Explore SummerFun and Adventure in our Golden City
Explore Your Curiosity for Adventure
Welcome to the Explore Issue! This edition invites you on a journey of discovery, adventure, and curiosity. Exploration is a fundamental part of our human experience, fueling our desire to learn, grow, and push the boundaries of what we know. As I reflect on the theme of exploration, I am reminded of my own childhood spent on a farm in Illinois. Growing up on that farm instilled in me a deep sense of wonder and adventure that has helped shape me into who I am today. Each corner of our property held its own mysteries waiting to be discovered by a young girl with a vivid imagination. I enjoyed days of boundless freedom riding my horses, hiking, and exploring. My earliest memories are intertwined with the rhythm of the seasons… the smell of freshly cut grass, the sound of cicadas singing, the blinking of lightning bugs begging me to chase them - they are all woven into my soul and I carry them with me today. My childhood days were certainly filled with exploration and discovery. In this issue, we delve into stories that celebrate the spirit of exploration in our Golden City. Learn to sail right here on Lake Perry just 25 minutes northeast of Topeka! Get outdoors and discover disc golf courses. Did you know that disc golf has early origins in Kansas? Create an oasis in your own backyard with 4 Rose Pools. Check out our crab boil recipe and tablescape for a festive backyard feast. Finally, explore the spirit of giving with our story of young entrepreneurs in Topeka who are raising money for local children’s charities at the annual 20/30 Gala.
I hope this issue not only entertains and informs but also inspires you to embark on your own journeys of discovery. Whether that is navigating your sailboat with the wind in your hair or enjoying yourself right there in your own backyard. Never stop learning, growing, discovering, and exploring your world! Who knows what lies ahead?!
KATHY GRAHAM, EDITOR @TOPEKALIFESTYLE
July 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
Sue Baldani | suebaldani@yahoo.com
Kelsey Huber | khuber2@gmail.com
Amanda Knowland | amandalanum@gmail.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kristol Kumar | kristol@kristolkumarphotograpy.com
Lindsey Wagers | info@wagersphotography.com
Create Uplift | info@createuplift.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
LeAnn Parker
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Thomas Hall/Eagle Aerial Solutions, Junghans Images, Janie Jones
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
Summer SYMBOL OF
The Art of 4 Rose Pools
ARTICLE BY AMANDA KNOWLAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTOL KUMAR/KUMAR PHOTOGRAPHY
One can hardly mention the word summer without images of sunshine and swimming pools coming to mind. This time of year, pools are often the heart of social gatherings, filled with the laughter of children playing, the sounds of splashing, water glistening in the sun, and the faint scent of chlorine.
When Neal Rose first began working on pools at the age of 17, he couldn’t have known that symbol of summer would evolve into a lifelong passion, not to mention being the conduit for how he would meet his wife. More than 25 years later, Neal is the founder of 4 Rose Pools, a Topeka-based quality, custom pool builder. He also shares two daughters with the girl he met while maintaining her pool 21 years ago.
CRAFTING DREAMS: THE GENESIS OF 4 ROSE POOLS
With two decades of service experience in the pool industry, Neal has seen firsthand the wear and tear on pools throughout Topeka. And he saw a need: Topekans should be able to own a low maintenance pool that looks beautiful and is engineered to run more efficiently and last longer.
“Pools allow families to create memories!” Neal says. “They bring people together and provide the perfect way to spend time with those you love.”
That is the goal for most pool owners: to spend time enjoying the pool with your people, not spending all your time maintaining it. This is one issue Neal hoped to address when establishing 4 Rose Pools.
“Our custom designs support ease of maintenance to ensure the homeowner maximizes their time enjoying their investment,” he says.
Commitment to customer service is another cornerstone of 4 Rose Pools. Unlike many builders, 4 Rose Pools offers comprehensive services including openings, closings, and ongoing maintenance needs.
SIMPLIFIED CUSTOMER JOURNEY
The process of acquiring a pool from 4 Rose Pools is designed to be straightforward and customer-friendly. Prospective clients can easily explore options and request appointments via the company’s website. Services offered are extensive, ranging from weekly maintenance and liner replacements to complete pool renovations and UV light installations for enhanced sanitation.
Neal’s decision to include pool maintenance services was driven by a desire to address a common gap in the market.
ENHANCING HOMES AND LIVES
For many, a pool transforms their backyard into a private paradise, a mini-vacation spot just steps away from their door. While the financial value of an in-ground home pool is dependent upon several factors, its true value may be found in the lifestyle and memories made, spontaneous swims and impromptu pool parties.
A FAMILY AFFAIR
At the heart of 4 Rose Pools is a love for bringing joy to families.
“Family is everything,” Neal says.
For Neal, the part he says he loves most about his work is the videos of kids jumping into their 4 Rose Pool for the first time, and seeing photos of customers enjoying their pool.
It is Neal’s own family that inspired the company name, 4 Rose Pools. The “4” represents his family of four: Neal, his wife Michelle, and their daughters Kyndall and Avery. The inclusion
of “Rose” pays homage to his father’s business, Rose Muffler, symbolizing a legacy of hard work and dedication.
With the busy season for 4 Rose spanning from March through November, and construction continuing yearround, Neal remains motivated by a passion for staying at the forefront of the industry and keeping the pool experience top-of-mind.
“I am driven to keep refining the pool experience so a 4R pool always represents innovation, quality, and excellence!” he declares.
In the tapestry of summer experiences, swimming pools hold a special place. They are not merely structures filled with water but symbols of the season’s essence— joy, freedom, togetherness, and the simple pleasure of a sun-drenched day. As long as summer brings its warmth and brightness, swimming pools will remain a cherished emblem of all that makes this time of year so magical.
To learn more about 4 Rose Pools, visit 4rosepools.com
Summertime Schoolwork
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20/30 CLUB OF TOPEKA
MAKING A DIFFERENCE ONE GALA AT A TIME
ARTICLE BY AMANDA KNOWLAND | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUNGHANS IMAGES
Each August, for one night, a group of young men host one of Topeka’s most elegant and unforgettable events, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the children of Topeka and Shawnee County.
The 20/30 Gala and Auction is the signature event for Topeka’s 20/30 Club, a group of men in their twenties and thirties who share a passion for philanthropy and community service. Impressively, 100% of the net proceeds from the event are reinvested directly into aiding children and supporting local organizations dedicated to their welfare.
Founded in 1956, this social networking organization boasts 65 dedicated members united by a single mission: to support and uplift the community’s youngest and most vulnerable. Over the decades, the club has raised and donated over $4 million, embodying their guiding principle: “A man never stands so tall as when kneeling to help a child.”
RAISING FUNDS AND ALLOCATING RESOURCES
The 20/30 Club’s fundraising strategy is a well-oiled machine, driven by the passion and dedication of its members. With funds raised from the gala, the club operates key outreach programs such as Coats for Kids and Christmas for Kids. 2024 Gala Co-Chairs Kevin Nincehelser and Alex Orel call the success of the annual fundraising gala a non-negotiable for them because of its benefit to children in the community.
“Without it, many may go without a warm coat during the winter, miss out on important medical care, sleep on a floor instead of a bed, lack the material or mental support they need in times of crisis, or simply miss out on the giving spirit of Christmas that so many of us take for granted.,” Orel says.
“Many of my most cherished memories in the 20/30 Club of Topeka are when we are picking out a new coat for a little boy or girl that they love, putting it on them, and zipping it
up,” shares Nincehelser. “That moment, and the look on their face, is magical for each one of the thousands of children we’ve served. This simple act, repeated countless times over the years, continually reminds me and my fellow members of the profound impact of our efforts. It is moments like these that reinforce our dedication to the club’s mission: it’s all about the kids.”
Similarly, the Christmas for Kids program schedules shopping events, where local children’s service organizations transport children in need to stores, and club volunteers help them shop for essential items and gifts.
THE GALA: A PREMIER EVENT
The annual 20/30 Gala and Auction is more than a conduit for creating those opportunities for local kids; it is also the premier gala of the year in Topeka and Shawnee County. Nearly one thousand of the community’s finest gather to celebrate, donate, and learn about the impact of their contributions over the past year while looking forward to what can be accomplished in the year ahead.
Planning the gala is no small feat. It is meticulously organized by a volunteer board of directors and at-large members, with assistance from event planning company, Along Came Abby.
“Seeing these young men come together to build a better tomorrow for Topeka is so heartwarming,” says Abby Wempe, owner of Along Came Abby. “Getting to elevate the experience for them and the donors is an added perk!”
THE PRIVILEGE OF GIVING BACK
The 20/30 Club of Topeka exemplifies the power of community-driven philanthropy. Through their annual gala, direct outreach programs, and ongoing volunteer efforts, they make a profound difference in the lives of local children.
“The members of the 20/30 Club of Topeka are fortunate for the small part we get to play in making the difference for those kids who need it most,” says Nincehelser. “This unwavering commitment is why our club and its fundraising are invaluable assets to Topeka.”
This year’s 20/30 Gala attendees will step back in time to the roaring ‘20s and into a speakeasy-themed scene at the Stormont Vail Events Center. Live entertainment, 20s-era signature cocktails, pearls, feathers, and art deco are the order of business at the black-tie charity gala, where event planner, Abby Wempe, says surprises are in store.
ARTICLE BY KELSEY HUBER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS HALL
“I’ve been in love with the idea of sailing since I was a child,” said Paul Barnett, owner of Paramour Sailing. “I would spend summers with my grandparents on Brighton Beach watching sailboats glide across the horizon. That vision stuck with me. I fell in love with the beauty and the calming nature of sailboats.”
In the late 80’s, Barnett was living in Chesapeake and on the verge of buying a sailboat when work took him to Kansas City. “I thought my dream of sailing was over,” he said. “Then, in 1990, my wife Lori gave me sailing lessons at Shawnee Mission Lake taught by the Johnson County Sailing Society. As soon as I finished the class, I was hooked. I knew I had to sail more, so I bought my own boat.” By 1991, he was teaching a sailing class. By ‘92, he was a primary instructor and he’s been teaching ever since. “When you get so much enjoyment out of something,” he said, “you have to share that experience with others.”
The name Paramour was actually coined by his son. Paramour is a French word that means an illicit lover, especially of a married person . When Barnett bought his boat, he needed a good name. “We had a family conference,” he remembered. “My oldest son said, ‘Dad, sailing is your illicit love. It’s your paramour’ and we all agreed it was the perfect name.”
CONTINUED >
In 2020, the owner of Kansas City Sailing was ready to downsize and suggested to Barnett that he take over the sailing school. Having recently retired from his corporate job at Sprint/T-Mobile, the timing was perfect. Barnett named the school after his boat and Paramour Sailing was born.
“Everyone can sail,” Barnett shared. “All you need is a good attitude and a willingness to learn.” He says only a little physical capability is required as the equipment, like mechanical winches, does the heavy lifting. “My oldest student was 84 years old. He had sailed earlier in his life and I guess the water just called him back,” Barnett said. “He remembered a lot, and what he lacked in mobility he made up for in intellect and problem-solving. So it’s never too late to set sail.”
So, let’s say you have that tickle in your soul, where do you start?
Paramour Sailing offers a variety of introductory sailing classes at the Perry Yacht Club on Lake Perry just 25 minutes northeast of Topeka. Barnett suggests three different starting points depending on your level of interest.
Intro to Sailing is an ideal class for those who have never sailed, want to brush up on their skills, or complete the prerequisite for the American Sailing Association Basic Keelboat Certification.
“There’s nothing like being on the water with the wind in your sails. It’s the most zen activity I know.”
Private Lessons are perfect if you want to check sailing off the bucket list, treat yourself and your family or friends to a fun day on the water, work on specific sailing skills, or practice on your newly purchased boat.
Zero to Hero is Barnett’s personal favorite course and ideal for those who are really interested in learning to sail. This course includes four days of sailing and boat handling plus classroom learning. It covers everything from Intro to Sailing up through ASA Keelboat Certification. There are no prerequisites aside from a little advanced study. “It’s four days of sailing immersion,” he said. “I get a kick out of seeing how my students evolve through the course. I’m always surprised at how well people take to it. With a little one-on-one attention, I can take someone who has never sailed and give them the skills not only to sail a boat but to rescue someone who has gone overboard.”
ASA 101 certification is the first step to sailing the world. Barnett offers two paths to accomplish that first-level certification - the Zero to Hero four-day course described above and, for those with previous sailing experience, a two-day ASA 101 course. “Wherever you are on the experience scale,” he said, “we’ll meet you there!”
You don’t have to live near the ocean to discover the joy of sailing. Just head up to Lake Perry and don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure. “You can make a sailboat go anywhere, even into the wind, without a motor,” Barnett shared. “It’s kind of magical.” Visit Paramoursailing. com to learn more about sailing lessons with Captain Barnett at Paramour Sailing.
Start
SAIL AWAY CRAB BOIL
ARTICLE BY AND STYLED BY LEANN PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
I love back yard family-style meals such as a crab boil this time of year. While it’s hard to say how crab boils started, one theory is that with the arrival of Cajun people from Maritime regions of Canada in the 1700’s, the crab boil was one tradition that they brought with them. Lucky us!!
With a crab boil, the food is the star of the show, and a vital part of the table scape. Additional elements included here are a large paper-sail, light blue taper candles, a few large flowers, and heavy white rope as nautical accents. You can also use other elements such as large seashells, coral or sea glass. Use whatever you have on hand that gives a nod to the sea.
Bring A Bit of the Coast to your Back Yard
CRAB BOIL RECIPE:
Fill a large stock pot halfway with cold water. Season with lemon peels, bay leaves, black pepper, red pepper flakes, Old Bay Seasoning, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil and add crab legs, sausage, potatoes, and corn until cooked. Strain water and serve on a large, galvanized tray, lined with newspaper or parchment paper.
Give each guest a bowl of garlic butter for dipping as well as lemons for squeezing (wrapped in cheesecloth and tied with twine to avoid seeds).
Include special beverages and desserts such as a tiered lemon cake or frozen treat to beat the heat.
Enjoy your meal with guests, family style!
Centerpiece:
• Paper-Sail centerpiece (instructions found in Martha Stewart’s book “Handmade Holiday Crafts” page 248) set in a galvanized bucket filled with white sand.
• Blue taper candles placed in 8oz jelly jars filled with white sand.
• Glass bottles labeled “Let’s Sail Away”. Inside, roll up a handwritten note, joke or riddle for guests to enjoy a chuckle or conversation starter.
• Large, galvanized tray overlaid with parchment paper to hold the crab boil feast.
Table Setting - Optional
• White Pasta Bowls
• Individual Ceramic Butter Warmers
• Linen Napkins
• Woven Placemats
• Galvanized Tavern Mugs
• Crab Napkin Rings
• Crab Salt & Pepper Shakers
• Crab Bottle Opener
• Parchment Paper
For full instructions visit the blog at silvertoothhome.com/blog/crabboil
WEDNESDAYS
Evergy Plaza "Live @ Lunch" by Morris Laing Law Firm
Evergy Plaza Downtown @ 630 S Kansas Ave. Topeka, KS | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
A true downtown experience that brings delicious food, an exciting splash pad, and excellent music to enjoy on your lunch hour.
THURSDAY NIGHTS
Evergy Plaza "Eats & Beats" presented by Envista Credit Union
Evergy Plaza Downtown @ 630 S Kansas Ave. Topeka, KS
Where live music and excellence meet. Bringing top notch bands to the heart of downtown for the benefit of the community. Make sure to come prepared with an appetite and be ready to rock.
JULY 5TH-AUGUST 10TH
Topeka Civic Theatre presents - Tootsie a new comedy musical
3028 SW 8th Ave., Topeka, KS 66606
SYNOPSIS: Based on the 1982 hit comedy film starring Dustin Hoffman. Michael Dorsey is a skilled actor with a talent for not keeping a job. Desperate and out-of-work, Michael makes a last-ditch effort at making his dreams come true…by disguising himself as actress Dorothy Michaels.
JULY 26TH
Tee-PAC Golf Tournament Fundraiser
GreatLIFE a Shawnee Country Club | 7:00 AM
Raising "Green" For Main Stage Programming. Our annual benefit tournament will generate funding for quality Main Stage Programming and much needed capital improvements at the Topeka Performing Arts Center. Join us for an enjoyable day of golf and fellowship!
realty report
JUST THROWING IT OUT THERE
An
Economical Game that is Fun for the Whole Family
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI
BY THOMAS HALL/EAGLE AERIAL SOLUTIONS
Although disc golf has officially been around since the 70s, it’s become much more popular in the last few years due to the pandemic. “Kansas was one of the early adopters of the game,” says Terica Gatewood, who, along with her husband Sean, owns Play It Again Sports in Topeka. “The Ice Bowl [a disc golf tournament] was actually played here in Kansas for many years.”
PHOTOGRAPHY
Allexis Menghini & Jace Williams
“It’s just like golf, but instead of using a stick and a ball, you throw a disc,” says Jace Williams.
So what is disc golf? “It’s just like golf, but instead of using a stick and a ball, you throw a disc,” says store manager and player, Jace Williams. “The goal is to get the disc in the basket with as few throws as possible. There are courses that have 9 baskets and 18 baskets, and there are several courses with multiple baskets per hole.
The discs, he explains, are pretty much all the same size. “There are some that are a little bit bigger, but they all have to be within a certain size to be legal to use in a tournament or competitive play.”
Jace started playing with some high school friends around 2014. “It was an opportunity for me to hang out with my friends and a way to get together and get out of the house,” he says.
He and his girlfriend, Allexis Menghini, who started playing in 2020, compete in the sport. Both former
athletes – Jace played football and basketball, while Allexis did track and pole vault – enjoy the competition. “I’ve played in some professional tournaments, and it was cool to see the different levels for competition,” she says. “We’ve also played in some fundraisers that weren’t as high level, but still fun.”
Luckily, there are plenty of courses in Topeka, and the best way to find them is through the UDisc app. And, they’re free to play, so it’s an economical and enjoyable sport for the whole family.
Play It Again Sports has plenty of used discs that can also help keep costs down. “We offer new and used equipment, and what makes us special is customers can bring in any quality items they have, and after we evaluate them, we give them a cash offer or an in-store credit,” says Terica. “So, families can
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actually afford to get into a sport because there’s used equipment available to them.” She says used discs can be found for as little as $6.99, and you only need one disc to play. Since the store employs athletes, they can help guide customers with choosing the right equipment.
Disc golf is an easy sport to learn, doesn’t take up a lot of space, and is just a lot of fun. “It’s accessible to pretty much anyone, and you can play with all ages and abilities - that’s a really cool part of the sport,” says Allexis.
“We’ve got quite a few kids here in town that actually do really well,” says Terica. “We have a junior league, so there are leagues people can join to get together with others.”
Adds Allexis, “Everyone on the course has been really friendly and it’s easy to make friends.”
Playing also doesn’t take a lot of time. “There are some nine hole courses you could probably get done in an hour or less depending on how many people are in your group,” says Jace. “To play 18, it would be around an hour and a half to two hours.”
Like any sport, it takes practice to become great. “Don’t give up, keep trying,” says Allexis. “There’s a little bit of a learning curve, but it’ll be addicting once you see yourself improve and keep making improvements.”
