Issuu

Bryce Barkdull, KU Pole Vaulter Ms. Wheelchair America

Trick or Treat Yo’ Self!

GET TOP NOTCH CARE AT KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER

You Have A Choice, All You Have To Do Is Ask!

We have assembled a highly competent team of surgeons, physicians, nurses, technicians and support sta that are dedicated to providing the highest level patient care. They understand that the best medicine is achieved through the empowerment of caregivers so they are unhindered in their quest to deliver compassionate and evidence based health care. Such care is complemented by utilizing the latest in medical technology while listening to each patient’s needs and customizing care plans.

Behind the Scenes

Raising the Curtain on our Central Cast

How long have you been with SPLURGE?

I’ve been a writer for close to seven years and just recently joined our advertising team.

What are some of your favorite moments working for the magazine?

Before I wrote for SPLURGE!, I didn’t realize what a gem our city is: the people, organizations, events, facilities, venues and historical structures, all truly amazing.

Tell us a little about your day job.

This is my twenty-sixth year teaching English at Andover High School. Traditionally, I have taught honors sophomores and freshmen.

Did you always want to be a teacher?

I grew up wanting to be a singer or a therapist. However, in college, I fell in love with literature and the idea of sharing that with kids.

What’s the best thing about autumn?

It’s an amazing season filled with beautiful colors, fun traditions and holidays celebrated with family and friends — my absolute favorite.

Do you have a favorite quote?

“Words, like nature, half conceal and half reveal the soul within.” — Alfred Lord Tennyson

If you were to write a book, what would it be about?

I hope to write children’s books one day. Reading to my own children is still a cherished memory.

12828 E. 13th N., Wichita, KS 67230 316.267.3678

Publishing Company Inspired Koncepts, Inc.

Owners Dr. Terry and Jody Klein

Dr. Dennis and Ann Ross Steve Ruud

Publisher and President Jody Klein - jody@splurgemag.com

Associate Publisher Kelsey Ralston - kelsey@splurgemag.com

Lead Editor Karen Long - proofing@splurgemag.com

Director of Operations Jessika Mayer - splurgeoffice@gmail.com

Account Executives Kim Azaria - kim@splurgemag.com

Debi Devor-Mullins - debi@splurgemag.com

Dawn Tucker - dawn@splurgemag.com Julie Hying - hyingj@usd385.org

@splurgeict splurgemag.com

Accounting Firm of Esther M. Mollhagen, CPA

Graphic Design Mitch Gee

Contributing Writers Alexis Evans, Paige Feikert, John Huthmacher, Julie Hying, Caroline Jones, Ashley Opliger, Dawn Tucker

Fashion Photography Tobie Andrews

Local Faces Photography Michael Carroll Jr.

Julie Hying SPLURGE! writer and account executive

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

10 Wichita Paralympians

Within a year of being introduced to wheelchair tennis, Casey Ratzlaff was invited to compete at the World Team Cup competition in Turkey. Wichita boasts a long tradition of Paralympic greatness.

Ms. Wheelchair America

Wichitan Tamara Blackwell has found the sash and crown open doors for her message of truly welcoming accessibility for all, and she holds the door open for others.

Football Fan Fare

While teams scramble for the ball, friends and family will be hustling to get their hands on these Touchdown Hot Wings, Quarterback Queso and Chain Movin’ Chili.

Casey Ratzlaff

Ranked #1 in U.S. wheelchair tennis

Photos by: Tammy and Craig Ratzlaff

Trick or Treat Yo’ Self!

Arm yourself with boots, flannels and a PSL, because the fall calendar in ICT is bursting with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, haunted houses, themed runs and more!

Above the Bar

KU track star Bryce Barkdull lives and breathes pole vaulting. Through singular dedication, he’s overcome obstacles and soared to setting new records across the state.

16 - Q&A With Josh Sanders

27 - Choosing Family Instead of Opioids 71 - Hardt Studio

WICHITA ADAPTIVE SPORTS WAS LIFE CHANGING FOR WICHITA TEEN

Meet Paralympian Casey Ratzlaff

Frustration was clear for the Wichita Adaptive Sports organization at a clinic in 2011. The team organized the clinic to inform families about opportunities through sports for both kids and adults with disabilities — on the track, tennis court, swimming pool and more. But through a full eight-hour day only one kid showed up.

“I remember saying to people in the organization, ‘I know we only had one kid show up, but trust me, I think this one will be special,’ ” said Nick Taylor, Paralympic wheelchair tennis medalist and vice president of Wichita Adaptive Sports.

That one kid was Casey Ratzlaff, who just weeks ago returned to the U.S. after representing the country for the second time at the Paralympic Games. Ratzlaff was just 14 years old when he attended that fateful clinic, a moment that changed the trajectory of his life.

“I was hugely fortunate and blessed with some of the people who I met very early in my career, Nick [Taylor] being one of those people. He helped push me in a direction that ultimately led to where I am today,” Ratzlaff said. “That moment in Wichita in the summer of 2011 at that adaptive sports clinic is where it all began.”

Ratzlaff was born with spina bifida and used a wheelchair from a young age. His dream as a kid was to become a professional athlete, and within just one year after he was introduced to wheelchair tennis, Ratzlaff was invited to compete on the Junior Wheelchair Tennis national team at the

Written by Paige Feikert

World Team Cup competition in Turkey. Since then, Ratzlaff has represented Team USA through back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016 at the Junior World Championships, earned a silver medal in doubles at the 2019 Parapan American Games, and competed in the 2020 and 2024 Paralympics. Since 2018, Ratzlaff has been the top-ranked U.S. man in wheelchair tennis and earned a career high ranking of 15 in the world for wheelchair tennis singles.

“I love having the USA on my back, you always play a little harder and go the extra mile with the team on your back,” Ratzlaff said. “Team USA is filled with the most inspiring mentors and some of my closest friends.”

After experiencing his first Paralympic Games in Tokyo amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Ratzlaff said his experience in Paris was drastically different.

“The amount of support that we had from the city and the people in France, it was incredible, and it was so fun to be in that environment,” Ratzlaff said. “It didn’t go as well as I wanted on the court in Paris, but I enjoyed every moment out there.”

A Long Tradition of Paralympic

Greatness

Ratzlaff is in good company, as Wichita is home to several athletes who have represented Team USA at past Paralympic Games: Nick Taylor has played wheelchair tennis in four Paralympic Games, earning three gold medals and one silver. He won his first Paralympic gold medal in wheelchair tennis doubles at the 2004 games in Athens.

“The moment they put that medal around your neck and you’re watching the flag go up, it’s like all of the work and all of the time and effort — not only from you, but from all of the people who got you there — it literally played like a movie in my head as that flag was going up and the anthem started playing,” Taylor said.

Taylor is one of the most decorated wheelchair tennis players in the world. In addition to his four Paralympic medals, Taylor is also an 11-time Grand Slam champion and spent more than 12 years ranked number one in the world in doubles and 11 years as top five in the world in singles. It was Taylor who first recognized Ratzlaff’s talent and potential, and he’s served as a mentor and friend ever since.

“Nick was there — he’s the guy who first put me in a tennis chair and put a racket in my hand and he saw my natural ability,” Ratzlaff said. “He pushed me hard early on and saw my potential and helped me realize my own potential as well, and I can thank him for a lot of things I have in life.”

Casey Ratzlaff and Nick Taylor

Taylor shares his passion through Wichita Adaptive Sports — a local organization that provides advocacy and resources through sports to people in Wichita living with physical disabilities.

“I want Wichita Adaptive Sports to be an avenue where people feel invited to try, because the number one thing with any athlete — but especially with a disabled one — is getting them to try it in the first place,” Taylor said.

“For every sport that Wichita Adaptive Sports offers we have an extremely knowledgeable person coaching that sport; we have Paralympians teaching it.”

— Nick Taylor, vice president, Wichita Adaptive Sports

In addition to spreading awareness about the Paralympics and opportunities through sport for people with physical disabilities, Wichita Adaptive Sports helps equip athletes with the necessary equipment to be successful. Taylor says a tennis wheelchair alone could cost thousands of dollars, but it’s imperative to the success of a wheelchair tennis player.

“If you were to go out in your everyday wheelchair to play tennis it would be like going out and playing in your steel-toe boots,” Taylor said. “You need a specialized chair that is meant

to go fast and turn and is lightweight. Unfortunately, adaptive equipment is very expensive.”

Taylor is just one of many decorated Paralympic athletes from the area who participates in the organization. Wayne Romero earned a gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games and another bronze at the 2004 Games in Athens for quad rugby. Liz Willis represented Team USA at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio as a track athlete competing in the 100m, 200m and 400m races. Jordan Bird competed in the 400m, 800m and 1600m relay wheelchair track events at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.

“For Wichita Adaptive Sports and the city of Wichita to have such a rich paralympic history, for not that big of a town, to have that many Paralympians with that much success, it means a great deal to me,” Taylor said. “For every sport that Wichita Adaptive Sports offers we have an extremely knowledgeable person coaching that sport, we have Paralympians teaching it.”

Other area Paralympians include Jarrett Perry, a swimmer who won gold in the 100m backstroke at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, and bronze in the same event at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing. Three-time Paralympic silver medalist swimmer Amanda Everlove also represented Wichita and Team USA in both the Beijing games in 2008 and the London games in 2012.

While Ratzlaff and Taylor are now setting their sights on the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, a new wave of athletes are finding success through Wichita Adaptive Sports, with many more to come.

“I would encourage parents — not only parents, but young people with disabilities — to not be afraid or limited by their inhibitions and to push themselves. You never know what you’re capable of until you go out and push yourself to try new things,” Ratzlaff said.

You can learn more about Wichita Adaptive Sports and support their mission at their website, wichitaadaptivesports.org.

Paralympic sprinter Liz Willis with kids from Wichita Adaptive Sports.

Wayne Romero

Study Suggests Unique Approach to Fatty Liver Disease

Written by Caroline Jones

Now seeking research subjects

Dr. Terry Klein and the team at AMR’s El Dorado location are excited to announce a cutting-edge study that aims to reduce the effects of hepatic steatosis, or fatty liver disease. “A lot of people will say, ‘I don’t think I have fat in my liver because no one’s ever told me that,’ ” says Dr. Klein. “The truth is that, gosh, medical professionals have really not done a lot of work with hepatic steatosis. We don’t make a diagnosis because there’s really nothing we can do for it.” AMR is trying to change that.

Q. What is hepatic steatosis?

Dr. Terry Klein

Partner at Wichita Research Facility AMR

A. Hepatic steatosis is the infiltration of excess fat within a person’s liver. As we’ve seen a lot of weight gain in our culture, we’ve seen problems with the body’s ability to metabolize sugar (which causes Type 2 diabetes). This same metabolic deficit causes inflammation in the liver. This ultimately leads to fatty liver disease and to cirrhosis, which is massive scarring of the liver.

Q. How have medical professionals historically treated hepatic steatosis?

A. Medical professionals have historically blamed liver diseases like hepatic steatosis on alcohol consumption. Though I don’t want to diminish the toxicity of alcohol on the liver, we’ve learned in the past 15 years that metabolic problems have a large impact as well. For a long time, medical professionals have responded to fatty liver disease with encouragement towards losing weight and other positive lifestyle changes. The truth is that these lifestyle changes don’t pull a lot of fat out of the liver. They’re not very effective. We’re now looking at various ways to help the liver function better.

Q. What do you hope to achieve with this study?

A. There are other treatment options for hepatic steatosis being researched, but this study is pretty unique because it’s looking at change on the cellular level. There’s a specific protein that we’re genetically programmed to produce within the liver. When the liver is damaged, individual liver cells elevate this specific protein, which is pro-inflammatory. If we can reduce the production of that specific protein in the liver, we believe that patients will experience better liver function. PLEASE BE CLEAR: We don’t believe this

will be a treatment for cirrhosis. We’re hoping to reduce inflammation in the liver, giving patients a better chance at avoiding progressive liver damage.

Q. Who is eligible for this study?

A. We are looking for men and women between the ages of 18 and 75 who have a fat infiltration of the liver. These people will likely not know that they have this problem. If you have Type 2 diabetes and/or suffer from obesity, you will probably meet the criteria for this study. If you have end-stage liver disease, you are not eligible for this study.

Q. What will the study look like?

A. The study will include six weeks of pre-screening. During this time, we will do a thorough evaluation of the patient’s liver function, and we will share our findings with the patient. Qualifying patients will then receive one injection of the medicine, and we will follow up with the patient for up to 18 weeks. We’ve seen a reduction of inflammation in previous tests, so we’re currently aiming to find the right dosing for this medication. There will be no placebo group. This study will take place at our El Dorado location.

How to Participate

To participate in AMR’s hepatic steatosis study, call 316.867.6329

Written by Alexis Evans

Tamara Blackwell’s story has reached 13k on TikTok, and she’s using her heightened platform to raise awareness for the many others who face the same challenges in a world that struggles to meet the bare minimum for those with disabilities. Blackwell was diagnosed with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy at the age of 27, and has been a wheelchair user since 2020. She was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Kansas in March 2024, and Ms. Wheelchair America in August 2024.

Q. What first inspired you to compete in the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant?

A. I was inspired during the Covid-19 pandemic. I jumped onto TikTok and began making videos, as I felt led by God to do more to share my faith and my world. That led me to advocate in that vein, and I quickly realized that there was a whole world of pageants for people with disabilities. I was inspired to run when I met the coordinator for Ms. Wheelchair Kansas, Carrie Greenwood, and it has been completely life changing.

Q. How has participating in Ms. Wheelchair America impacted your life, both personally and professionally?

A. Personally, even in the local competition, I met many women who resonate with the challenges of being a woman in a wheelchair. I’ve never had that community before — I’ve always been the “only.” There are many situations where I’ve been not only the disabled person, but the only black woman in a wheelchair. The competition allowed me to see how many people there are like me, and the instant connection that we formed was unforgettable. Professionally, I’ve found the crown and sash will get you places and open doors that you would not have without it. My advocacy has skyrocketed, and getting to see how many people find my information and platform has been amazing.

Q. What is the main platform or cause you’re advocating for, and what message do you hope to convey from that platform?

A. My platform starts with the question that I have to ask constantly: “Am I going to fit?” I want to bring accessibility that doesn’t just check boxes but that is welcoming to all, everywhere from a high school auditorium to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. We live in a world that is not created for us, where we exist as an afterthought, and I want to change that.

Q. What do you think is the most common misconception about people with disabilities, and what is something that you want to do to change that narrative?

A. Many believe people with disabilities don’t want to enjoy life the same way that people without disabilities do. I attended a Chiefs game with my family, and I was only given one companion ticket, so members of my family were required to switch out sitting with me rather than all of us sitting together. This goes back to challenging public space planners to make the space enjoyable for everyone.

With Tamara Blackwell

Ms. Wheelchair America

Q. What does your support system look like?

A. My parents live in Missouri but can lend support often, though my brother has also been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. I’ve been married to my husband Jonathan Sr., for 22 years, and he is always telling me “You got this,” or “What do you need from me?” He honors his vows in all areas, and as I go through this, I know that we are in it together. We have three children, Jonathan Jr. (22), Ja-Lynn (19), who assists with my hair, makeup, and fashion, and Jeremiah (18), who just graduated high school and is a big help around the house and in getting me around. We also find a great deal of support in the church, especially in our pastor, Richard Scott, who passed recently. My husband is now the pastor and we’ve found a lot of joy in our new roles.

Follow Tamara’s journey on Facebook @Ms. Wheelchair America 2025 – Tamara Blackwell

& ANSWERS QUESTIONS

Q. Nabeel, some may call you the unofficial mayor of Hutch. Please tell the readers a little bit about your relationship with the community.

A. That’s funny. But for the record, I am not going into politics. Seriously though, Hutchinson has been home to my family for the past 25 years. We have been truly blessed through our relationships with individuals and groups from this small community. Relationships are connections I’ve been fostering throughout my careers in physical therapy and now as a nursing home administrator. In fact, my family knows to plan to spend extra time if we are going anywhere, because dad is going to run into someone he knows. My engagement through various organizations such as church, Hutch Rec, YMCA, and Rotary allow me to have a pulse on what’s happening in our community. My goal has always been to be interactive and serve in the community I live in. Hutchinson has so many amazing things to offer, I enjoy all the people I get to visit with on a daily basis.

Q. You have made a career in long-term care. What are some of the biggest challenges the industry faces today?

A. Excessive federal regulations coupled with inadequate reimbursement, especially with MA plans, would be the biggest challenges. Inflation and workforce apply here also. Clinically, residents being admitted for senior living are far more complex now than they were in the past.

Q. Who wins a head-to-head golf match: Nabeel Khokhar or Alex Melugin?

A. Alex Melugin is an all-around good athlete, so he tells me. Although we have not played golf together yet, I look forward to golfing with Alex. We are both very competitive so it will definitely be a good time.

With Nabeel Khokhar, COO and Administrator Wesley Towers, Hutchinson

Q. Other than golf, what are some of your other hobbies?

A. Faith, family and friends. Quality time is spent with family going to athletic events, a nice restaurant or simply hanging out. I enjoy traveling and have a whole bucket list of places I still want to go. I get excited about trying new and different foods, meeting people and experiencing new cultures.

Q. How can readers learn more or even tour your facility?

A. Wesley Towers is a vibrant community offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing home care. We have a great website, wesleytowers.com, featuring Wesley Towers’ history, our mission, and community involvement. The website includes resident and staff photos, community and campus videos, and current and upcoming events. We have a presence on our Facebook page to keep folks engaged in our daily activities. Wesley Towers has a dedicated team of senior living professionals to guide interested prospects and their families through this phase of their journey. Please call 620.663.9175 to schedule a tour any day of the week. However, if you are in the neighborhood, we welcome surprise visits.

Sponsored by Phoenix Home Care & Hospice

Alex Melugin, President of Phoenix Home Care and Hospice

Nabeel and his family

Written by Ashley Opliger

Q. Tell us about your baby in Heaven, Leelynd.

A. Kendra: My pregnancy with Leelynd was much different than with any of my daughters before him. While Leelynd was perfect and growing beautifully, my water broke at 19.5 weeks. Knowing that Leelynd was continuing to grow, Josh and I continued fighting for his life. After almost four weeks in the hospital, I was allowed to go home for three nights to be with my girls before being admitted to a larger hospital. After being home for two nights, my body went into labor. After rushing back to the hospital, Leelynd was already making his way into this world. Once Leelynd was delivered, the doctors tried, but he was just too small for what they were capable of doing. We spent the two hours and 40 minutes of Leelynd’s beautiful life with him, and held him as he left this world and woke up whole in the arms of Jesus.

Q. You received a cradle to hold Leelynd from Bridget’s Cradles (a nonprofit here in Wichita, Kansas). What did the cradle mean to you?

A. Josh: While showing Leelynd every ounce of love we had during that short time, we had the opportunity to give him his first bath and put him in clothes for the funeral home to take him away in. We, as most parents in that situation, didn’t have anything to put our baby in, but the hospital brought us our baby in a blue and white Bridget’s cradle. We are in awe of the wonderful gift and were incredibly thankful for receiving it at a time when we needed it most. Knowing that my son was prayed over and loved by people who never knew him is something so humbling.

Q. What was it like being on NBC’s The Voice?

A. Josh: Getting to share Leelynd’s story was incredible. We didn’t know how it would play out or how they would put the story together once I told it, but they honored my son and his story so beautifully that I now have that forever to treasure on film. Having hundreds of men and women reach out to share their stories has been awesome.

Q. You’re coming to Wichita to sing at the Bridget’s Cradles event, Wave of Light, on October 15. Tell us about that.

A. Josh: Kendra and I are so excited to be a part of Wave of Light this year. Being able to honor Leelynd while sharing our grief with other families who get it will be amazing for our healing process. We are praying that God moves in our lives, and that we are obedient to live with more hope than ever before, to reach people for His kingdom through our testimonies, and to connect with other people walking in our same shoes of grief.

With Josh Sanders and

Wife

Kendra Contestant on NBC’s The Voice

pregnancy & infant loss remembrance day

On October 15th, Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day, join us for a community candlelight vigil and water lantern release in memory of babies in Heaven.

This is a free event for families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss and their friends and family. Together, we will walk amongst a light display featuring over 50,000 pink, blue, and white lights in memory of babies in Heaven. We will also release water lanterns into Beech Lake as we hear our babies’ names read.

October 15, 2024

6:00 - 8:30 PM Beech Lake, Wichita FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER: www.bridgetscradles.com/waveoflight Candlelight Vigil Water Lantern Release Music

SCAN FOR MORE DETAILS!

This year’s event will feature a live music performance by Josh Sanders, grieving father and first runner-up on Season 25 of NBC’s The Voice.

SHEPHERD’S WAY ALL-BALL FUNDRAISER WITH TIM TEBOW

Crown Uptown Theatre

Stacey and Shawna Richards

Garret Belknap, TJ Meyer and Keenan Cox

Corey, Gina and Megan Ervay

Terry, Ryan and Kriya Shortt

Ken and Jan Halenty

Jessica Smith and Lynette Dooling

Hudson Cryer and Jake Flesher

Jalayne, Addison and Kenleigh Bacon

Madison and Brent Wilson, Chad Blackman and Doug Blackman

Lisa Barmor, Terry and Jody Klein, Jessika Mayer, Celia and Mark Ralston and Cathy Mitchell

Peyton Husling, Carson Husling and Madison Morton

Jaxon, Sherry, Rick and Jordy Neubauer

Dentistry Smile Makeover

Lengthen

Establish

Having an Organized Life Begins at Home

Written by John Huthmacher

Knowing where things are can be a source of calm amidst the stressors that confront us in everyday life. At Harmony Home Concepts, creating a space that keeps the daily necessities of life at their client’s fingertips is at the very heart of what Harmony Home Closets, a division of Harmony Home Concepts, is all about.

“We help calm your chaos by helping you stay organized,” closet designer Kaylee Thompson said. The daughter of Harmony Home Concepts owners and founders Phil and Shelley Davis, she directs all projects for Harmony Home Closets, one of three distinct businesses operating under the Harmony Home Concepts umbrella, along with Slide Out Shelf Solutions and The Best Home Guys.

Working closely with clients, Thompson designs unique spaces that put the client in control of their domain. The customized space becomes a perfect haven for transforming the client’s daily routine into something pleasurable.

“There are tons of ways to make life easier just by redoing their closet. When I’m with my clients, I ask them how they want to feel when they walk into the space. It can be easy to organize a space, but hard to maintain it if it’s not helping you to organize the way you do things,” Thompson said. “It’s very customizable.”

There are so many advantages to creating a customized storage solution to enhance your home, office or garage. Here are a few clients have shared:

• Time-saving efficiency — An organized closet saves you valuable time in the morning by providing a designated spot for every item, reducing the chaos of searching through clutter.

• Stress reduction and mental clarity — A tidy closet promotes mental clarity and reduces stress, helping you start your day with a calm and focused mindset.

• Enhanced wardrobe longevity — Proper storage in an organized closet extends the life of your clothing by keeping items visible, accessible and well-maintained.

• Economical benefits — By keeping your closet organized, you can easily see what you own, preventing unnecessary purchases and saving money in the long run.

• Encourages better health and hygiene — An organized closet reduces dust and allergens, creating a cleaner living environment and supporting better health and hygiene.

• Boosts self-confidence and personal presentation — A wellorganized closet makes it easy to choose outfits that boost your confidence, enhancing how you present yourself each day.

Options include built-in laundry hampers, jewelry trays and ironing boards, varied hanging lengths for assorted clothing, and shoe storage space. Commercial options are also available for those looking to transform their office space into something more accessible, functional and visually appealing. And most custom storage solutions are able to be installed in just one day!

“A morning goes a lot better when you can find what you need with an organized closet and it can be your oasis of calm to shed the day’s worries and bring you back to your happy place. A calm home is an important first step to experiencing tranquility in everyday life,” said co-owner Shelley Davis.

“Our philosophy is making sure we provide things for our clients that make their lives easier and help calm their chaos,” she said. “You don’t think about how important your closet can be to your everyday well-being — mentally, physically and spiritually. We want to create a space that our client finds calming and peaceful.”

Where to Find Them

Harmony Home Concepts 2969 W 13th St. N.

316.712.6060

harmonyhomeconcepts.com

Showroom hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday

Kaylee Thompson, Shelley Davis, Phil Davis

Deck the Halls for a Cause

Feztival of

Trees by Midian Shrine

If you’re a Christmas decor lover, you won’t want to miss the tenth annual Midian Shrine Feztival of Trees, November 2226, 29–30 and December 1. Each year organizers decorate dozens of Christmas trees in different themes — from traditional trimmings and fancy frills to sports teams and children’s themes.

“Our event has all kinds of Christmas trees in all shapes and sizes. Each tree is decorated with a different story and theme — and they are all elaborate,” said event chairwoman Terri Wells. “There are also bookcases, shelving units and other items decorated with holiday ornaments.”

While the trees are a joy to peruse, the best part is that you may get to take one of them home. Buy a raffle ticket for $1, or 25 tickets for $20, then use your tickets to vote on your favorite tree. A raffle drawing December 1 at 3:30 p.m. will decide the winner of each of the trees. There are anywhere from 25 to 40 trees to be raffled off, plus gift baskets.

While you’re there, grab a bite to eat at the Snowflake Cafe, treat yourself at the Sweet Shoppe, warm up with holidaythemed drinks, and do some Christmas shopping at the Feztival Marketplace. Don’t forget to grab a selfie with Santa!

“If you love Christmas, you have to visit the Feztival of Trees,” Wells said. “It is a gorgeous way to kick off the holidays. You have to see it in person to truly enjoy this beautiful, Christmassy wonderland.”

Proceeds from Feztival of Trees benefit Midian Shrine, helping them attain their philanthropic mission of providing specialized pediatric care at the 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The Shriners Hospitals provide treatment for orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, club feet, scoliosis, and cleft palate reconstruction. Care at Shriners Hospitals is provided at no cost to the patient and their family, regardless of the family’s ability to pay.

The Midian Shrine currently provides medical care to about 400 children in southern Kansas. The Shrine has been a part of the Wichita community since 1909 and has over 2,000 members in its 43 units across the southern Kansas region, including Eureka, Liberal and Garden City.

“For over 100 years the Shriners have helped children receive the medical care they need at no cost to the family,” Wells said. “It is tear-jerking to hear the families’ stories. The Shriners take the financial stress off of families, allowing them to focus on their kids and help their children heal.”

Feztival of Trees

November 22-26

November 29–30

December 1

Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Monday and Tuesday 5–8 p.m.

Admission $5 (unlimited re-entries)

Children 10 and under: Free

Midian Shrine

130 N. Topeka Wichita, KS 67202

Find them on Facebook: Midian Shrine Feztival of Trees

When Antidepressants Don’t Work

Written by Jessika Mayer

NeuroStar Revitalizes Brain Connections

When people are suffering from depression, they often seek effective solutions. Thankfully, those solutions don’t always have to come from a pill bottle. While antidepressants can be beneficial, they often come with a range of unpleasant side effects, and some patients find little to no relief despite trying multiple medications. If you’re looking for an alternative treatment, there’s good news.

Dr. Darcy Buehler, owner of Affiliated Family Counselors, is excited to offer an in-office treatment designed to help those struggling with debilitating depression. The treatment is called NeuroStar, and it’s covered by most commercial and government health plans.

NeuroStar uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain, providing relief to individuals suffering from major depressive disorder. Psychiatrist Dr. Paul Murphy, also with Affiliated Family Counselors, is proud to be among the first in the region to offer this proven and effective treatment.

“Major depression is a serious illness that affects over 14 million Americans,” says Dr. Murphy. “While antidepressant medications can be helpful in managing symptoms, clinical studies suggest that an estimated 4 million patients do not benefit from standard treatments, often due to inadequate response or intolerance to side effects.”

This is where NeuroStar makes a significant difference. By activating the brain’s natural neurotransmitter functions using a non-invasive magnetic field, similar to that of an MRI, NeuroStar treats depression at its source with precision.

To date, over one million treatments have been performed. This innovative, FDA-cleared approach is drug-free and non-invasive, offering a promising alternative for those who have struggled with traditional treatments. Patients who have undergone NeuroStar treatment report “significant, long-lasting improvement.”

Treatment sessions last between 19 to 37 minutes, five days a week, for four to six weeks. Anesthesia or sedation is not required, and the only discomfort reported is mild pain at or near the treatment site.

For more information, visit afcwichita.com or call 316.636.28 88.

“When you’re depressed, you’re constantly fighting to survive the next day. NeuroStar made a huge difference. I suddenly felt empowered, strong and no longer a victim.”

— Debbie

“I had tried 11 different medications without any relief. NeuroStar treatment has helped me reclaim my life, bringing me a happiness I had never experienced before.”

— Todd

“NeuroStar treatment has changed my life. It’s given me life, joy, and new opportunities.”

— Colleen

Where to Find Them

Treating Depression at the Source

Live Life to the Fullest With

For those struggling with debilitating depression, NeuroStar offers significant, long-lasting improvement. Affiliated Family Counselors is excited to offer this proven treatment, which uses a non-invasive magnetic field similar to an MRI to activate the natural function of the brain's neurotransmitters.

NeuroStar has been cleared by the FDA as a non-drug, non-invasive approach, and psychiatrist Dr. Paul Murphy is proud to be among the first in the area to offer this proven treatment.

• Safe and effective without the common side effects of medication

• Revitalizes inactive synapses in the brain

• Accepted by most major insurance

Major depression is a serious illness that affects over 14 million Americans, and 4 million of them don’t respond well to standard antidepressant medications.

83% of patients completing NeuroStar treatment experienced measurable depression relief, and 62% experienced full remission of their depression symptoms.

Flower Power – Chris and Shannon Wolley

Monopoly Board –Greg and Sherri Lakin, Lisa and Doug Kellerby

Playing Around – Larry and Maria Sadd

Shawn Odom, Joseph Elpers, Caitlin Richmeier, Jennifer Erskin and Lizzie Grillot

We Salute our Troops – Cristy and Brent Anderson

Foxy Moorings – Sidney and Scott Francis

Sheldon and Belinda Preskorn

Singing in the Rain – Cindy and Larry Stevens

Super Mario (Moorings) World –Nalini and Philip Fraser, Paa Kaawa and Nicole Pagoyo, 1st Place

Beer Garden – Natalie Pierron and Cathey and Allen Fitzner, 2nd Place

Chiefs – Greg and Robyn Sullivan, 3rd place

Cole and Kathryn Josh, Grady and Ashlee Pauls, Tyler and Ali McCartney and Diane Jost

Written by Caroline Jones

Local Wichita Dad Fights Daily for His Sobriety Choosing Family Instead of Opioids

“I’ve been in addiction all my life. I still consider myself an addict.”

A native of Wichita, Tyler Gaiser remembers his childhood in two ways: His mom and stepdad worked a lot, and in his free time he could do what he wanted.

“I left home at 16, and started using drugs. My parents worked a lot. Once they figured out the drug stuff, they weren’t okay with it, so I left. I went to my girlfriend’s house, but her parents were selling drugs.”

Tyler originally got meth from his friends, but his addiction quickly changed to opioids. “Back then, it was bad,” he said. “It was literally wake up and find a way to get high. By the end of it, most of my friends wouldn’t talk to me, and my parents wouldn’t talk to me. I had broken into my parents’ house while they were at work and stole a bunch of stuff.”

Tyler remembers living on the streets after losing his housing. “When you’re homeless, you got to figure out how you’re going to eat, and you’re trying to get high, and you’re trying to figure out where you’re going to sleep. It’s just terrible.”

When he couldn’t take it anymore, he went through Center for Change’s recovery program, got a job, and lived a sober lifestyle for almost six years. Unexpectedly, he fell back into active opioid addiction after a dentist appointment.

“I started going to the dentist to get my teeth fixed. The doctor prescribed me some pain pills, and I was like, ‘All right, I can do this. It’s been a long time. I can do this.’ Then I started buying them off the streets. I would run into people who had them, and I would buy pills from them. It just escalated over a twoyear period.”

It was his young daughter, Rhyann, who convinced Tyler to go back to Center for Change.

“I was scared. I had a six-year-old daughter then and didn’t want to lose her,” he said. “I wanted to see her grow up. I was afraid that I’d end up taking some fentanyl pills and then someone would find me dead in my bedroom. What if it was my six-year-old daughter?”

He got help from Center for Change, and he landed a great job in the aircraft business. Today, Tyler loves to go roller skating and swimming with Rhyann, and he’s enjoyed watching her start school this fall.

“She’s only been to kindergarten for a couple weeks now, but she loves school, and she’s learning so much. It’s cool to watch her grow up. A couple months ago, she couldn’t even write her name real well, and now she’s learned how to spell the words ‘Dad’ and ’Mom.’ It’s fun to be a part of.”

Tyler believes that he would not be alive today without Center for Change.

“There’s a better way. Going through that active addiction, wondering how you’re going to get high again, not being able to see your family, robbing people, lying to people … man, there’s just a better way. Some of us can’t leave the addiction alone 100 percent, and we need a program. That’s okay, but you have to ask for the help. It’s one of the hardest things to do, but just ask for help. It’s out there. I feel like that’s the first step, really. Anyone who needs help, Center for Change is a good place to go. They’ll help you.”

Tyler with daughter Rhyann

EAGLE SCOUTS IN ACTION

Eagle Scout Tim Nelson

Written by Caroline Jones

Tim Nelson joined Troop 626 in Rose Hill, KS between the ages of 10 and 11. “My best friend was in Scouts, and he invited me to go to a meeting,” Nelson said. “I signed up, and I’ve been involved with Scouts ever since.”

Class of 1978

Nelson earned the rank of Eagle Scout early at age 16, and he attributes his success to the leadership skills he learned throughout his Scouting career.

“You really don’t realize what they’re putting you through in your youth,” he said. “The patrol system, the leadership … they’re teaching you how to be an adult and deal with people and advance through different ranks and leadership positions. In hindsight, the whole Scouting system is to develop young people and to teach them how to be professionals going forward.”

Nelson remained highly involved with Scouting throughout his professional life. During his 30-plus-year career with Fidelity Bank and Fidelity Financial Corporation, he has also held prominent roles as the treasurer for Troop 626 and the treasurer for the Quivira Council board. “If my monetary involvement or my personal involvement on the Council level helps one young boy or young girl make a right decision, that’s totally worth it to me,” he said.

Today, as he drives through Rose Hill, Nelson gets to remember his time in Scouts every time he passes Troop 626’s tin can cage, which is a donation bin for tin cans.

“Back in the late ’70s, our troop put out a tin can cage just for conservation and for public awareness. People put the cans in, and then the troop collected the cans and took them to recycling. That continues today in Rose Hill, and it funds most of that troop’s operational income. I feel proud when I look back on it, knowing that we came up with that concept and people still support it.”

Nelson encourages present and future Scouts to persevere through the process.

“It’s worth the journey in the end. I don’t think anyone ever regrets getting their Eagle. A lot of young boys and girls get close but don’t get that final reward. That Eagle experience … that’s a life-building lesson you’ll always have with you.”

Quivira Council and Paul Attwater, Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, are proud to bring you Eagle Scouts in Action, a monthly showcase of community leaders who are banding together to make a difference in our community! If you are interested in joining Scouting or have an Eagle Scout in Action you think deserves honoring, call us at 316.264.3386.

Your Kid Could Be on Our Cover!

Gather ‘round, cute kids of all kinds! It’s time to submit photos for the annual SPLURGE! Our Cover, Your Kid contest.

The grand prize winner will be featured on the cover of the 2024 December issue of the magazine and receive a certiﬁcate for Tobie Andrews Photography. The four ﬁnalists will participate in a photo shoot and appear in the December issue.

“It’s a favorite cover for a lot of our readers,” said SPLURGE! publisher Jody Klein. “It’s so fun to work with these kids. I’m thankful that a panel of judges has to pick the winner and not me, because there are so many cute kids in Wichita!”

Here’s how to enter the free contest:

• Download the entry form at splurgemag.com, and email the completed form and a current photo of the contestant to splurgecontest@gmail.com. Entry forms can also be printed out and mailed, along with a current photo, to SPLURGE! at 12828 E. 13th St. N., Wichita, KS 67202.

• Single entries only (siblings must be entered separately and pictured individually.)

• Child must be between the ages of 6 and 12 years old, and live in Wichita or the surrounding area.

• Entry deadline is Friday, November 1, 2024.

• For complete rules and regulations, visit splurgemag.com or call the SPLURGE! oﬃce at 316.267.3678.

• Finalists must be available for a photo shoot Thursday, November 7 at noon.

Child Information

Child’s First Name

Child’s Age

Parent/Guardian

First Name

Last Name

Child’s Birthday

Last Name

Street Address City Zip

Ph. Number with Area Code Email

•

With Dr.

Jennifer Burgoyne Board Certified Ophthalmologist & Surgeon Owner, BE Aesthetics

Written by Julie Underwood Burton

This well established Wichita aesthetics clinic is firmly rooted in their desire to bring trendy yet ethical service to all their clients. With a stellar team led by Dr. Burgoyne, BE Aesthetics is ready to answer all the questions about their growing services.

Q. What types of aesthetic services and treatments do you offer?

A. As a board certified ophthalmologist with oculoplastic fellowship training, I’m able to perform cosmetic upper and lower eyelid surgery. We also offer injectables, including a wide variety of facial fillers, Botox and Dysport. We pride ourselves on a comprehensive approach to skin repair and rejuvenation, such as microneedling, lasers, dermabrasion and skin productions.

Q. How do you ensure your treatments are both safe and effective for clients?

A. Safety is our highest priority. I’m the on-site medical director and physician for BE Aesthetics. In addition, we have a staff of very experienced licensed aestheticians, a highly trained registered nurse injector, and of course myself as a boardcertified surgeon overseeing the quality and effectiveness of all our treatments. We are constantly evaluating our treatments and results for patients. We stand behind our work.

Q. Are there any new or emerging trends in aesthetics that your clinic is introducing?

A. BE Aesthetics is finally embracing social media trends. We are creating content for our social media platforms and trying to reach out to a broader audience.

Q. How do you approach consultations to ensure clients receive personalized treatment plans?

A. I personally evaluate cosmetic patients prior to any surgical or invasive procedures. Our nurse injector evaluates patients for those specific injectable treatments and permanent makeup, and our licensed aestheticians evaluate patients for skin concerns and treatments. If there are any questions or concerns about what is appropriate for the client, I’m always available for consultation. We have our entire team on board in the same location.

Q. How do you maintain ethical standards in the promotion and delivery of aesthetic treatments?

A. BE Aesthetics was founded inside a medical practice. We take a medical patient-care approach to aesthetic procedures. We are not cavalier about what we do; patient safety is our No. 1 priority. We understand that cosmetic procedures are still the practice of medicine. Complications can happen, and we are prepared to handle them. Our providers are highly trained and experienced — and practice within their training and scope. Our goal is never to push services on patients: We listen to patient concerns, take an appropriate medical history, and then create a treatment plan that meets the patients’ needs and budget.

Q. Are there any new services or treatments you plan to introduce soon?

A. This fall we are adding permanent make-up to our services. Patients will have access to permanent eyeliner, eyebrow shading and lip color enhancement.

Q. What sets your clinic apart from others in the industry?

A. We focus on the face and neck exclusively. We’re not trying to do body work, weight loss or hormonal management. What sets us apart from many of the med spas is our level of focused experience and direct physician oversight. BE Aesthetics was established within my medical practice and thus under my direct supervision. Many of the new cosmetic spas are not under direct MD supervision any longer, and do not have a medical director with true medical or surgical aesthetic experience. That’s a big difference.

W E L L N E S S A T S P A M D

w o r k u p i s d o n e a s p a r t o f a n i n i t i a l c o n s u l t a t i o n t o e n s u r e

t h e i n j e c t i o n s a r e s a f e f o r e a c h p a t i e n t W e e k l y w e i g h - i n s ,

c o a c h i n g a n d s u p p l e m e n t s a r e a v a i l a b l e t o e a c h p a t i e n t

d u r i n g t h e i r w e i g h t l o s s j o u r n e y

D u r i n g t h e m o n t h o f O c t o b e r , a n y N E W p a t i e n t t o

s i g n u p f o r a w e i g h t l o s s p r o g r a m w i l l r e c e i v e a

m o n t h ’ s w o r t h o f B 1 2 i n j e c t i o n s !

B 1 2 p a i r s g r e a t w i t h t h e w e i g h t l o s s i n j e c t i o n s a s B 1 2 h e l p s

t o m i t i g a t e s o m e o f t h e s i d e - e f f e c t s c a u s e d i n t h e e a r l y

s t a g e s o f w e i g h t l o s s i n j e c t i o n s

B 1 2 i n j e c t i o n s a r e u s e d t o h e l p f i g h t f a t i g u e , p r o m o t e

i n c r e a s e d m e t a b o l i s m , a n d a l s o h e l p c o n v e r t f a t t o e n e r g y !

I T ’ S P E E L S E A S O N . . .

S P E C I A L V I P E E L P R I C I N G F O R O C T O B E R !

I t m i g h t b e s p o o k y s e a s o n , b u t

t h a t d o e s n ’ t m e a n y o u r s k i n

h a s t o b e V I P e e l i s t h e l e a d i n g m e d i c a l - g r a d e c h e m i c a l p e e l u s e d t o t r e a t f i n e l i n e

WICHITA GRAND OPERA BALL

Wichita Country Club

Paul Rhodes & Kim Swansen

Lionel and Tammy Alford

Emily Rate and Chris Ann Diaz

Marsha Caruthers and Lisa Klaskin

Terry and Jody Klein, Autumn Lowen, Natasha and Martin Park, Pat and Leroy Thompson

Matthew Schippers, Greg and Holly Nickel

Tony and Mimi Wakim, Erika and Peter Salmeron

Andrew Hernandez, Dennis Ross and Whitney Reader

Susan Estes, Ann Ross and Cheryl Near

John and Erin Wright

Lynne Davis, Mickie Brown, Cynthia Miller and Bobbie Hansen

David Householder, Camille Nyberg and Dennis Ross

Albert Brouwer, Mike Klaassen, Brenda Aldinger, Lyn and Paul Pitman, Tammy and Lionel Alford, Gerri Colgan, Harley and Kena Anderson

John Boyer, Madison Boyer, Brenna Donnelly, Phoebe Poor and Scott Poor

Natasha Park, Erika Salmeron, Jody Klein, Mimi Wakim, Emily Rate and Chris Ann Diaz

Bob Benson, Noreen Carrocci and Dr. Joseph Galichia

Terry and Jody Klein, Autumn Lowen, Pat and Leroy Thompson

Tony and Mimi Wakim, Jennifer McCrae, Melissa and Markus Meyer

Rachel Phillips, Staci Deffenbaugh, Jacob and Andie Deffenbaugh and Katy and Ethan Lloyd

Erika Salmeron, Kim and Luis Salmeron, Peter Salmeron and Camille Nyberg

Nick Veith and Kathleen Watson

Alissa Boyer and Kathy Schwinghammer

Whitney and Eva Reader, Chris and Michelle Majors

Dennis Ross, Susan Estes, Ron Estes and Marty Miller

FOOTBALL

Written by Julie Hying

The play call for autumn game days includes dishes that serve up bold flavors. College teams compete for ranking and wins each Saturday, while Sundays bring the NFL stars and teams onto the fields and into our homes. As groups gather to cheer their favorite teams to victory, delicious dips, spicy wings and heartland chili are just the ticket to a perfect kickoff.

Touchdown Hot Wings

2 lbs. chicken wings (rinsed and dried)

½ cup Frank’s RedHot hot sauce

¼ cup melted butter

1 Tbsp. white vinegar

½ tsp. garlic powder

½ tsp. paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping

Preheat the oven to 400ºF degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and place wings on the lined baking pan allowing for a bit of space between them. Season chicken wings with salt and pepper. Bake the wings for 40–45 minutes, flipping them over at the 20-minute mark. When crispiness has been achieved, remove from the oven and set aside. While wings are baking, gently whisk hot sauce, melted butter, vinegar, garlic powder and paprika. Toss the wings in the sauce mixture until well coated and return to the baking sheet for serving. Accent the wings with a dipping sauce like blue cheese or ranch dressing.

Special Teams Spinach Dip

1 10 oz. package frozen, chopped spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry

Note: Fresh spinach ground down in a food processor also works very well.

1 14 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp. butter

⅔ cup Hellmann’s mayo

2 8 oz. packages cream cheese, softened close to room temperature

2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

½ cup grated parmesan cheese

½ cup grated Asiago cheese

¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 bag flat pretzels or your favorite tortilla chips

Preheat the oven to 375ºF degrees. Lightly grease a 7 x 11-inch baking dish (or 9 x 13-inch if doubling the recipe). Set aside. Mince garlic, and set aside. Drain can of artichoke hearts, chop, and set aside. In a large bowl, mix together artichoke hearts, spinach, cream cheese, grated cheeses and mayo until smooth. Set aside. In a small skillet, melt butter, and cook minced garlic for one minute. Remove from heat, squeeze in lemon juice. Let cool for one minute, and then pour over ingredients in the mixing bowl. Mix well, and spread contents evenly in the prepared baking dish. Cover the baking dish with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the cover, and let the dish bake uncovered for five more minutes or until the surface is lightly browned.

FAN FARE

Quarterback Queso

1 lb. package Jimmy Dean Sausage

1 lb. ground beef

2 8 oz. package cream cheese, room temperature

1 16 oz. package Velveeta

¼ cup half-and-half

1 15 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained

1 10 oz. can diced green chilis, drained

1 10 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

½ tsp. garlic powder

½ tsp. black pepper

¼ tsp. smoked paprika

1 large bag On the Border tortilla chips

Cut Velveeta into small cubes and set aside. Cut blocks of cream cheese into eight strips. In a large stock pot, brown the ground beef and sausage, mincing into little pieces with a spatula or meat chopper. Drain the meat and return to the pot. Turn the burner to medium-low heat and add Velveeta, half-and-half and cream cheese to stock pot. Stir every few minutes until the cheeses are melted into the meat. Add the corn, green chilis, tomatoes and black beans. Sprinkle with garlic powder, pepper and smoked paprika. Stir well, and let the mixture heat through for 15 minutes on medium-low. Turn to lowest heat for serving.

Chain Movin’ Chili

4 lbs. ground beef (Costco is my preference)

2 cans Williams Chili Beans, medium

1 can Williams Chili Beans, mild

(Add another can or two of either beans for a larger batch)

¾ packet Williams Original Chili Seasoning

8 oz. can Hunt’s Tomato Sauce

⅔ of a 6 oz. can of Hunt’s Tomato Paste

1 16 oz. can Miller Lite Beer

1 ½ tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. black pepper

¼ tsp. salt

4 Tbsp. (half stick) salted butter

In a large crockpot, pour in the chili beans, tomato sauce and tomato paste. Sprinkle in ½ tsp. garlic powder. Lightly sprinkle salt and ½ tsp. pepper. Stir well, and cook in a crockpot on high for 15 minutes. Then reduce heat to low. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, chopping finely into small pieces. When almost browned, sprinkle with 1 tsp. of garlic powder, ½ tsp black pepper and the chili seasoning. Cover completely with beer. Stir in well and reduce heat to medium-low allowing contents to simmer and reduce. Once the beer is cooked in, pour the seasoned ground beef mixture into the crockpot. Mix with the beans, and then add the butter. Cover with the lid, but stir every five minutes until the butter is completely melted and incorporated into the chili. Allow the contents to heat in the crockpot for 1–2 hours.

Trick or Treat Yo’ Self!

Written by Paige Feikert

Area-Wide October Happenings for Kids and Adults

Regardless of your thoughts on pumpkin spice, fall is in full swing! Just for your family, SPLURGE! has compiled a collection of activities throughout the month of October. Grab your boots, flannels and a PSL and check out these area attractions.

Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes

Marietta Farm

Location: 1600 E. US-54 Hwy., Andover, KS

What to expect: Hay bale art, a local market, kids rides, wagon rides, zombie paintball, an onion cannon, a family fun zone and much more. This year the pumpkin patch has added a larger maze, a new swing set and new food and coffee options.

Website: mariettafarm.com

Applejack Pumpkin Patch

Location: 10007 SW Indianola Rd, Augusta, KS

What to expect: Pick-from-the-vine pumpkin patch, corn maze, grain train, wagon rides, slides and more. Live bands on Fridays in October at 5:30, wine and beer served, adults only. Website: applejackpumpkinpatch.com

Walter’s Pumpkin Patch

Location: 10001 NW U.S. Highway 77, Burns, KS

Open: Every day during the week of Halloween. What to expect: New attractions include pig racers, a zipline, carnival games, live music and events on stage, including balloon twisting and a reptile rescue and educational center. Plus, pick-your-own pumpkin, corn maze, slides, wagon rides, face painting, games and much more.

Website: thewaltersfarm.com

Cedar Creek Farm & Pumpkin Patch

Location: 6100 N. 119th St. W., Maize, KS

What to expect: Pumpkin patch, corn maze, fire pit, barrel train, pony rides, petting zoo, photo opportunities, corn pit, hay bale climbing, kids’ activities.

Website: cedarcreekict.com

Klausmeyer Dairy Farm & Pumpkin Patch

Location: 8135 S. 119th St. S., Clearwater, KS

What to expect: Pumpkin patch, corn maze, pig races, milking demo, fire pit, jumping pillows, gem mining, petting zoo, hay bale maze, barrel rides, hay wagon ride, playground, corn pit, ax throwing, food trailers and more.

Website: klausmeyerdairyfarms.com

Meadowlark Farm & Pumpkin Patch

Location: 11249 SW 160th St., Rose Hill, KS

Opening day: Open year round; pumpkin patch opens October 1. What to expect: Pick your own pumpkin from the vine, U-pick apple orchard, tractor-trailer ride to the patch on Saturdays and Sundays, market with apple cider donuts, snacks, salsas, jams, fresh pressed apple cider, slushies and hard cider on tap for sale.

Website: themeadowlarkfarm.com

Mr. Gourdman’s Pumpkin Patch

Location: 3750 S. Dusty Rd., Derby, KS

Opening day: October 5

What to expect: Pumpkin patch, playground, fishing (bring your own tackle), hay-rack ride, campfire, “The Little Rascals” movies, live music most days, personal coolers welcome, snacks and beverages available for purchase, open mic and karaoke, maze.

Website: pumpkinpatchwichita.com

P and M Pumpkin Ranch

Location: 311 16th Ave., Moundridge, KS

What to expect: Pumpkin patch, bouncers, zip lines, obstacle course, pedal karts, pig races, sports barn, slides, mini golf, zinnia and sunflower fields, corn pit, wagon rides, candy cannon and more.

Website: pandmpumpkinranch.com

Haunted Houses

13 Sinister Souls

Location: 527 E. Harry St., Wichita, KS

Dates: October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, 31; November 1, 2

What to expect: Navigate through 20 rooms covering 10,000 square feet haunted by 13 evil souls.

Website: 13sinistersouls.com

Field of Screams and Clown Town

Location: 4055 N. Tyler Rd., Maize, KS

Dates: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October, plus October 17, 24, 31 and November 1, 2

What to expect: Make your way through the haunted grounds filled with sorghum fields, forests, trenches, tunnels and more. Clown Town is filled with scary clowns, mazes and 3D effects. Website: scaryprairiepines.com

Haunted Cannery Spook House and Lunatic Asylum at Walters Farm & Pumpkin Patch

Location: 10001 NW Highway 77, El Dorado, KS

Dates: Every Friday and Saturday in October

What to expect: This attraction takes you on a covered hay wagon ride through the farm and drops you off at an abandoned fourstory canning elevator filled with zombies, clowns, chainsaws and other nightmares, and nearby is the Lunatic Asylum haunted maze.

Website: hauntedcannery.com

Wicked Island at OJ Watson Park

Location: 3022 S. McLean Blvd., Wichita, KS

Dates: Every Friday and Saturday in October

What to expect: Plant Kingdom and the City of Wichita team up for a walk through a haunted wooded island at OJ Watson Park. The haunted house is closed on Halloween for Tricks and Treats, a familyfriendly event in the park.

Website: wickedwoodswichita.com

Zombie Paintball at Klausmeyer Dairy Farm & Pumpkin Patch

Location: 8135 S. 119th St. S., Clearwater, KS

Dates: October 12, 19, 26

What to expect: This haunted attraction includes a ride on a haystack trailer equipped with paintball guns and ammo, and live zombies chasing behind.

Website: klausmeyerdairyfarms.com

Family Friendly

Jack-O-Lantern

Spectacular

Where: Botanica

Dates: October 9–12

What to expect: More than 1,000 jack-o-lanterns carved by volunteer groups in Wichita are on display throughout the botanical garden. Featuring pumpkin sculptures, aerial acrobats, fire dancing, live music, Halloween movies and more.

Website: botanica.org

BooFest

Where: Exploration Place

Dates: October 18, 19, 25, 26

What to expect: A family-friendly party throughout the museum including trick-or-treating, a cookie walk, hands-on science experiments, Halloween games and more. Costumes are encouraged.

Website: exploration.org

Hay, Hooves and Halloween

Where: Old Cowtown Museum

Dates: October 19–20

What to expect: A family-friendly trick-or-treating event including candy, costumes, zombie cowboys, ghosts haunting the historic houses and the Headless Horseman riding through the streets.

Website: oldcowtown.org

Dia de los Muertos

Where: Nomar International Market

Date: November 2

What to expect: Celebrate this authentic Mexican holiday with traditional alters, food, music, dancing, art and more.

Adult Events

Haunted Hops

Where: Botanica

Date: October 18

What to expect: Stroll through the haunted gardens while sipping on themed craft beers from local and regional breweries and listening to live music.

Website: botanica.org

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”

Where: The Orpheum Theater

Date: October 18

What to expect: The annual midnight screening of the 1975 cult classic, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Costumes are encouraged, but not required.

Website: wichitaorpheum.com

Spooky Night of Treasures

Where: Museum of World Treasures

Date: October 25

What to expect: This event is a Halloween-themed fundraiser for the museum featuring a live haunted tour, food, drinks and more.

Website: worldtreasures.org

Running Events

WSU

Pumpkin Run 5K

Date: October 19

Where: Wichita State University

What to expect: This race includes both 5K and 1K distances throughout the Wichita State campus.

Website: Go to wichita.edu and search for “Pumpkin Run”

Monster Dash 5K

Date: October 26

Where: Strataca, Hutchinson, KS

What to expect: Run or walk this 5K 650 feet underground in the Strataca Salt Mine. Costumes are encouraged.

Website: underkansas.org

Grace Hill Haunted Wine Run 5K

Date: October 27

Where: Grace Hill Winery

What to expect: Costumes are encouraged for this Halloweenthemed race through Grace Hill Winery. Registration includes a wine glass and a pour of wine.

Website: gracehillwinery.com

Amber Sellers and Dr. Prisca Barnes

Amya Williams, Pheobe Sims, Jessika Mayer, Aziya Jordan and Layla Kisarika

Tre Glasper and Jermain Glasper

Lily Biesinger, Ken Wiseman and Lowell Nugent

Fallon Love and Tracy Young

Jennifer Rogers and Jamie Nix

Ressie Clark and Kathy Williams

Patricia Main, Alisa Roberson, Alaina Portlock and Laurie Garrison

Khallie Austin, Sammy Wallace, Angeline Burks, Zayonn Byrd and Zayden Byrd

Jessika Mayer and Averie Mountain

Joymesia Lee, Jenna Pillsbury, Brenda Baker Hayden and Jade Martinez

Yeronica Ealy Pyles, Dakotah Garcia and Aaliyah Smith

Tremendous Teens

Above the Bar: Bryce Barkdull, KU Pole Vaulter

Written by Julie Hying

Many young athletes are striving to make their mark, to reach a personal best. KU track star Bryce Barkdull is no exception. His purpose is singular, his devotion complete. Track before him, pole in hand, each run, active pole drop and assent are an attempt at greatness. While overcoming a recent knee injury, Bryce’s mom, Richelle, says that he “lives and breathes pole vaulting.” His love of the sport began in his early teen years and was encouraged by his dad, Ryan, who, as a college athlete, excelled at pole vaulting at Wichita State University and still holds the WSU pole vault record.

Bryce competed outside of school as well, winning the Nike Nationals his junior year and coming in second as a senior. “In June, he competed in the USATF U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, and placed second,” says Richelle. “This qualified him to represent the U.S. at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru. The finals in Lima took place on Aug. 30, and he finished fifth against athletes from all around the world.”

Bryce shares this about his passion and his future: “Pole vault is all I want to do. It’s all I think about, and I’m just glad that I have the gifts and talents given to me that I’m able to jump as high as I can. In the coming years, I plan to work as hard as I can to be the best athlete I’m capable of becoming. My goal is to achieve a national title and make another USA team, whether that be a world championship or Olympic team.”

Bryce and Ashton are both a vital part of the KU track team and are following in their father’s footsteps in more ways than one: KU track coach Tom Hays, once their dad’s coach at Wichita State and later at the University of Arizona, is now in Lawrence coaching both boys in their special event, pole vaulting.

He is also supported and cheered on by older brother Ashton who shares the family passion for pole vaulting and competes on the KU track team alongside Bryce. Richelle says, “Pole vaulting is unique as each athlete competes against his previous jump. The goal is to achieve a personal best. So Bryce and Ashton feel like fellow competitors cheering each other to greatness.”

In the beginning, Bryce’s enthusiasm for the sport was high, although his initial jumps were considered average for his age. In time, and with practice and devotion, his skill level rose and his innate talent for pole vaulting emerged. His freshman track season at Andover Central High School nurtured his passion and focus for this unique sport. Although Bryce didn’t qualify for state his freshman year, it motivated him to work even harder. His sophomore year he came back strong and finished second at the state meet behind Ashton, who set the state record for 5A. Bryce then went on to win the state title his junior and senior years, breaking the state record both years.

Between his high school track experience and his involvement with the Shocker Track Club, Bryce has continued to build and hone his skills. As a high school junior, Bryce broke the all-time pole vaulting record in the state of Kansas. He went on to break his own record the following spring competing during his senior year and was ranked No. 1 in the nation.

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Distinctly by Dawn

Written by Dawn Tucker

Dawn Tucker is a design consultant and owner of DTConsulting LLC in Wichita. Reach her at dawn@splurgemag.com.

Q&A with Emma Schlittenhardt, M.Arch

It was the year of Covid, and while most of the world sat at home with family, they began to realize that they needed to love the space they were in. It was during this time that we, as designers in Wichita, became very, very busy. The more people looked at the walls they found themselves surrounded by, the more they desired change. They wanted to love the space they were being forced to stay in. During this busy time, I had the pleasure of meeting Emma Schlittenhardt with Hardt Studio. I’ve had the honor of watching Emma and her team continue to break barriers and grow their business.

Q. How long have you been in business?

A. Hardt Studio has been creating exceptional designs since 2020. Our team brings over 15 years of industry experience, enabling us to craft artfully designed spaces that range from residential homes to commercial properties across the world. Our expertise and dedication have earned us a solid reputation and numerous accolades in the field of interior design.

Q. Tell me a little about what you offer or specialize in?

A. We specialize in creating luxurious, functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. At Hardt Studio, our preferred design style is luxury modern, though we adeptly handle all design styles to meet our clients’ diverse needs. Our comprehensive services encompass residential and commercial interior design, 3D renderings, floor plan drawings, finish curation, and furniture selection. This versatility and attention to detail allow us to create personalized, high-end spaces that reflect our clients’ unique visions.

Q. What sets you apart from other local designers?

A. We have an unwavering commitment to creating distinctive and unforgettable interiors through modern and transitional design. Our ability to produce highly realistic 3D renderings and our founder’s advanced architectural education enhance our holistic design approach. We are also recognized for our award-winning designs and exceptional client service, as evidenced by our accolades, including winning Best Interior Design Firm with the Wichita Eagle Awards in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Q. Do you have any other locations?

A. We have recently opened a design-build showroom under the name Bocote at Wichita’s prestigious Center at Waterfront. This new showroom will serve as a central hub for our team of designers, showcasing our commitment to growth and providing clients with an immersive design experience. While we focus on this exciting new venture, we continue to explore opportunities for future expansion to better serve our clients.

Q. What is your most proud project?

A. Such a tough question! One of our most proud projects is Casa Cocoa in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This stunning modern oasis seamlessly blends the island’s natural beauty with contemporary design, embodying our philosophy of creating harmonious and elegant spaces. Casa Cocoa was a significant achievement as it was the first project we completed offshore, marking a milestone in our expansion and capabilities.

Q. What are you currently working on?

A. We’re also very proud of our work on the Jorns and Associates project in downtown Wichita. This project not only showcases our design expertise but also underscores our commitment to enhancing our local community through thoughtful and impactful design.

Q. What do you have planned for your design business in the future?

A. We’re thrilled to be working on a magnificent new-build home right here in Wichita, spanning an impressive 26,000 square feet, designed in a sleek California modern style. This project is a wonderful opportunity for us to create a luxurious yet comfortable living space that perfectly embodies the essence of modern California living. Looking ahead, Hardt Studio plans to continue our trajectory of growth by expanding our portfolio and further establishing our brand as a leader in luxury interior design. We are excited to continue serving the Wichita market — that we call home! You can find us on Facebook and Instagram: @hardt.studio, or scan the QR code attached to visit our site, see our projects and more.

Navigating a Shifting Real Estate Market

Written by Paige Feikert

Local Expertise Is Key

If you’re in the market for a new home, the current environment is just as good as any, according to local realtor Laura Mormando with Berkshire Hathaway PenFed Realty. After a surge in home prices and mortgage rates following the Covid-19 pandemic, she says the seller’s market is still thriving with no end in sight.

“If you try to hold off on buying then you’ll be waiting, because it’s been a seller’s market for a long time,” Mormando said. “It won’t happen probably in my career — we can’t build enough homes.”

Home buyers might find some relief with falling rates on mortgage loans. The current rates are the lowest since February 2023 at around 6 percent for the area, but they could drop below 6 percent by the end of the year. Although a few tenths of a percentage point don’t sound significant, this change could mean a savings of more than $100 on your monthly mortgage payment in many cases.

But if you’re waiting for rates to drop to the range of 3 or 4 percent, you likely won’t see that anytime soon.

“For a buyer, home prices will probably slowly increase, not at the rate they have been previously, but waiting until it’s a lower home price or rates at 3 and 4 percent — we won’t see that,” Mormando said.

Mortgage rates hinge on several factors, including things like your tenure at your current job, credit score, loan type and more. Mormando suggests shopping around and submitting several mortgage applications when you’re ready to buy, this helps you understand the rates and fees for each loan. She also recommends meeting with a local realtor and local lenders to understand the nature of the market where you live.

“Check locally, because interest rates and details can vary state by state, closing costs can vary, always check with your local realtor and local lenders to get information on your market,” Mormando said.

Mormando says buying a house for the first time can be intimidating, and local experts can help navigate that process, too.

“A buyer consultation is actually very helpful to run through some of the steps. What are your needs? What are your wants? Talk about a budget, a process,” Mormando says. “It’s very helpful to do that first. I always tell people to get yourself a realtor that can help you navigate all of this — there’s so much to know and learn; you don’t want to try to do this alone.”

An experienced real estate agent is also vital for homeowners looking to sell. While home prices aren’t rising at the rate they were a few years ago, prices are moderately rising and sellers can do well in the current market, but a good realtor could make a major difference.

“So much of getting the highest price you can for your home is just preparation, making sure that if you’re asking a premium price, you’re going to deliver a premium product,” Mormando says. “Improving your home, curb appeal, maintenance and hiring a realtor who will help you stage and market your home: That’s my business, making that sure when sellers are finally ready to sell their homes, they’re the best they can be.”

Laura Mormando