builders and their trade partners to build a dream home at

“Life would be so much different if it wasn’t for St. Jude,” says Josh,

no or at very low cost to give away to a lucky winner.

a local dad whose daughter Bella was diagnosed with a brain tumor

This year, the home in Kansas will be built by Drippé Homes in

at the age of 18 months. “We didn’t know if she was going to live to

the desirable Aquarian Acres development. Only 7,500 tickets will

be two. When doctors kept saying there’s nothing we can do, that

be sold, at $100.00 each, for a chance to win the home, plus other

really crossed our minds.”

prizes. The campaign, which started four years ago, is expected to

Thankfully, the doctors at St. Jude didn’t turn the family away.

“St. Jude, after receiving her information, contacted us directly and said if you come, we would love to see her. They were able to help when no one else could.”

raise a total of $2.8 million from the Topeka community by the time it wraps up this June.

“The money you are giving today could help for the cure of your child or grandchild down the road,” says Jennifer.

The first step was surgery. Because of the tumor’s location, they were only able to remove one-quarter of the tumor. After 77 weeks of

To buy a ticket, or to help in other ways, go to www.stjude.org/give/

chemotherapy, the tumor finally shrunk.

dream-home/topeka.html.

Unfortunately, about a year later, it started growing again, and after nine more months of chemotherapy, the tumor just kept growing. An experimental clinical trial drug was also tried, but that didn’t work for Bella either.

“Finally, the chief of radiation said he would like her to be treated with proton beam radiation, so he went to Switzerland and studied proton beam radiation for children,” says Josh.

Thus, St. Jude was the first to have the only proton therapy center in the world dedicated solely to children. Whereas traditional radiation passes through the brain, the proton beam is precise, causing less damage to surrounding tissue. After receiving 29 doses, Bella passed with flying colors and didn’t suffer any side effects.

Today, four years after stopping proton beam therapy, Bella is a happy child who likes spending time with her family and her Dachshunds, and playing school with her dolls and siblings, Hannah and Isaiah.

“She’s excelling in school; she has no developmental delays,” says Josh. “A couple of years ago they talked to us about putting her into enrichment [classes.]”

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

25

LOCALLY OWNED

Tune Up Your Home Environment

TL: WHEN HOMEOWNERS WANT TO CUT ENERGY COSTS, WHAT IS THE FIRST THING THEY SHOULD CONSIDER? BD: Using high-efficiency appliances and L.E.D. light bulbs.

They should also check to make sure there is enough insulation in the house, and check their HVAC filter. If you have a standard one-inch filter, we advise changing it out every month to month and a half and using a MERV11 pleated filter. There are also filter upgrade options, like electromagnetic filters, that catch more dirt than normal filters, keeping more dirt out of the furnace for more efficiency, and more dust out of the air—less allergies. This type of filter only needs changing every three months, which means less trash in landfills.

BLUE DOT OFFERS TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS TO CUT COSTS, SAVE ENERGY, AND BE ECO-FRIENDLY

TL: IS AN HVAC A/C TUNE-UP A GOOD IDEA BEFORE COOLING SEASON HITS?

ARTICLE LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY BLUE DOT SERVICES

BD: Having your air conditioner tuned-up before the heat of the summer is a great idea! Especially if you have an older unit. The inspection done can often identify components that are going bad, allowing homeowners to fix them before the system quits on the hottest day of the year. We also clean and lube components, making units run more efficiently and decreasing their chances of breaking. Plus, there are little things that customers can do them-

WITH THE APPROACH OF EARTH DAY ON

selves, such as make sure the thermostat has new batteries (Yes,

APRIL 22ND, CLEAN AIR, FRESH WATER,

most thermostats have batteries!), and change the air filter.

AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY ARE HOT TOPICS. Homeowners not only focus on ways to make their homes more energy and environmentally conducive but also wallet-friendly. Blue Dot, a Topeka business around for more than 62 years, answered a few questions on ways to keep homes cool this summer, healthy, and on budget.

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Topeka Lifestyle | April 2021

TL: WHAT MAKES A GOOD WATER TL: WHAT ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO SAVE ON

PURIFICATION SYSTEM?

COOLING COSTS THIS SUMMER?

BD: Water filtration is a common home addition these

BD: Close the shades during the day. If you have a

days. Even city water can have minerals or contami-

variable speed fan on your HVAC unit, leave the fan

nates picked up from pipes after leaving the water

in “on” mode, not “auto”. Constant moving air will help

treatment plant. A water softener helps preserve your

decrease your A/C unit’s need to run constantly. Plus,

appliances, making them last longer and run better,

wait until after dark to run appliances such as dish-

decreases the amount of soap you need, and helps

washers and dryers.

make your skin less dry. Another useful water purifier is a reverse osmosis system. This allows you to have bottle quality water in your home.

TL: WHY SHOULD HOMEOWNERS CHOOSE BLUE DOT? BD: We’re licensed, experienced, committed, and good neighbors. We give back and we shop locally.

Also, we’re very careful about what we sell. If we sell it, we believe in it. We are often not the cheapest price because we do not want to sell equipment that you will be unhappy with. Plus, we are a 24-hour a day phone service. Anytime you call Blue Dot, you will talk to a real person.

TL: WHAT SHOULD HOMEOWNERS LOOK FOR WHEN CONSIDERING AIR PURIFIERS? BD: There are a lot of air purifiers out there and some are nothing more than a gimmick. Watch out for ones that are hard to clean or require expensive maintenance all the time. And check the warranty.

Look for a U.V.C with a catalyst for your best health benefits. We sell RGF Reme Halo air purifiers, which kill 99-percent of germs throughout the house and decrease odors and dust in the air CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

27

DIY

Benefits of a

chemical-free home

HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO TURN YOUR HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL-FREE? It's not as hard as you might think!

We hear a lot about the dangers of chemical ingredients, but it's easy to ignore all of the warnings and keep using our favorite products.

When you don't know of a better alternative, it's just what you do!

However, all of those ingredients add up and can make a big difference in your health, as well as the health of your family and pets.

The products that are most important to swap out depend on your lifestyle and what you use the most.

If your little ones are eating food right off of the counter, you might consider the ingredients from the cleaner you just used to wipe it down and start by switching to a natural method.

ARTICLE HAYLEY HYER

If you have sensitive skin, you might start by taking inventory of your beauty and personal care products to see what you can replace.

To get you started, here is a DIY product that you can make yourself for your chemical-free home.

28

Topeka Lifestyle | April 2021

DIY Laundry Scent Enhancer If you have ever added those popular scent beads to your load of laundry before, you know how lovely it is to pull your amazingly scented clothes out of the dryer.

The funny thing about a product like that is it truly has no purpose other than adding a good smell, but it does add lots of chemicals to your daily life!

There's a safer and more beneficial way to make your clothes smell heavenly. Try this DIY scent enhancer with your next load of laundry and put it to the test.

Ingredients 3 parts Epsom Salt + 1 part Baking Soda + Essential Oils

Directions Mix your ingredients together in a jar or canister and scoop about ¼ cup directly into the washer basin before adding the clothes—just like you would with scented beads. Continue with your laundry like normal.

Learn More

For more information on starting a chemical-free household, you can browse online resources such as ChemFreeCom.com or find a social media group to join with likeminded people who have some experience from their own trial and error. If you get overwhelmed, remember that you don't have to get rid of all chemicals in one day. Every swap you make is something to celebrate!

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

29

We want to help you prepare your home and/or just cleaning it up and out from a cold winter!

SCAN ME

Darin Stephens 785-250-7278

Annette Stahl 785-383-3157

Brian Laird 785-670-0043

Lance Royer 785-845-6618

Pam Trusdale 785-608-5117

Kelli Higgins 785-817-9255

Abby Dunford 785-608-8408

www.stoneandstory.com

REALTY REPORT NEIGHBORHOOD

TOPEKA

REALTY REPORT

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Sherwood Estates

$249,000

$250,000

100%

9

3

3

Colly Creek #4

$256,500

$250,000

97%

28

3

3

King Rm

$290,000

$253,000

87%

27

4

2

Capricorn Woods #3

$252,000

$254,000

101%

145

3

2

Capricorn Woods #3

$259,355

$259,355

100%

0

3

2

Prospect Hills Addition

$264,900

$264,900

100%

3

4

3

Shawnee County

$279,500

$267,800

96%

40

3

2

Shadywood West #2

$285,000

$270,000

95%

0

4

3

Shawnee County

$274,900

$274,900

100%

19

3

2

Capricorn Woods #3

$274,922

$274,922

100%

0

4

3

Shawnee County

$275,000

$275,000

100%

18

7

1

Sherwood Estates

$279,900

$277,400

99%

2

2

3

Villa Brook #2

$285,000

$280,000

98%

17

5

3

Colly Creek Sub #3

$319,900

$295,000

92%

9

4

2

Sherwood Estates

$379,000

$300,000

79%

170

3

3

Aquarian Acres

$306,366

$306,366

100%

0

4

3

Monarch Meadow

$309,900

$309,900

100%

1

4

3

Sherwood Park #8

$314,900

$314,900

100%

4

3

2

Alexander Place

$309,900

$315,000

102%

1

4

3

Colly Creek #3

$320,000

$315,000

98%

0

5

3

Sherwood Park

$319,000

$330,000

103%

1

5

3

Laurens Bay Villas

$337,000

$335,000

99%

42

4

3

Shawnee County

$429,000

$384,000

90%

247

3

1

Legacy Woods

$385,000

$385,000

100%

0

4

3

Shawnee County

$539,000

$465,000

86%

62

3

3

This reflects a 30 day time period prior to our print deadline.

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and not a complete list of all activity. *DOM=Days on Market

From your vision...to reality

WE BUILD MORE THAN NEW HOMES, WE BUILD NEIGHBORHOODS. Annette Stahl 785-383-3157 | annette@stoneandstory.com | www.dultmeierhomes.com CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

31

APRIL

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

1

17

24

ST. JUDE DREAM HOME GIVEAWAY PRIZE DEADLINE

BRIDAL FAIR

DIAMONDS IN THE SKY - POP

Reserve your $100 ticket for the St.

Downtown Hotel & Convention Center

Our final concert of our Diamond

Jude Dream Home Giveaway by

The 94.5 Country Bridal Fair® is the

Anniversary year will take you to a gal-

April 21 for a chance to win the St.

ultimate resource for the Kansas and

axy far, far away as we perform music

Jude Dream Home built by Drippé

Midwestern bride. Featuring over

from the entire Star Wars movie fran-

Homes and a storm shelter or safe

100 of the most prominent wedding

chise. Don’t miss the chance to hear

room and installation, courtesy of

professionals in the area, brides

these iconic musical masterpieces live

South Wind Shelters & Safe Rooms.

will have the best choices for their

with a full orchestra.

Learn more and reserve your ticket at

big day. For more information visit

Star Wars – Suite for Orchestra

www.dreamhome.org.

www.bridalfair.94country.com

7:30pm

Saturday 10am– 5pm

For more information visit

Sunday 12pm – 4pm

www.topekasymphony.org

17

30

NATIONAL MUSTANG DAY

DATE NIGHT

mances at the new Redbud Park.

The Topeka Mustang Club is pleased

Grab your other half, your beverage(s)

Visit the various murals and outdoor

to present it's 6th annual National

and come to our studio and get dirty!

public art installations and spend

Mustang Day Celebration.

We provide the clay, you provide the

hours shopping, dining, and creat-

10am - 2pm

date! It’s 2 hours of fun learning to

ing an experience of a lifetime in the

Registration is $20 the day of event.

throw your own pottery. Make as many

NOTO Arts & Entertainment District.

All proceeds benefit the Festival of

pieces as you like. $30 per person with

Fri April 2 @ 9am to Sat April 3

Trees and The Wounded Warrior

limited space.

@10:59pm

Family Support Program.

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

For more information visit

For more information and to reserve spot

www.topekamustangclubinc.org

visit www.firemeupceramics.com

2 NOTO REDBUD FESTIVAL

NOTO Arts & Entertainment District

Experience the beauty of NOTO in bloom! Enjoy music and perfor-

3 EGGSTRAVAGANZE Topeka Zoo

Watch your favorite animals hunt for their egg themed enrichment!

For more information visit www.topeka zoo.org/event/eggstravaganze

32

Topeka Lifestyle | April 2021

Topeka Performing Arts Center

Ramada at Wyndam Topeka

Laird Noller Ford Topeka

Fire Me Up Ceramics

24 CAPPER FOUNDATION’S 20TH AN EVENING FOR A CHILD

This event will be held VIRTUALLY at 6:30 pm. For more information

Would you like to get in touch with

about

the

us? We would love to hear from you!

auction, wine board and how to

the

event

including

Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

be in our digital audience, visit

Topeka using the Get In Touch link

www.capper.org/events

and let us know what you think.

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33

ROAD TRIP HOW 150 MILLION ACRES OF GRASSLAND DISAPPEARED IN THE SPAN OF THREE GENERATIONS

ARTICLE KELSEY HUBER

W H E R E DI D T H E TA LLG R A S S P R A I R I E G O? “OH GIVE ME A HOME WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM AND THE DEER AND THE ANTELOPE PLAY.” The words to this classic folk song were written by Dr. Brewster M. Higley of Smith County, Kansas, back in 1874. Sometimes called the “unofficial anthem” of the American West, in 1947 it became the official Kansas state song. Who would have thought that between the time those words were written and the time it became our state’s song that the land referenced, 150 million acres of tallgrass prairie, would be all but gone?

What happened to the tallgrass prairie?

Between 1850 and 1910, the tallgrass prairie, which got its name from the native grasses that reached six to eight feet tall, was slowly converted into farmland. The rich soil was perfect for farming. With the introduction of mechanized farming equipment in the first half of the 20th century, farmland spread at an ever increasing rate. By the late 1950s, this “ocean of grass” as

expansive grassland. This prairie remains only because the steep

the pioneers described it, was essentially gone.

slopes and shallow, rocky soil was unsuitable for farming. Efforts

What wasn’t cultivated, was converted to pas-

are underway to prevent further loss, increase awareness, and

ture for livestock. Accounts vary, but the amount

create tallgrass conservation easement programs in Kansas. One

of tallgrass prairie remaining today ranges from

of the best places to see this prairie and learn more about its

about 4% to 13%. Kansas contains about 80% of

history and preservation is the Tallgrass Prairie National Reserve

the remaining tallgrass prairie in the U.S.

(180 acres of prairie) located just 60 miles southwest of Topeka

The Flint Hills in Oklahoma and Kansas (3.8 million acres) is the only intact remnant of this once

34

Topeka Lifestyle | April 2021

where you can enjoy bus tours, hiking and, if you’re lucky, actually see the buffalo roam! Make it a day trip.

It's your future. Let's protect it.® ®

Yana Ross 6028 SW 29th St. Topeka, KS 785.266.9262 AgentYana.com

Auto | Home | Life | Annuities | Investments Business | Farm & Ranch | Health

Securities & services offered through FBL Marketing Services, LLC,+ 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,+* Western Agricultural Insurance Company,+* Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+*/West Des Moines, IA. Health insurance policies are underwritten by health insurance carriers not directly affiliated with our companies. +Affiliates. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services. PR-SM-A (5-20)

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Celebrating 140 years of service to our clients and community.

Thank you

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515 S Kansas Ave Topeka, KS 66603

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