Kids Who Floor You, Pets Who Adore You
Welcome to our special "Kids and Pets" issue, a delightful celebration of our Golden City's finest young people and our furry and sometimes winged best friends. Kids and pets are some of the best gifts we have in this world. Their unconditional love reminds us what life is all abouthelping each other.
This issue features some amazing kids and pets. Meet a 10-year old boy chasing his dream to become a NASCAR driver, a beekeeper who has literally thousands of pets that are like his children (and learn how those winged "pets" are real-time heroes to our ecosystem). Plus, understand the educational benefits of pet ownership - how caring for animals can teach children responsibility, empathy, and respect for all living creatures.
Flashbacks of my kids growing up with our family dog came to mind as I was curating this issue. The funniest memory I have is, picture this, a one-hundredpound Boxer pulling my, then twelve-year-old, son down the street on his skateboard...hilarious. Kids and pets are certainly a huge source of joy in our lives not to mention the unique bond they can share with each other. Both can really pull at our heartstrings too. How about this for a heartwarming story… on our photo shoot at the Helping Hands Humane Society, our photographer and her sons ended up giving a beautiful puppy his forever home.
We hope this issue brings a smile to your face and wag to your pet's tail (or wings). Thank you for joining me in celebrating the world of kids and pets.
Warmest wishes,
KATHY GRAHAM, EDITOR @TOPEKALIFESTYLE
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Brian Rodehorst | brian.rodehorst@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kathy Graham | kathy.graham@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Sara Schultz | saraschultzstyling@gmail.com
STAFF WRITERS
Kelsey Huber | khuber2@gmail.com
Sue Baldani | suebaldani@yahoo.com
Amanda Knowland | amandalanum@gmail.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kristol Kumar | kristol@kristolkumarphotograpy.com
Lindsey Wagers | info@wagersphotography.com
Create Uplift | info@createuplift.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Katie Currad, LeAnn Parker
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
LeAnn Parker, Race Driven Performance
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
business monthly
Arab Shriners Parade Aug 31st
Central States Arab Shrine Parade is Saturday, August 31 @ 9:30am-11:00am in downtown Topeka. It's a large Parade consisting of Shriners from surrounding states. Starts at 4th & Kansas and heads south on Kansas Ave. Families and kids welcome. The Arab Shrine's mission is to contribute to the well-being of the community and support the Shriners Hospitals for Children, providing life-changing care to children in need, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Visit arabshriners.org
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Calhoun's Jeweler Is Celebrating 20 Years
Celebrate with us two decades of trust, quality, and lasting memories. From August 2-24th, shop the best selection of jewelry in Topeka and save 20 to 60% off. Receive a FREE gemstone with every $200 min purchase. Earn one raffle ticket for every $200 spent. August 24th, indulge in snacks and refreshments, receive a free travel jewelry box, and live raffle drawing for prizes over $13,000 in value. Visit calhounsjewelers.com for more details.
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ONE TRACK MIND
Meet a Topeka Boy Who’s Driven to Be the Best
ARTICLE BY KELSEY HUBER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACE DRIVEN PERFORMANCE
It all started at the age of three when Taegan Knowland began watching NASCAR races with his Grandpa Bert “Pop” Lanum. From ages four through six he expressed interest in racing cars, but the answer was always no. When the interest didn’t wane, his parents, Amanda and Tanner, told him they’d give it a try. So at the age of seven, Taegan showed up at the Topeka Quarter Midget Association’s Arrive and Drive event where kids who are interested in racing can come to the track, watch a race, and actually drive a car to get a feel for what it’s like.
Since that day, Taegan has been completely engulfed in the racing world. He began racing quarter midgets and won his very first rookie race. A few months later he would win the USAC.25 Nationals at Daytona International Speedway. Last year, he added bandoleros to his race arsenal, competing each summer in the prestigious Cookout Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway against well-known names in the race community, like Brexton Busch.
“I love the high energy,” Taegan said. “Not knowing what’s going to happen next.” When asked if he was ever scared, he said, “I’ve never been scared before a race… maybe that nervous feeling in the pit of your stomach… but not scared.”
Racing on this level requires a lot of commitment. Taegan is 10 now and has been racing for almost four years. He practices in a racing simulator every day that he’s not out of town traveling for a race. It’s a driver’s seat with a screen that allows him to virtually practice on many of the tracks he’ll be competing on. With that kind of schedule, he had to give up soccer, basketball, and football. But he knows that nothing comes without hard work and dedication. His goal is to be a NASCAR driver by the time he’s in his early twenties.
Taegan says there are two things he likes most about racing: getting to meet new people and using his platform to give back. Taegan partners with one of his sponsors, Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, to raise money for kids with pediatric cancer.
He has been to 30 states so far and has friends all around the country. “When we get to the track, we walk to the garages and talk and hang out. Every track is different, so I try to learn as much as I can from the other drivers - where the optimal racing line is around the corners and down the straightaways.”
His dad interjects, “It’s not all just speed. There’s a lot of strategy involved.” The same goes for making it to NASCAR. “You don’t just show up there,” Tanner Knowland said. “He has to build a brand along with his skills.”
Taegan is definitely on the right track. With his skills, attitude, and the support of his family, he’s going places… fast! To learn more, visit TaeganKnowlandRacing.com.
Hands-on PET EDUCATION
TEACHING CHILDREN HOW TO INTERACT SAFELY WITH DOGS
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTOL KUMAR/KUMAR PHOTOGRAPHY
Grace Clinton
When Grace Clinton was a college student, she visited Helping Hands
Humane Society in Topeka to adopt a dog. She happily ended up with Padma, a Border Collie.
Today, Grace is the director of philanthropy at the shelter, and enjoys sharing her love of animals. “Starting at the age of 10, children can volunteer here, as long as they are accompanied by a parent until the age of 16,” she says. “Part of what we offer is one on one, hands-on learning such as safe
handling skills, how to read animals’ body language, and how to interact with animals.”
Grace emphasizes that it’s very important for children to understand how to approach a dog, to allow a dog to greet you, and how to read if a dog may not be interested in interacting. “We teach that a wagging tail doesn’t always mean a dog is happy. It usually means the animal is stimulated, and that can be either positive or negative. It could also mean that the animal is very stressed.”
Other signs of stress are wide eyes, looking away, leaning back or taking a step back. That’s an indicator that you’re in the pet’s space and it doesn’t like it. Plus, know your
exits and make sure the animal has an exit too, so it doesn’t feel trapped.
“The biggest thing for us to teach is understanding consent - it’s a critical life skill for all ages whether you’re talking about animals or people,” she says. “We should not try to force ourselves on pets. Usually, they’re communicating with us long before we start listening; we just have to pay attention.” While children are learning these skills, it’s also providing socialization for the shelter animals.
Helping Hands also offers presentations to school groups and civic groups like the Girl Scouts at the shelter or other locations. Dogs who have been previously
adopted from the shelter and have undergone some level of training or certification attend these presentations too.
“We allow the dogs to go around and greet the children,” says Grace. “We talk about how to pet a dog, how we don’t pet their faces, or put our hands or heads near their faces.”
These presentations also include animal welfare education, such as the importance of spaying and neutering, feeding nutritious food, providing clean water, and how to walk a dog.
There are many great dogs, and cats, available at the shelter, and they can be just
as wonderful as pets that you buy at great expense. Amazingly, Kristol Kumar, a photographer for Topeka City Lifestyle magazine, and her family found this out in June while shooting the photos for this article.
“After the photoshoot we went online and saw a couple dogs that we wanted to look at,” she says. Kristol and her husband John, plus sons 16-year-old Gabe and 12-year-old Micah, were able to meet both dogs and find out more about them and to make sure they would get along with their cats, Neo and Coco.
The one they chose to adopt is an Australian Shepherd, Kelpie and possibly
collie mix they named Maverick, inspired by the movie, Top Gun . “He’s such a sweet dog and has really integrated well into our family,” says Kristol.
The other dog, a purebred German Shepherd, was adopted by Kristol’s mother, Ginger, who named him Cash.
Many times, says Grace, people have a specific breed in mind, but she encourages them to come in and meet their dogs.
“We have a fit for just about every home. It’s just a matter of keeping your eyes and hearts open minded.”
To adopt, volunteer, or learn more, go to HHHS.Topeka.org
Maverick and his new boy Micah
BUZZING WITH PASSION AND PURPOSE
T Creek Bees
ARTICLE BY AMANDA KNOWLAND | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSEY WAGERS/WAGERS PHOTOGRAPHY
A local beekeeper’s story begins west of Jefferson City, Missouri more than four decades ago when his grandfather drove from St. Paul, Minnesota with six hives in the back of his old F-150.
“He announced that my father, David Urich, was now a beekeeper,” Tim Urich, owner of T Creek Bees, recalls.
Armed with a library book on beekeeping, David dove headfirst into the world of bees, a journey that would last 20 years and inspire his son, Tim, to eventually carry the torch… or, rather, the bee smoker.
The Boy Scouts played a pivotal role in Tim’s early beekeeping education. Under his father’s guidance, Tim and his fellow Scouts earned their beekeeping merit
badges, learning the intricate dance of hive management, the roles of worker bees, drones, and the queen, and the seasonal rhythms of beekeeping.
THE EDUCATOR AND THE BEEKEEPER
Today, Tim is not only a dedicated beekeeper, but also a middle school principal. He finds striking parallels between these two roles.
“In both beekeeping and education, nurturing and guidance are essential,” he explains. “Just as beekeepers create a supportive environment for bees, educators foster a nurturing atmosphere for students to thrive academically and personally.”
Tim’s dual roles require keen observation and adaptation.
“Beekeepers must constantly monitor their hives and adapt to the needs of the colony,” he says. “Similarly, educators need to observe students’ needs and adjust teaching methods to support their growth.”
Problem-solving, community building, and long-term commitment are also critical in both fields, highlighting the deep connection between Tim’s professional and personal passions.
THE HIVE: A MICROCOSM OF LIFE
Tim’s enthusiasm for beekeeping is evident when he delves into the fascinating world of the beehive.
“A beehive is a highly organized structure with thousands of bees, each playing a specific role,” he explains. The queen, capable of laying up to 2,000 eggs per day, ensures the hive’s population remains robust. Worker bees, the non-reproductive females, handle everything from foraging and nursing the young to cleaning the hive and producing honey and wax. Drones, the male bees, have the sole task of mating with a virgin queen during her nuptial flight.
Tim is particularly fascinated by the queen bee’s unique role. “The queen’s pheromones regulate hive behavior, maintaining social order and ensuring the colony’s productivity,” he notes. The intricate communication methods, like the “waggle dance,” and the hive’s temperature control mechanisms further illustrate the hive’s complex and coordinated nature.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEEKEEPING
Beekeeping, for Tim, is more than a hobby – it’s a vital endeavor with far-reaching implications.
“Beekeeping supports environmental sustainability, agricultural productivity, and human health,” he asserts.
Bees play a crucial role in pollinating crops, contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem health. The economic value of their pollination services is immense, supporting numerous industries and agricultural practices. Honey, the sweet reward of beekeeping, offers numerous benefits.
“Honey is a natural sweetener with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants,” Tim explains. Its antibacterial properties make it effective for wound healing and soothing sore throats, while its natural sugars provide a quick energy boost.
BEES AS FAMILY
To Tim, his bees are part of an extended family. “They’re not pets in the traditional sense, but they do feel like part of my family,” he says.
Caring for the bees is a responsibility Tim takes seriously, knowing their health impacts the broader environment and food production. Balancing his roles as a beekeeper and a principal, Tim finds both pursuits deeply fulfilling and complementary.
JOIN THE BUZZ
For those interested in learning more about Tim’s beekeeping journey or finding a retail location to purchase T Creek honey, visit www.TCreekBees.com or follow them at www.facebook.com/TCreekBees . Named after the Tecumseh Creek, T Creek Bees continues to provide delicious raw local honey to the Topeka metro area, fostering a deeper connection with nature and the community.
Beekeeping supports environmental sustainability, agricultural productivity, and human health,” Tim asserts.
W A T C H THEM GROW
The days are long, but the years go fast. So they say with raising children. I have to agree with that sentiment. Each year as summer ends I find myself looking at my kids and reminding myself to “Watch them grow!” Both as a reminder to not miss the growth (with all the distractions and responsibilities that adult life brings) but also as reflection on how far they’ve come since the last time we turned the calendar page to August. Whether there are children in your life or not, I’m sure we can all agree that childhood is fleeting. Instead of stopping to smell the roses, I need to remind myself to “stop and watch them grow”—you can’t see it if you stare, but you’ll surely miss it if you blink! It helps me to set aside intentional time to be present with these fast little growers.
For us that looks like setting a special table to spend time sharing (or drawing) how we’ve seen them grow over the summer before jumping back into school routines. Making DIY game boards together and then having a family game night. Making snow cones for an after-dinner treat or, for a bigger wow factor, for breakfast! They will never forget that one, I promise. (Psst! my snow cones are made with fruit juice so it’s Mommy approved too!)
As August rolls in and the calendar tells us that it’s time for back-to-school shopping, the weather does not usually agree that the times are changing. I find that it’s such
a weird dance between what looks like the change of seasons when I open my calendar but not when I walk out my back door (heat wave!). On one hand, we’re still in full throttle of blazing temperatures in the Midwest and with no end in sight. At the same time, being thrown into back-to-school shopping, Meet-the-Teacher nights, resuming the regiment of packing school lunches, and if you’re a homeschool parent, all the to-do lists and lesson plans in order to launch into another school year. As we find ourselves
with one foot in summer and the other in a classroom, how do we embrace and (dare I say) celebrate this month? Instead of feeling ungrounded in the juxtaposition of August, I am inviting myself, and anyone who would join me, to embrace the opportunity to celebrate the in-between seasons that this month brings. My hope is that these ideas help spark your imagination on how to keep you cool in the heat, launch your kiddos into a new school year, and to set aside time to watch them grow.
DIY GAME BOARDS
Welcome more play into your life with this little DIY project. At our house we like to keep outdoor game boards around for short moments together as well as full blown game nights. These game boards are meant to be kept outside but could also be brought indoors as well.
Materials
• Pebbles for Checkers, 24 similar sized
• Small stones for Tic-Tac-Toe, 8 similar sized
• Acrylic paints (black, red, yellow and white)
• Paint brush
• Raw wooden boards + black paint marker
• Reclaimed wood + black acrylic paint
• Polycrylic spray
Instructions
1. Game Pieces: Paint your rocks with acrylic paint. For Tic-TacToe you’ll need a total of 8 rocks, 4 of each type (here I’ve painted 4 lady bugs and 4 bumble bees). For Checkers you’ll need a total of 24 rocks, 12 of each color (here I’ve used black stones, painting half of them red).
2. Game Board: For raw wood (such as our Tic-Tac-Toe board), use a ruler and black paint marker to create board lines. For reclaimed or treated wood, use paint. Let game pieces and game boards fully dry. Seal with a polycrylic spray for protection from heat and moisture.
SNOW CONES
We adore snow cones at our house! If you’ve been to our house then we’ve probably served them to you. A shaved ice machine makes it oh-so-easy! You can purchase premade snow cone syrup flavors or make your own healthier version by using fruit juice concentrates. Simply thaw the frozen fruit juice concentrate and put the liquid into squeezy bottles for an easy way to pour over shaved ice.
Assemble
• Ice, lots of ice!
• Snow Cone Machine
• Snow Cone Cups
• Snow Cone Straws
• Snow Cone Syrups (or frozen juice concentrates, thawed)
Use a snow cone machine to shave ice into snow cone cups. Top with your favorite flavor—either store bought snow cone syrups, homemade syrups, or our favorite—fruit concentrates. Stay cool and celebrate the last days of summer heat!
2300 Southwest 29th Street 785.267.6120 | jaredfoxdds.com
TUESDAYS
Splash Pad Yoga - Evergy Plaza
Evergy Plaza Downtown @ 630 S Kansas Ave. Topeka, KS | 7:00 PM
Join us EVERY Tuesday night at 7pm - 7:45pm for a FREE beginner yoga class and meditation with Topeka Yoga Network! Class is held in Evergy Plaza. The fountains will be turned on during class. Mats will not be provided. We encourage you to bring you own mat and a towel. Evergy Plaza Public bathrooms will be open.
AUGUST 2ND-17TH
FSGC’s Works of Heart Online Auction
FSGCtopeka.com/art
Help thousands of people living with mental health and substance use challenges by bidding in the 18th annual Works of Heart auction, a fundraiser for Family Service & Guidance Center. Browse professional artwork, photography, pottery, jewelry, unique experiences and valuable gift cards at FSGCtopeka.com/art. Don’t miss out – the auction goes live Friday, August 2!
AUGUST 8TH
TPAC Presents - Joe Bonamassa
TPAC @ 214 SE 8th Ave, Topeka, KS | 8:00 PM
The "Blues Deluxe Tour” pays homage to Bonamassa's critically acclaimed albums, including his best selling Blues Deluxe from 2003 and its successor Blues Deluxe Vol. 2. The setlist is poised to be an electrifying journey through Bonamassa's repertoire, featuring a mix of beloved fan favorites and deep tracks making their live debut, all performed alongside a band of world-class musicians.
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Herdman
IT’S PEANUT BUTTER JELLY TIME
CHANGE UP YOUR PB&J GAME BY DISCOVERING NEW WAYS TO ENJOY THE OL’ STANDBY
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CURRID
Summertime is busy time, and that often means eating on the go. Whether you’re at constant baseball games or meeting up for a regular play date, you’re probably bringing food along with you to feed your crew. And there’s no meal that’s as on-the-go friendly as the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. And don’t get me wrong — I love a PB&J. But months of eating anything can get a little old, and this summer, I started to wonder if there was a way to zhuzh up the ol’ standby.
HERE ARE SOME IDEAS TO CHANGE UP YOUR PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICH:
Change up your bread: One easy way to liven up your sandwich is to use different bread. That sourdough you may have learned to make during the pandemic is a perfect bread to use, or you could opt for milk bread, a Japanese option that is fluffier and sweeter than white bread.
Get nutty: While most toddlers would balk at crunchy peanut butter, you’re an adult! You can try new things! If you don’t have the crunchy type on hand, you can also just add peanuts between your layers of peanut butter and jelly to get that crunchy fix.
Chip in: Probably the wackier idea you’ll see here, and one a toddler would either love or abhor, but chips on sandwiches are a great way to add crunchiness and saltiness to any sandwich — especially the PB&J. Apparently, Channing Tatum loves to eat Cheetos on his PB&J, though I’ve had others tell me they love to add Doritos — both the Nacho and Cool Ranch variety — to theirs, too.
Fresh fruit: This is probably the simplest way to up your PB&J game, since technically, you’ve already got fruit on your sandwich in the form of jelly. Try adding some smashed raspberries or cut strawberries to yours next time you make one!
