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SPLURGEMAG.COM

MARCH 2022

IN THIS ISSUE:

Shockers Head into March Madness National Day of Unplugging Modern Landscapes by Bloom KS

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NOTES FROM THE

Publisher & Staff

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Jody Klein

Natasha Park

Shirley Davis

Michael Carroll Jr.

Dubai is on my bucket list, but for now I’d take anywhere there is a sandy beach and temperatures in the 80s – with my family by my side!

A South Pacific island-hopping private tour, by boat and sea plane. Backpacking, camping, golf and a dip in Palau’s Jellyfish Lake would suffice.

I would love to go with my family on an Alaskan cruise and see humpback whales, wildlife and the northern lights.

I would love to travel to someplace tropical. White sand beach with water so clear that you can see it change from light to dark blue. The only thing I would need is someone special to share the view.

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Contributing Writers

Lauren Boughfman, Julie Underwood Burton, Alexis Evans, Julie Hying, Kari Krahn, Karen Long, Amy Palser, Natasha Park, Joe Stumpe

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Guest Columnists

Guy Bower, Nataliya Biskup, Nahid Holmes, Gregory Lakin, Joseph Spaniol, Amy Sprole, Randy Yeisley

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MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

u o y k n a h T

to our clients and friends for a fantastic 2021!

120 Transactions Closed Over $50 Million in Sales Volume

Contact our team for your 2022 real estate needs KELLY KEMNITZ & ASSOCIATES

FineHomesInWichita.com 316.308.3717

FEATURES

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

SPLURGE! checked in with coach Isaac Brown and the men’s b-ball team to see how they feel going into March Madness. In spite of an up-and-down season so far, they’re surprisingly confident.

The average teen believes they can track six or seven forms of media at once – but research proves otherwise. Join the movement to unplug for 24 hours on March 4–5.

Shockers’ Twists and Turns

National Day of Unplugging

Vinho Verde, the Crisp Wine of Portugal Instead of green beer this year, sip a little green – or young – wine from Portugal. Vinho Verde is lightly effervescent, refreshing and food friendly. Guy Bower, the Good Life Guy, has all the details.

ON THE COVER

Morris Udeze, forward, and Tyson Etienne, guard, two of the players leading the Shockers going into March Madness. Photo courtesy Wichita State University

If you don’t already know the small-but-mighty Artichoke Sandwichbar, March is the perfect month to spend time in this lovable Irish dive. Pull up a booth and order a beer, a sandwich and a song.

Known for their magnificent flowerbeds and flower pots, Bloom KS has added lawn care to their portfolio of services, while continuing to deliver dedication, design and color to customers.

The Heart of the Artichoke

Modern Landscapes by Bloom KS

HIGHLIGHTS 36 - What to Pack for Spring Break 66 - Get Your Green On 86 - Kitchen Tune-Up Wins National Award

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

TWISTs AND TURNS Written by Joe Stumpe · Photos courtesy Wichita State University

Up-and-Down Shockers Head Into March Madness

When Tyson Etienne sank an improbably long, last-second threepointer to win the season opener, it looked like the Wichita State Shockers were headed for another storybook season. After all, they surprised nearly everyone last year by capturing their first American Athletic Conference title during Isaac Brown’s rookie year as head coach. But the 2021–22 season has turned out to be a more complicated tale. True, the Shockers followed that opening night win against Jacksonville with victories over Las Vegas, Missouri and Oklahoma State, and nearly defeated then-No.3 Arizona. But a deflating loss to Kansas State at Intrust Bank Arena was followed by a 0–4 start in conference play that sent expectations plummeting. But hold on. WSU won four of its next six games. So where did that leave them going forward? Surprisingly confident, it turns out.

The Top Shock

Isaac Brown is no Gregg Marshall. For one thing, Brown won the aforementioned AAC title, something Marshall never achieved (we’re setting aside, for a second, all the things Marshall did achieve at WSU). Marshall loved going out in Wichita, and the city reciprocated. Brown, in his own words, is a homebody: “I don’t do too much in the city of Wichita,” he said. “I don’t hang out. I go home, I come to work … and I stay in the office watching film. That’s all I want to do is watch film and try to learn from mistakes.” Marshall landed in hot water and left the program over his treatment of a player. Brown called a player, Etienne, to apologize for a comment he’d made about Etienne’s foul at the end of a loss to Tulane. “In film (session) I said, ‘Tyson, it was a foul.’ But then I went back and watched a different angle of it. I had to call him to apologize. I said, ‘We can’t foul three-point shooters,’ but I told him after going back and watching film, I thought it was a good contested shot.” Brown’s approach obviously worked in his first year as head coach, but after that Jan. 29 loss to Tulane, he admitted he was frustrated to the point of punishing players, in a manner of speaking. In that game, the Shockers blew a 13-point secondhalf lead, largely because they committed 19 turnovers. Going forward, Brown told the local media, any turnovers would earn players a “line drill” – an exhausting bit of extra running during practice. “That’s the only thing I know to do,” he said. “There’s gotta be a repercussion.” 8

WSU’s top offensive player, leading in points scored, threepoint buckets made and minutes played. He remains supremely confident, promising that Wichita State “is going to be fine.” Etienne dismissed any suggestion that the team is missing the maturity and experience provided last year by seniors Alterique Gilbert and Trey Wade. “I don’t think it’s a lack of leadership at all,” Etienne said. “I think it’s just about us growing. We’ve got a bunch of young guys, got a bunch of new guys in the program itself.”

Turnovers dropped by nearly half in their next game. Brown, a longtime Marshall assistant, did tell reporters that he felt the Shockers were playing and practicing just as hard as the program’s successful teams of the past. Aside from turnovers, he said, there was only one other glaring problem at that point in the season: an inability to make key shots at the end of the game, even when they’d managed to get open ones.

Indeed, three freshmen have earned significant playing time – Ricky Council IV, Kenny Pohto and Chaunce Jenkins – with Council emerging as the team’s most explosive player at times. Council’s talent is tempered only by a tendency to commit turnovers.

“Last year, with games on the line, we were able to make wideopen shots and we didn’t turn it over.” Coaches don’t get to shoot the ball. About all they can do is get players ready for the moment, and it’s clear that Brown thinks a lot about that part of his job. Brown doesn’t just watch a lot of game film, he watches practice film. “I ask myself all the time: Am I going hard enough in practice or am I going too hard in practice? Am I going so hard that these guys are fatigued in a game?” Brown was on target about the lack of clutch shooting: Three of the Shockers’ conference losses came by a total of six points, which suggested to Brown the team was better than its record. “If we were in these games getting blown out, I would think I need to get on the road and go recruiting and just go out and try to find some better players. But that hasn’t crossed my mind. I think we’ve got a good enough team to win, we’ve just got to correct our mistakes.”

Locker Room Leaders

The rest of Brown’s post-film session conversation with Etienne was also interesting. According to Brown, Etienne said, “Coach, don’t worry about it. We’re going to make up for it, we’re going to win these next couple games.” The Shockers won their next two games. Etienne is the acknowledged leader of the Shockers, and not just because he was named AAC Co-Player of the Year last year. Brown cites the positive energy the guard brings to the practice floor and locker room. Etienne’s numbers are down slightly this year but he is still MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

Women Shockers Look to Regain ‘Rhythm’ of Fast Start “Last year, we went through a trial with losing our coach and having to adjust to Covid and all that,” Etienne said. “And now our trial is just overcoming these small battles we have to overcome. Every season presents a battle.” Another locker room leader, junior big man Morris Udeze, answered “100 percent” when asked if the Shockers still believed in themselves at the point when they were 0–4 in conference play. “Last year, we had a whole bunch of close games and won them. This year is just kind of different. We’re just going to have to figure it out. That’s all we can do.” With no chance of an at-large NCAA bid, the Shockers’ only hope for postseason play is to finish the regular season strong and surprise in the conference tournament, which will be held March 10–13 in Fort Worth. By mid-February, the team was shooting the ball better and committing fewer turnovers, and junior Craig Porter Jr. was providing the kind of steady, productive point guard play that good Shocker teams have traditionally relied upon. Combine those developments with strong defense and rebounding, Brown said, and “We’ve got a chance to win any of these games.”

After a 7–1 start – best in program history – the Wichita State women’s basketball team ran up against several hard realities: One was that their nonconference schedule included games against three very good teams: South Dakota, Kansas and Oklahoma. Another was that Covid-19 wasn’t done with WSU, leaving it short-handed after Christmas. The final reality is that the American Athletic Conference “is really good,” as Shockers coach Keitha Adams says. “There are a lot of veteran teams. It’s been challenging, but we’re still playing hard.” All but three AAC teams boasted winning records as of mid-February. Thanks mainly to their fast start, the Shockers were themselves still over .500. Adams said the nonconference portion of the season was fun. “We had some good wins, built some rhythm.” The Shockers hung around against the ranked OU Sooners for much of the game. Adams has been pleased with her team’s defensive effort and improved ability to generate fast-break points. “Our Achilles heel has been putting enough points on the board,” she said. Mariah McCully and Asia Strong have led the scoring, with Jane Asinde, who’s the top rebounder, and DJ McCarty, who comes off the bench, not far behind. Adams noted that guard Seraphine Bastin, in addition to leading the team in assists, is second on the team in offensive rebounds – “a really high level for a point guard.” The Shockers have often started fast only to struggle in the second half of games. “I’ve got a great group of young ladies that I’m very proud of,” Adams said. “We’re going to continue to work hard to get to where we want to be.”

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Is There a Better Shingles Vaccine? Written by Amy Palser

Participants Ages 50-plus Sought for Head-to-Head Study Finding a better shingles vaccine is the subject of a study being conducted by a Wichita clinical research facility. Alliance for Multispecialty Research is comparing two vaccines in a head-to-head study, pitting the existing vaccine against a new version. “The hope is to find something more efficacious and better tolerated that would be more attractive to the market,” said Dr. Terry Klein, a family physician at Family Medicine East in Wichita and a partner in AMR. About one in three people in the U.S. will develop shingles in their lifetime. Herpes zoster, the virus that leads to shingles in adults, is the same virus that causes chickenpox in children. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in the body, but can be triggered into becoming active. “At such point when our immune system is down or stress is high, or some reason we don’t know, it shows itself as shingles,” Klein said. While about 90 percent of eligible individuals are vaccinated for chickenpox, Klein said, a high percentage of adults still get shingles. The shingles vaccine works by supporting the immune system’s ability to suppress the virus. “We have a vaccine present on the market that is already doing that work, and it’s a good vaccine,” Klein said. “But the work being done is to make the vaccine a little more potent for a better response in the body and have it tolerated a little better.” AMR is looking for healthy individuals ages 50 and up who have never had shingles. Participants will either receive the existing vaccine or the new vaccine; there is no placebo. They’ll be given an injection the first day of the study and a second dose two months later, then will be monitored for a little over a year. Participants will be compensated. For more information call AMR Wichita West at 316.462.0420, or AMR El Dorado at 316.600.5127.

What is shingles? Shingles is a painful rash that develops on one side of the face or body. People often have pain, itching or tingling in the area where the rash will develop a few days before the rash appears. Other symptoms that accompany the rash are fever, headache, chills and upset stomach. The rash consists of blisters that typically scab over in 7 to 10 days and fully clear up within 2 to 4 weeks. Usually, the rash occurs in a single stripe around either the left or right side of the body. It’s also common to have the rash on one side of the face, and that can affect the eye and cause temporary vision loss. In some extreme cases, it can affect the cornea or the back of the eye and damage the eye, causing lasting vision impairment. While it’s possible to get shingles more than once, most people who develop shingles have only one episode during their lifetime. Source: CDC

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET Coldwell Banker Plaza Real Estate

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Kathy Felter, Tara Ritter, Jason Hatfield, Todd Woodburn, Lauren Brown

Leah Lawrence, Sue Hoefgan, Sara Atwater, Lindsey Hess

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We bring care home. Now that’s lucky!

KansasHomeHealth.com · Wichita · 316.869.0015 MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

With

Justin L. Gooden, MD Director of the Wound Clinic

Q. What was your journey like to becoming director of the

– but in 20 years what will be crystal clear are the events and times that you spent with your family.”

A. I began my residency in surgery in South Carolina. I had the

My wife and family are my priority, and my wife is my best friend and biggest supporter. I make it a priority to date my wife and it’s definitely a balancing act with our six kids. I have always enjoyed being a dad, coaching their YMCA basketball teams when they were younger, helping out at the school, and doing fun projects.

Wound Clinic?

privilege of working with wound care patients and seeing firsthand the impact it had on them. I transitioned my residency back to Wichita at Wesley Medical Center and accepted a position working in emergency medicine in the pediatric ER. I worked full time in pediatric emergency medicine and fell in love with helping children in our community.

Q. How would you say growing up on the farm impacted you, personally or professionally?

A. I grew up on a farm in Western Kansas with three siblings.

The work ethic my mom and dad instilled in us growing up on the farm is next to none. School was always a top priority. I wanted to stay and work with my father on the farm after high school – but my parents required that we kids move away from the farm to attend college. I chose to attend the University of Kansas for undergrad and then KU Medical School.

Q. Are there challenges getting patients into your clinic? A. Wounds affect patients more than most of us can imagine. Dr. Francie Ekengren, chief medical officer of Wesley at the time, approached me about joining her practice at the Mid Kansas Wound Care Specialist practice at Wesley Wound Care. I was excited about the opportunity to work with wound-care patients once again and jumped at the opportunity. Dr. Ekengren appointed me as the Wound Care medical director. The practice continued to grow and it became evident that I had found my passion in this area of medicine. I have had the privilege and honor of acquiring the Mid Kansas Wound Care practice and look forward to this next chapter.

Q. How do you manage growing a successful clinic while balancing a busy family life?

A. I am blessed to have great mentors in my life, including my father, Archie Gooden, and my pastor, Mark Hoover. Pastor Hoover once said to me, “This time in your life will go by so fast it’s all a blur

It can change their entire lifestyle, impact them physically and emotionally, and influence family members and loved ones. I want coming to Mid Kansas Wound Care Specialist to be something that our patients look forward to, even while dealing with challenging health concerns. I’m passionate about giving our patients not only a positive experience but a positive outcome. I love joking around, getting to know my patients and celebrating with them when their wounds are resolved. I have, without a doubt, some of the best health-care professionals a clinic could ask for, including surgeons Dr. Waswick and Dr. Hentzen; nurse practitioner Janie Noll, who whole-heartedly cares about every single patient; Alex Landon, our physician assistant; plus our nurse manager and the incredibly hard-working nursing staff. From the moment our patients walk in the front door and are greeted, each of my team members add value and provide the best quality of care.

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MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

MONEY MAT TERS Be Ready for March and April Storms

Mortgage Options at Home Bank & Trust Co. CONVENTIONAL FIXED-RATE LOANS A conventional fixed-rate loan is the most popular type of home mortgage. Since the interest rate does not vary, monthly payment for principal and interest stays the same.

Spring will be here soon. Don’t be caught with partial repairs when you think you have 100 percent replacement cost. Make sure all outdoor furniture is secure from our spring storms and verify with your current insurance company that they will pay for 100 percent of your roof and siding if you have partial damage. You might be shocked to find out that they will pay only for the damage on your roof. With many carriers, they would repair 100 percent if you had partial damage. Here are some important coverages to have: HOME INSURANCE Loss forgiveness and decreasing deductibles replace the whole roof, siding and painting of the home. EARTHQUAKE INSURANCE My old company didn’t have that coverage. (By the way, did you feel the earthquake in February?) AUTO INSURANCE Accident forgiveness and decreasing deductible. It’s a good time to review your insurance because the cost of goods sold has increased so much. It is very important to shop around every two years if a company has had major rate increases. Contact me whether you’re buying a home or refinancing your existing home. Ross Viner is an independent agency owner with We Insure. He’s an LUTCFdesignated insurance advisor with over 40 years experience, licensed in home, auto, health and life insurance. Call or email him for a review at 316.600.0520 or ross.viner@weinsuregroup.com.

ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES (ARM) Rates are adjusted at a specific time each year. A five-year ARM, for example, has a fixed rate for 60 months and will then change every 12 months. Changes are tied to an index such as a one-year LIBOR index rate, and all of our ARMs have periodic or lifetime rate caps. FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION (FHA) LOANS An alternative to conventional mortgage insured loans, FHA loans offer more lenient lending requirements, often making qualification easier. FHA offers both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages. VETERANS ADMINISTRATION (VA) LOANS The VA loan program was created by the federal government to assist U.S. service men and women who might not qualify for a conventional mortgage. VA loans are available only to veterans. CONSTRUCTION LOANS You can build your own home with a construction loan from Home Bank & Trust Co. Call us for details. REFINANCES CASH-OUT/STRAIGHT REFINANCE Borrow up to 90 percent of your home’s value to access money for remodeling, debt consolidation or major purchases. Homeowners qualify based on their home’s value through a conforming conventional fixed-rate loan.

How Are Your New Year’s Resolutions Going? If you’re feeling less enthusiastic about your New Year’s resolutions than you did a month ago, you’re not alone. According to some estimates, 80 percent of resolutions failed in the month of February. For many people, abandoning resolutions is the inevitable result of setting poor goals in the first place. For example, no one can “get healthier.” What you can do is set a weekly exercise target or make a running schedule that will build toward the half-marathon you want to tackle in the fall. But if you set an actionable target that’s important to you, and falling behind is hurting your Return on Life, this might help you get back on track. Celebrate successes and gently scold failures. Did you ever have to turn to a “swear jar” to clean up the language in your household? A similar strategy could help you tighten up your resolution routine. Money can be an excellent motivational tool. Seeing your cash fill up that jar because of missed workouts or online class work piling up will create a visual reminder that you’re hurting your goals as well as your wallet. On the other hand, if you string together a good week or exceed a particular short-term target, dig into the jar and reward yourself with your favorite carry-out meal or a night at the movies. Want to talk about goals? Simply reach out!

Visit Home Bank & Trust Company at homebank-trust.com to discuss your financial goals and mortgage options. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. Brian Sandberg, NMLS #468586; Mai Schendel, NMLS #468583; Jeff Rathbun, NMLS #543215; Home Bank & Trust, NMLS #416329. MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

Leading Edge Financial Planning, LLC, is a Registered Investment Advisory firm and is registered with the states of Kansas and Colorado. Contact Michael Proctor, CCO, with any questions at 316.768.7526 or mike@leadingedgefp.com.

5 Area Branches With 2 Convenient Wichita Locations to Serve You. Are you thinking of buying a new home or selling your current home? Looking at refinancing? You need a lender you can trust!

Check out our expert column in Money Matters on Page 18.

Make Home Bank and Trust your first call for a no-obligation consultation and see why so many people choose our team. You're going to feel right at home with Home Bank and Trust because we don't have customers, we have family.

Meet the Home Bank and Trust Lending Team

Brian Sandberg

Wichita East (316) 686-5000 Brian@homebank-trust.com

Mai Schendel

Wichita East (316) 686-5000 Mai@homebank-trust.com

East Wichita (316) 686-5000 1409 N. Greenwich · Wichita, KS 67206

Jeff Rathbun

Wichita East (316) 773-6000 Jrathbun@homebank-trust.com

West Wichita (316) 773-6000 10421 W. Central · Wichita, KS 67212

Visit us at www.homebank-trust.com to learn more

Written by Randy Yeisley | Yeisley Financial Group

Social Security Optimization Choosing when to start taking your social security benefit can be one of the most important decisions you make when thinking about retirement. For most retirees, social security is a significant source of their income. In fact, according to a recent report from the National Institute on Retirement Security, social security is the sole source of income for 40 percent of older Americans. If you make the wrong decision on when to start your social security, it could seriously reduce your standard of living, especially in the latter years of your retirement. So, when should you start taking your social security? Good question.

So, what is the best age to start your social security benefit? It depends. It depends on your individual circumstances. One of the best ways to make this decision is to do a comprehensive financial plan that takes into account all of your sources of retirement income, including income derived from your investment portfolio. In some cases, it will not improve your probability of success to delay your social security benefits. Focus on maximizing the value of your estate rather than maximizing the size of your social security benefit. Waiting until age 70 is not right for everyone.

Don’t Start Too Soon It is common for people to be tempted to start receiving their social security as soon as they possibly can. Perhaps you have thought something like: “I’m taking my social security as soon as I can while there’s still some taking to be had.” This attitude is usually based on fear that the Social Security program will go away or will be diminished in the future. And this is probably a reasonable fear. After all, the Social Security Administration acknowledges that the social security trust funds will be depleted by 2034 unless Congress makes changes to the Social Security program. If the trust funds are depleted, the Social Security Administration will only be able to pay about 78 percent of your social security benefit, according to the website ssa.gov/thereforme. If your full retirement age is 67 and you start drawing social security benefits at age 62, you will get a 30 percent reduction in benefits. That is a significant reduction in retirement income, so make sure you do proper planning to ensure you will have enough income throughout your retirement, and don’t let fear cause you to draw your social security too early.

Don’t Start Too Late You can maximize your social security benefit by delaying it until after your full retirement age. In fact, if you delay starting your social security benefit until after your full retirement age, your benefit will increase 8 percent per year up to age 70. So, if your full retirement age is 67 and you delay starting your social security until age 70, you will get a 24 percent larger social security benefit. Delaying your social security benefit can give you considerably more income in retirement. And, since social security has costof-living adjustments to help keep up with inflation, it is an important component of your overall retirement income strategy.

Bottom Line It is possible to jeopardize your future standard of living by starting your social security benefit too soon. It is also possible to unnecessarily deplete your nest egg by starting your social security too late. Choosing the optimal time to start your social security benefit is very specific to your individual situation and circumstances. There is no cookie-cutter answer to this question. Work with a qualified financial planner to prepare a comprehensive financial plan based on your unique circumstances. Only then will you know the right time for you to draw your social security benefits and maximize your retirement income.

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

Randy Yeisley is a local, independent investment advisor and is the founder and president of Yeisley Financial Group, Inc., located in northeast Wichita. He can be reached by emailing advisor@yeisleyfinancial.com or by calling 316.719.2900.

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

11101 E. 71st St. S. g

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• 6 Bedrooms • 5 Bedrooms and 2 Half Bathrooms • Sq. ft. 5,860 • 50x70 Man Cave with Garage • 48x72 Barn • Stocked Pond with Bridge to Island • Paved Roads ©2021 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

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MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

REAL PLASTIC SURGEONS. REAL RESULTS. Nousette Jefferson Photography | instagram: @njeffphoto

When Do I See Results?

Some lifting and contouring effects are visible immediately. You’ll also notice your results improve over one to two months. Your age determines how quickly your body produces new collagen which is responsible for plumping cheeks, smoothing wrinkles and filling lines. During this time, try to avoid smoking or a diet high in sugar or alcohol. By Nataliya Biskup, MD, Amy Sprole, MD, and Joseph Spaniol, MD

A Stitch in Time: Rejuvenate Your Facial Contours

How Long Do the Threads Last?

Your threads should last about a year, but this is different for every patient. We follow up with patients around six weeks to determine if any touch-up is needed.

Can I Still Use Botox and Dermal Fillers?

Absolutely. Many patients find these treatments complement their thread lift nicely. When it comes to facial contouring, you have many options at the Plastic Surgery Center and PSC Aesthetics, and we are here to help you decide if a PDO Thread Lift is the right treatment for you. If you’re ready to explore your facial contouring options, call us at 316.688.7500 to schedule a consultation.

As people age, gravity takes over and often creates unwanted results. Some men and women experience jowling, skin laxity or sagging in their neck and cheeks, and drooping eyelids. Yet, these same people may not be ready for a surgical facelift, or they may want an alternative to surgery. The good news is the PDO Thread Lift can help tighten loose skin and restore a more youthful appearance. This in turn can help you feel better about yourself. Wondering what the PDO Thread Lift is? Let’s take a look.

What Is a PDO Thread Lift?

It’s a revolutionary aesthetic treatment that results in instant firming and tightening. The thread is made up of a complex polydioxanone, a sugar that stimulates your own body to produce collagen in the area where it’s placed. This promotes smoother skin, reducing folds and lax skin. In addition, it promotes production of your body’s own collagen that results in a renewal of your skin at the cellular level. You’ll find you have better skin texture, fewer lines and wrinkles, as well as a more lifted, youthful appearance.

How Long Does the Treatment Take?

It generally takes less than an hour. What’s more, you can go right on back to work or your daily activities.

What Happens During Treatment?

We numb the treatment site first, so you are comfortable. Once you’re numb, we insert the PDO threads through cannulas beneath the skin, place the anchor, and then pull the cannula out leaving the PDO thread in place. The ends of the threads are tied and cut off, and they disappear under the skin, acting as anchors creating a firmer, more lifted appearance.

What Happens After Treatment?

You will have swelling and possible bruising for two weeks, so be gentle during your cleansing routine. For two weeks avoid dental treatments and heavy exercise, and sleep on your back.

Can You Customize My Treatment?

Yes! We customize each treatment to our patient’s goals, skin type and skin texture. Your results will depend on how much lift and skin tightening you’re hoping to achieve.

Before

After

Before

After

Real Patients. Real Results. Sasha recently had a PDO thread lift treatment, and she says the best part is when she takes a selfie now Explain your journey to the PDO Thread Lift. Sasha: I had noticed more jowling than I’d like over the last few years. Due to my age and being thin, I had lost volume in my lower cheek and jawline area and around my eyes. I wasn’t ready for a facelift, so I turned to the PDO Thread Lift. How did you feel during and after treatment? Sasha: They numbed my face with lidocaine. It only took about 45 minutes, and all I felt was some pressure and pulling. I took some Tylenol afterwards and used ice packs. I wasn’t too swollen after and had some bruising, but I went right back to work. When did you notice your results? Sasha: I noticed instant lifting in my cheeks and eyes. I am only a week out, so my results will continue to get better. Are you happy with your results? Sasha: Yes! I would do it again. Do you have advice for people considering facial contouring with the PDO Thread Lift? Sasha: If you’re 40+ and notice jowls and facial features that are starting to fall, you can prolong the need for a facelift with a PDO Thread Lift. You don’t have a surgical scar, and it is cost effective. It’s a great way to feel and look younger, naturally.

You deserve expert guidance and exceptional results. Plastic surgery involves many choices. The most important is selecting a surgeon you can trust. Expect exceptional results when you have your plastic surgery performed by the highly skilled plastic surgeons at the Plastic Surgery Center.

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

National Day of Unplugging

HELLO REAL WORLD!

Written by Karen Long On March 4–5, from sundown to sundown, over 112,000 people will turn off their cellphones, hide them, let the battery die, or bed them down in tiny “sleeping bags.” Since 2009 the National Day of Unplugging organization (NDU) has called on people around the globe to set aside the first weekend of March to “elevate human connection over digital engagement.” For 24 hours, schools, religious institutions, businesses, families and individuals who want to “inspire healthy life/tech balance for their communities” will embrace analog activities from camping out and riding bikes to origami and scavenger hunts. Last year NDU partnered with the digital wellness company, lilspace and yarn bomber London Kaye to launch the Unplug and Crochet for a Cause Challenge. Celebrities like Kristen Bell and Hilary Duff wielded their crochet hooks and later posted online, all to raise awareness for unplugging and other nonprofits.

level of focus you had before you were interrupted,“ Hari said, a phenomenon dubbed “the switch cost effect.”

What Do You Unplug For?

On the NDU website you can download a sign reading “I unplug to ___.” Fill in the blank with your favorite person or IRL activity. You can also draw inspiration for your own day of unplugging from their list of over 200 activities, including things like group crafting, board games, blowing giant bubbles, creating a Zen garden and playing laser tag. Or check out our sidebar of ICT happenings this month, and reclaim your time and focus while reconnecting with family, friends and community. Learn more about National Day of Unplugging at their website, nationaldayofunplugging.com, or find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. #nationaldayofunplugging

Paying for Attention

While the National Day of Unplugging raises awareness for steps we can take as individuals, there’s also a movement to hold big tech accountable for what we lose when our concentration is sucked up by electronic devices and social media. One of the voices speaking out is Johann Hari, whose book “Stolen Focus” was released in January. In an interview on “The Ezra Klein Show,” Hari said that we’re living through a “serious attention crisis.” While we’re told from childhood to pay attention, the urgent question now is who’s paying for our attention? “Think of that tech as a virus designed to hack and invade our attention,” Hari said. These attention vampires shatter a unique brain state known as “flow” and interrupt “mind wandering” or daydreaming – two special modes of sustained focus where we make unexpected connections, create visions for the future or experience a transcendent sense of immersion in a task. The pressure to “multitask” is ever present – and a younger generation may not know any other way of working, pecking away at homework with one eye on TikTok, one eye on Snapchat and one eye on text.

“We’ve fallen for a mass delusion,” Hari said.

Research shows that, while the average teenager believes they can follow six or seven forms of media simultaneously, what they’re actually doing is rapidly switching back and forth. Our brains can only consciously focus on one or two things at a time. “If you’re interrupted, it takes you on average 23 minutes to get back to the 28

Unplug for These March ICT Events First Friday Pop-Up Market Series at Revolutsia By Haute Handmade Markets and Revolutsia March 4, 5–8 p.m. Wichita State Shockers vs. East Carolina Charles Koch Arena March 5, 2 p.m. ICT Film Showcase With The Tallgrass Film Festival Crown Uptown Theatre March 7–10 Little Aviators Kansas Aviation Museum Every Friday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free for child and accompanying adult Claymation Film Fun The Enchanted Mermaid March 27, 4 p.m. Supplies, instructions, hors d’oeuvres and mermaid photo provided. BYOB your favorite wine.

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

Weight Loss for Moms Tired of dieting with no results? Join my March group of Weight Loss for Modern American Moms. Consults open March 4th and group begins March 14th.

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J.P. Weigand & Sons, Inc. - Residential Division | 150 N. Market Wichita, KS 67202 | 316-292-3991 | Weigand.com MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

When Making The Biggest Purchase Of Your Life, You Should Know Your Lender. A little about me: I grew up in the small town of Mulvane, Kansas. Raised by a single mother, I didn’t realize how beneficial being pushed to early independence would be. I was able to buy a house at age 19, and after that experience I knew real estate was a career path for me! I had the opportunity to get taken under Adam Hamilton’s wing as a loan originator, soaked up as much knowledge as possible and still work under him today. I’m still learning new scenarios all the time and love my job, meeting new families and helping them into their next home. I’m happy to welcome a new baby boy to my family – now it’s really time for 6th gear as I strive for a great 2022. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

Chayse Cowan

Loan Officer, NMLS#1608804

– 316.461.3616

My passion is getting you the best deal possible when it comes to your home loan. I do this by making banks compete and give us their best offer. Marketing is one of my greatest loves in life, and I was very proud to get Phoenix Mortgage involved as a community sponsor with CASA of Sedgwick County. CASA is a non-profit helping kids in our community who need an advocate on their side in court. Growing up in Peck, Kansas, the old-school values of hard work and honesty were instilled in me from a very young age. I use these principles along with faith and determination in every challenge I face. There is no goal that can’t be achieved with a proper plan and guidance, and I would love to be your guide through the home loan process.

Ryan Lee

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Phoenix Mortgage is dedicated to making your home buying experience hassle free! We proudly offer excellent rates and even better customer service – reach out today to get started. Kansas licensed mortgage company the Phoenix Mortgage Group, Inc. MC.0001205 NMLS# 323881

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MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

Written by Amy Palser

Longtime Addict ‘Breaks Out’ Thanks to A Wichita Clinic On the cusp of his 60th birthday, Robert Burns is thankful to be heading in an entirely different direction than the path that threatened to kill him for over two decades. The Gulf War soldier, like so many veterans, turned to opioids after leaving the service, trying to cover pain he didn’t know how to deal with. Burns said it was nothing less than a miracle that he had the clarity of mind a year ago to seek help and that he found Dr. Greg Lakin at Center for Change in Wichita. “It’s like God set it all up,” he said. “He gave me the faith and the courage and peace of mind to do it.” Today Burns can see the man he used to be — the one who was married with two kids, the one who excelled at his job and who bandaged and cared for thousands of injured soldiers in the Gulf War. No longer is his house the one where other users come to get high, to pass out on his floor, or to overdose as he uses his medical expertise to resuscitate them. Today, it’s just Burns and his comfort dog, a long-haired chihuahua named Ernie. “He goes everywhere with me; he’s the greatest little dog,” he said. “It’s so nice to be alive and to be free of that addiction.”

A Hero, an Addict Born and raised in Kansas, Burns attended college for a time before dropping out and enlisting as a Navy Medical Corpsman – and he loved it. A career highlight was assisting in President Ronald Reagan’s cancer surgery in 1985 at Bethesda Naval Medical Center in Maryland. “Never in my dreams did I imagine I’d be meeting my commander in chief,” he said with a laugh. When Operation Desert Shield began in 1991, Burns was assigned to advanced trauma life support, and it was common to see fatal injuries, loss of limbs and brain injuries. “I had to medivac Marines when they became too injured,” he said. “It was a very excruciating, very intense position.”

struggling with an opioid addiction. When she died of an overdose in 1997, it hit Burns hard. “She was my closest companion besides my brothers,” he said.

‘It’s so nice to be alive and to be free.’ – Robert Burns That started Burns down a dark path: divorce, custody battle, PTSD symptoms, bipolar and manic depression diagnoses. A few kidney stones landed him an opioid prescription, and before long he was hooked. For years his drug of choice was Oxycodone, but a friend introduced him to heroin four years ago. “Heroine leads you into a group where everyone is using,” he said, including his son, Eric. Burns lost eight friends to drug overdoses; he also was able to save some friends who had overdosed, thanks to his medical expertise. While he wanted to leave that lifestyle, his attempts at self-rehabilitation failed. “I felt so embarrassed and hopeless,” he said. Burns hit a low point when his son overdosed in another room of the house; thankfully he was able to save him. He sought help at the VA in Leavenworth, Kansas, and a counselor there recommended the Center for Change. Burns said the methadone method is effective, especially when paired with the care he received from Lakin and his staff. March 17 he will celebrate one year without using. “I broke out of the shell,” he said, “and it is wonderful.”

Burns started to experience anxiety after returning stateside and decided to leave the service in 1994. He began caring for his sick mother, who also was

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

For more information: Center for Change 316.201.1234 centerforchangeks.com

GOLDEN GIRLS PARTY AT LAVENDER WINKS Thank you for being a friend!

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JewelAngels.biz 35

What to Pack for Spring Break Written by Lauren Boughfman

Spring Break festivities were made for more than just college students. Springtime is a great opportunity for all ages to find the perfect getaway. Whether you are headed on a family vacation or planning a crazy trip with your friends, you’re guaranteed to get the break you deserve. This holiday is meant to be stress-free and relaxing, not a time to worry about what you’re going to pack. To ensure you’re able to enjoy the leisure time you greatly deserve, we have prepared the perfect packing checklist to fit any of your spring break revels.

Packing Cubes and Luggage Organizers

The simple art of packing can be incredibly stressful. If you’re an over-packer like me, utilizing the limited space you have is a must. This is why packing cubes or any type of luggage organizer will be your lifesaver this spring break, making packing and unpacking much, much easier.

Basic Packing List • Toiletries • Pajamas • T-shirts, tops and tanks • Pants, shorts and skirts • Undergarments

Laundry Bag

One easy way to keep your luggage organized is to bring a bag or container strictly assigned to dirty laundry. This would be extremely helpful for those planning a family vacation with lots of luggage to manage. Then you can just throw those dirty clothes in the wash and start that highly procrastinated post-vacation laundry load. I promise that you will be thanking yourself when your trip comes to an end.

• Socks • Activewear • Tennis shoes or walking shoes • Light jacket or windbreaker • Hoodies and sweaters (weather permitting) • Gloves, hat, scarf and coat (weather permitting) • Swimsuits (weather permitting) • Hats and accessories

Sunscreen

Whether you are hitting the slopes or laying by the beach, you still need to pack plenty of sunscreen. Save yourself a horrendous, painful sunburn by taking proper precautions. No matter the weather, it’s in your best interest to bring proper sun protection.

• Jewelry • Miscellaneous

Reusable Water Bottles

Avoid spending tons of money on plastic water bottles when you can carry around your own. It is super important to stay hydrated throughout your trip, and having water at all times gives you one less thing to worry about.

Phone Chargers

Phone batteries are not always reliable and seem to let us down during the most inconvenient times. One way to prevent this is to pack an outlet charger as well as a portable phone charger. You never know if you’re going to be able to find an outlet so come prepared.

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

Go Floral for

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MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

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MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

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MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

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MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

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CONGRATULATIONS

120

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RICK HOPPER TEAM No. 1 Residential Team Weigand Diamond Master’s Circle Top Belle Plaine Ofc Team

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DIANA FRAZIER Residential Partnership Club President’s Club

BEN GARTNER, CCIM Commercial Master’s Circle Championship Club Weigand Top 5 Producer

JARETTA GILSON Residential Wegand Gold Partnership Club Master’s Circle

GOENTZEL GROUP Residential Weigand Emerald Master’s Circle Weigand Top 5 Team

LYLE GOERTZEN Residential Partnership Club

HEATHER GOLDEN Residential Weigand Platinum Master’s Circle

KEVIN HOWELL Commercial Master’s Circle Championship Club

GINETTE HUELSMAN Residential Weigand Ruby Master’s Circle Weigand Top 10 Agent

STEPHANIE JAKUB Residential Weigand Ruby Partnership Club Master’s Circle Weigand Top 10 Agent

RANDY JOHNSTON Commercial Master’s Circle Championship Club

K + J HOMES Residential Weigand Platinum Master’s Circle

CALVIN KLAASSEN Commercial President’s Club

CAREY KUBIK Residential Partnership Club President’s Club

KENDRA KUCHTA Residential Weigand Gold Partnership Club

MICHELLE LEEPER

ANNIE PFEIFER Residential President’s Club Rookie of the Year Rising Star

PAUL PHILLIPS Residential Partnership Club

MARIBETH REIMER Residential Weigand Gold Partnership Club Top Hutchinson Ofc Commercial Agent

BRANDIE REYES Residential Partnership Club President’s Club

CHRISTI ROYSE, CCIM Commercial Master’s Circle Championship Club Weigand Top 5 Producer

BREE A. RUSSELL, CCIM Commercial Master’s Circle Championship Club

LEWJENE SCHNEIDER Residential Platinum Award Master’s Circle

MATTHEW SHAW Residential Weigand Gold Partnership Club Master’s Circle

MORRIE SHEETS Commercial Master’s Circle Championship Club Weigand Top 5 Producer

VADNAIS HOME TEAM Residential President’s Club

KYLAN WARD Residential Rising Star

WHITNEY VLIET WARD Commercial Master’s Circle Championship Club

KELLY WATKINS Residential Weigand Ruby Partnerhsip Club Master’s Circle Weigand Top 10 Agent

MIKE WEBER Commercial President’s Club Championship Club

JOHNATHAN WEIGAND Commercial President’s Club Championship Club

SANDY WENDT Residential Partnership Club President’s Club

RACHEL WESTMORELAND Residential Rising Star, Rookie of the Year, Partnership Club, President’s Club

BRITTANY ZIMMERMAN Residential Partnership Club President’s Club

Residential Weigand Emerald, Partnership Club, Master’s Circle, Top Referral Agent, Top Derby Ofc Agent, Weigand Top 10 Agent

LewJene SchneiderJene Schneider, Matthew Shaw, Morrie Sheets, Stremel & Associates, Kathy Stucky, Austin Swisher, Ronda Tackett, Bradley Tidemann, Grant Tidemann, a Castrisos, Paula Clouse, Steve Conway, Haley Fahnestock, Pam Flesher, Janet Foster, Diana Frazier, Ben Gartner, Jaretta Gilson, Goentzel Group,Rachel Lyle Goertzen, HeatherBrittany Golden,Zimmerman Julie Becky Turner, Alissa Unruh, Vadnais Home Team, Whitney Vliet Ward, Kelly Watkins, Mike Weber, Johnathan Weigand, Sandy Wendt, Westmoreland, ohnson, K + J Homes, Calvin Klaassen, Carey Kubik, Kendra Kuchta, Michelle Leeper, Sara Linnebur, Mike Loveland, Patsy Lovett, Krista Lowry, Dee McCallum, Rebecca Mitchell, Joseph Million Dollar Producers: Phil Brumbaugh, Jim Crawford, Angel Culver, Paul & Kay Donham, Anita Ealey, Randy Flickinger, Arlene Fowler, Vickie Kern, Tammy King, neider, Matthew Shaw, Morrie Sheets, Stremel & Associates, Kathy Stucky, Austin Swisher, Ronda Tackett, Bradley Tidemann, Grant Tidemann, Becky Turner, Alissa Unruh, Vadnais Home Ann Klein, Matt Koontz, Cecilia Maggoontz, Cecilia Maggard, Art Noll, Richard Overby, Shannon Phillips, Kim Rhodes, Shannon Shea, Cinde Smith, Lynnea Smith, Kat Speer, Cathy Suellentrop, Nathan Tackett, Brock Thurman, Kylan Ward, Jarrod West, Claire Willenberg, Missy Womack, Marilyn York ntz, Cecilia Maggard, Art Noll, Richard Overby, Shannon Phillips, Kim Rhodes, Shannon Shea, Cinde Smith, Lynnea Smith, Kat Speer, Cathy Suellentrop, Nathan Tackett, Brock Thurman, MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

Take a Spring "Spa Break" Pick 2 for $70

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MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

KEURIG ROUNDS • COOL COFFEE MUGS BAGS OF GROUND AND WHOLE BEAN COFFEE FOUR DIFFERENT FLAVORS OF COLD BREW COFFEE TUESDAY - SATURDAY 11AM - 6PM 2804 E. CENTRAL, SUITE B WICHITA, KS 67214 · 316.796.5047

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MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

Party Room & Catering Available

l Pork Tama

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Hours: Tues. 11-2/5-5, Wed. 11-2, Thurs. 11-2/5-8, Fri. 11-2/5-8, Sat. 2-8 Dine-in / Carryout / Curbside

316.943.5401 · 4407 W. Maple · Private Room Also Available

CONTACTLESS PICKUP Times are tough, let us help! Currently, our community is going through a diﬃcult time. Countless friends, colleagues and customers are ill or quarantined… and we’re here to help.

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Everyone needs to eat – and we’re oﬀering contactless pickup to make that a little easier. Order over the phone and we’ll bring the food out when you arrive. This pandemic has been hard on us all, but as a community, we’ll make it through together. #PerfectPlate

PerfectPlateICT.com Perfect Plate

5255 N. Maize Rd, Ste. 104 Maize, KS 67101 M-F 11am -7pm · SAT 11am - 5pm 316.779.8800

Perfect Plate at The Coop & Coﬀee House 104 N. Baltimore Ave. Derby, KS 67037 · M-F 6am - 7pm SAT 7am - 5pm · SUN 8am - 5pm 316.351.8311

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

Perfect Plate Garvey

220 W. Douglas Ave, Ste. 62 Wichita, KS 67202 M-F 11am - 4pm · SAT 11am - 3pm 316.239.6465

Do you need some good luck? Also, all month long enjoy

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7732 E. Central · Open Daily 11am - 2am

Fine wines, beers, charcuterie boards, flatbreads & desserts.

1001 W. Douglas Ave. Wichita, KS 67213 alzavinowinetavern.com Mon - Thurs 3:00 - 10:00 Fri & Sat 3:00 - 11:00 Sun 3:00 - 9:00 Check social media for wine tasting events.

Gift certificates available

Come enjoy the new suite of 16 wines on our machines. MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

SHOCKER SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY Wichita State University Two former coaches and three student athletes made up the 2022 class inducted into the Pizza Hut Shocker Sports Hall of Fame at WSU, bringing the number of members to 151. This year’s additions are: Brent Kemnitz (baseball coach), Gordon Vadakin (bowling coach), Aliphine Tuliamuk (cross country/track and field), Chelsey Feekin (volleyball) and Hunter Veith (track and field). Friends and family members of the inductees celebrated at a dinner at WSU. For more information visit goshockers.com.

Inductee Brent Kemnitz with family and friends

Inductee Aliphine Tuliamuk with family and friends

Inductee Chelsey Feekin and family

Inductee Gordon Vadakin with Cindy Vadakin

Inductee Hunter Veith and family

Mike Kennedy, Deana Torgerson, Victor Everett, Terri Moses, John Dreifort, Laurie Labarca, Sergio Roman

Gordon Vadakin, Patty Konda, Mark Lewis, Kevin Konda, Holly Harris, Rick Steelsmith

WuShock, Brian and Leslie Eidem, Tony and Sherl Weatherbee, Craig and Marilyn Boehning

Craig Shultz, Doug Blackman, Margo Norman, Norm Christiansen

Becca and Colby Monnington, Rege and Kathy Klitzke

Brandon Hall, Tyler Grimes, Anthony Capra, Shane Dennis, Brent Kemnitz

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

Pizza Hut Shockers Sports Hall of Fame Honors Brent Kemnitz Written by Julie Hying In the world of sports, the career innings of Brent Kemnitz transitioned from 38 years of dedication on the diamonds, to becoming a promoter of Wichita State University, to finally being honored by the Pizza Hut Shockers Sports Hall of Fame for his dedication to the development of athletes, sports programs and all things WSU. His continued commitment to the university is as inspiring as his many seasons supporting the Shocker baseball program. Arriving at WSU in August of 1978, head coach Gene Stephenson took a chance on a college ballplayer, making him a team graduate assistant to work with his pitchers. A full-time assistant coach by 1982, Kemnitz helped forge one of the top college baseball teams at Wichita State, which went on to earn seven College World Series appearances and won the National Championship in 1989. As a pitching coach, he would work with countless athletes, helping them hone their techniques, strategies and approaches, including Bryan Oelkers (1982 NCAA Pitcher of the Year), Darren Dreifort (Golden Spikes Award winner 1993) and Jaime Bluma, another young athlete who followed in Kemnitz’s footsteps as a baseball coach. For the last five years Kemnitz has contributed his talents to WSU as their Assistant Athletic Director for Outreach and Staff Development. In this role he dedicates his efforts to fundraising, emceeing Shocker events, mentoring staff and serving as a motivational speaker. A perfect fit for his magnanimous personality and positive outlook, the position combines the areas that benefit from Kemnitz’s skill set beautifully: supporting athletes, creating partnerships within the community, and public speaking. As an enthusiast of the city of Wichita, Kemnitz shares this: “Wichita is a cool city with many hidden treasures. Countless concert venues offer all types of entertainment and so many opportunities to hear great live music. It’s a cool place to eat out, whether someone is looking for a local hole-in-the-wall or an elegant dining experience, there is something for everyone.”

He values his career, and attributes much of what makes it outstanding to the individuals he works with. “Darron Boatright is a phenomenal athletic director and a great friend. As head of development, Alex Johnson works with me on fundraising and promotional events. It’s fun to go to campus every day when you get to work with amazing people.” Kemnitz feels that quality people and Brent Kemnitz in 1989 programs are what keeps people at Wichita State, and how long people stay is a testament to the city and to Wichita State University. “I’m just as excited to be here today as when I first took the coaching position.” On the first weekend of February, Kemnitz was inducted into the Pizza Hut Shocker Sports Hall of Fame. Wichita State coaches and former baseball players, administrators, boosters and friends attended a banquet Friday evening and a Saturday afternoon Shocker basketball game to honor him and his longtime commitment and dedication to the athletes of Wichita State. In accepting this honor, Kemnitz felt like he was also honoring two people who have shaped his life. First, his father, whose incredible work ethic, astute business savvy and great sense for people as a longtime business owner molded his son into a man who could lead and guide others. Second, his mother, his “rock,” fostered Kemnitz’s love of sports and supported him throughout his life and career with great enthusiasm, and showed him how to support others through adversity as well as greatness. At ninety, she still loves to attend games and cheer on the Shockers. Kemnitz says that his daughters at ages 21 and 18 are at such a fun stage in their lives. “Mackenzie and Madison are my world and bring so much joy to my life.” They sometimes wonder if dad is ‘in the know’ when it comes to college life; Kemnitz just smiles and reminds them that he’s “been on a college campus nearly all my life and had a blast the whole time.”

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

Sponsored by

Q&A

with Pete Najera

Celebrity Cruises and its Wichita market president Angel Gomez present Celebrity316!, where we interview a Wichita mover and shaker and find out some cool things about them and what they’re up to next! Pete Najera is president and CEO at United Way of the Plains headquartered in Wichita, which focuses on health, education, financial stability and basic needs for people in south-central Kansas. For more information on United Way of the Plains, visit unitedwayplains.org.

Q. Who are you in a nutshell? A. I was born into a military family that lived all over the world, and later my own career would continue to lead me to work in different places. I have loved living in Wichita these past five years, not because I was born and raised here, but because I’ve lived everywhere else and I know what right looks like!

Q. How long have you been with United Way and what does the president/CEO do? A. I’ve been in the position for 18 months now, so I’m still learning quite a bit. My work involves leading a talented team of nonprofit professionals who work tirelessly to advance the common good in south-central Kansas so hat every person in our community can achieve their human potential.

Q. What did you want to be when you grew up? A. As a kid, I was never the most talented in any one thing, so I learned early that I had to work harder to achieve any goals I set for myself, including being a professional football player. But by high school, I learned that no matter how hard I worked I was never going to overcome my lack of athletic talent.

Q. Who was your favorite teacher in school and why? A. My American history teacher was Mr. Martin. He had a wonderful way of incorporating the past with current day civics, and he taught me how to think critically. Looking back, what he did most was to inspire me to be an engaged citizen.

Q. What’s the most unusual job you’ve had? A. While in junior high school, I landed work cleaning out horse stables. I wanted to quit after my first week because of the teasing I got from the other kids, but my dad wouldn’t let me. Instead, he taught me the value of “an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work.” I never forgot that.

Q. What’s your favorite wardrobe piece? A. By mid-career, I had a pretty conservative wardrobe that matched the style of the times. But now, with some prodding from my children, I like to try and make things interesting with fun socks or mix things up with some unconventional shoe choices.

Q. What’s your favorite thing about Wichita? A. I love the down-to-earth culture of the city and the caring humility of the people who live here. Both attributes challenge me to be a better person myself every day.

Chris Angel Gomez Celebrity Cruises (NYSE: RCL) is ranked on Forbes’ list of best employers for 2021! MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

Celebrity Cruises Market President celebritycruises.com

EAGLE SCOUTS IN ACTION

Eagle Scout Class of 1973

Mark Eaton (center) in 1973.

Mark Eaton

As a leader at one of the nation’s largest employers of people who are blind and visually impaired, Mark Eaton is used to collaborating with teams, juggling many issues and seeing projects through to fruition. Being an Eagle Scout prepared him well for such endeavors, he said.

Scout project, laying out the path and collaborating with city work crews. Though that was memorable, so were the small lessons, he said. “The basic skills, like knot tying, you use for the rest of your life. I use it every time I moor a boat,” he said with a laugh.

“Being in a Boy Scout troop with a bunch of other guys the same age, we worked on things together, whether out camping or doing stuff in town,” said Eaton, chief financial officer at Envision. “You work with other people, you collaborate, you get put in positions of leadership. It teaches you those kinds of skills.”

Quivira Council and 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! Quivira Council was incorporated on March 11, 1918, chartered by the Rotary Club of Wichita. If you are interested in joining Scouting or have an Eagle Scout in Action you think deserves honoring, call us at 316.264.3386.

The St. Louis-area native came to Wichita in 2012 and joined Envision in 2017. He is an active member of the community, serving on the boards of Mark Arts, Music Theatre Wichita, Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Downtown Wichita.Growing up in the St. Louis suburb of Webster Groves, Eaton joined an active Scouting troop that organized monthly camping trips, which taught him helpful life skills. “I had a great scoutmaster. It was a very formative experience for me,” he said. Eaton and his friends rode their bikes everywhere as kids in the 1960s, but Webster Groves didn’t have a bike trail. So Eaton and fellow Scouts created one as their Eagle

facebook.com/QuiviraCouncil

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

quivira_council198

www.quivira.org

9530 S. Rock Rd. | 65 acres | $845,000

DON’T BE FOOLED BY YOUR DIRECT WRITER After 33 years of loyalty to Allstate Insurance, I sold my agency and bought a franchise from We Insure. Multiple A+ companies to give a range of options! Here are some important coverages to have: HOME INSURANCE Loss Forgiveness and decreasing deductibles replaces the whole roof, siding, and painting of home. Earthquake insurance. (My old company didn’t have that coverage)

It’s a good time to review your insurance because the cost of goods sold has increased so much!

Ross Viner, Agency Owner

AUTO INSURANCE Accident forgiveness and decreasing deductible.

316.600.0520 Ross.Viner@weinsuregroup.com WeInsureRossViner.com

Call Ross Viner for a Review! MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

The Heart of the Artichoke Written By Natasha Park

The most welcoming smile is that of Uche Onwugbufor. He is the co-owner and operator alongside Tracy Rutledge. Uche is also the frontman for Uche and the Crash. For years, he took part in the cherished songwriter’s circle at The Artichoke Sandwichbar. One day the opportunity arose, thanks to Tracy, to purchase The Artichoke. Uche happily jumped on it, as his heart had already been in it for years. “It just made sense,” he says. Encouragement and genuine friendliness is what spectators and The Artichoke Sandwichbar co-owners Uche Onwugbufor and Tracy Rutledge. songwriters will experience upon arriving. Upon leaving, you’ll feel as if you had been hanging out with life-long friends. The iconic Artichoke Sandwichbar is a lovable, Irish dive restaurant by day and a full bar by night. Though Music aside, The Artichoke is the perfect place to check small, it stands in the heart of Wichita where it’s been out any day of the week, not to mention St. Patricks cherished for decades, especially by our local singerweek! Grab a booth, order a sandwich and your favorite songwriters. beer. You’ll be happy you did, as The Artichoke is Every Wednesday night, local artists – bravely wearing their hearts on their sleeves – pair perfectly with the raw, friendly and honest atmosphere of The Artichoke, a vibe that encourages songwriters to trade singing in the shower for singing in their just-as-comfortable circle.

What to Expect on Wednesday Nights Spectators can enjoy listening from booths or participate. Pull a chair into the circle of about seven other songwriters in the middle of the room. One at a time artists will take turns playing their original music on an acoustic guitar, while staying seated. Listening is just as important as playing. Think of sharing your song versus performing your song and you will do awesome! Various hints of folk, blues, pop, punk, spiritual, and more will bounce throughout the dim, green-lit room and into the booths of a few spectators. You will discover lyrics of pure poetry like those of Medicine Lodge Band – strong, biting and refreshingly smooth.

pure heart.

Where to Find Them

The Artichoke Sandwichbar 811 N. Broadway Ave. Wichita, KS 67214 316.263.9164

Hours

Mon–Tues., 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Wed.–Thurs., 11 a.m.–10 p.m. (Singer-songwriter’s circle, Wed 7–10 p.m.) Fri.–Sat., 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Sun., closed

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

CREATION ROOM CHILD LED PLAY OPEN PLAY SPACE

CREATION ROOM

We are a Child led Play space. Child and adult engage in developmental milestones as they play using fine motor, gross motor, and cognitive skills. Our space allows curiosity, adventure and imaginative play. STEM ACTIVITIES all ages welcome!

Mon-Friday · 9am-12pm For more information call: 316.650.4021 thecreationroom.wixsite.com/info

You Drop It Off. We Sell It Online!

DO YOU HAVE GENTLY USED ELECTRONICS, JEWELRY OR DESIGNER BAGS YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH? WE HANDLE EVERYTHING FROM THE MOMENT YOU WALK THROUGH OUR DOOR AND GET YOU PAID QUICKLY.

A LAPTOP SELLS EVERY 40 SECONDS! ELECTRONICS HOUSEWARES VEHICLE PARTS & ACCESSORIES

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We are only a phone call away.

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CALL US 24/7

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

Get Your Green On!

Written by Alexis Evans

The fun and festivities of St. Patrick’s Day shouldn’t fade with age. Unfortunately, while the beloved Delano District St. Patrick’s Day Parade for 2022 has been canceled due to Covid, there are still plenty of opportunities for lads and lasses of all ages to celebrate this high-spirited holiday!

Wichita St. Patrick’s Day 5K

March 13, Race starts and finishes at Cowtown Get your green on – literally! This race is a costume contest, as well as a chip-timed 5K. With three different events you can get the whole family involved in a healthy and fun activity while supporting a worthy cause. Events include 5K, Kids’ Fun Run and Virtual 5K. To sign up visit wichitastpats5k.com.

Shamrock Shuffle 24-Hour Run March 11–12, Dorner Park

Run or walk through the bike paths at Dorner Park, Haysville’s newest park. Events include: 5K, 5K Youth Run, 24-Hour Run, 1 Mile/Hour and 1Mile/Hour Relay. Prizes awarded to the most “festive” runners. Find them on Facebook for complete details.

Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl March 19, Heroes Sports Bar and Grill

Enter this 5th-annual St. Patrick’s-themed costume contest and “crawl” around Wichita to support local bars. Cheer on your friends with the traditional Irish toast, “Sláinte!” (pronounced “slaan-sha”) and celebrate with the luck of the Irish. Find more info about this lively event on Facebook and be sure to drink responsibly.

Fake Patty’s Day

March 12, O’Malley’s Irish Pub They claim to be throwing Wichita’s biggest party – is it true? Judge for yourself. Celebrate with fun American clichés like green beer, beads, Irish car bombs and bagpipers throughout the night. Their new patio is open just in time! For more information, find them on Facebook.

Knocknasheega, Live Celtic Band March 17, The Artichoke

Celebrate “Lá Fhéile Pádraig” – St. Patrick’s Day as we call it – with Wichita’s own traditional Celtic band, Knocknasheega. Come for the music, stay for the shenanigans! Details at knocknasheega.com. 66

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

A Celebration of Ability … SAVE THE DATE!

Thursday, April 21, 2022

6 to 8 p.m. • Distillery 244 Old Town for a fun evening full of great food, touching stories, auctions, entertainment, and more, all to benefit youth and adults with developmental disabilities. Get your tickets and tables today:

www.AbilityPoint.org/EDGE 316-943-1191

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

With

Kevin Lien General Manager CrossWinds Casino

Written by Julie Underwood Burton

Q. As you celebrate CrossWinds Casino’s firstyear anniversary this month, what has contributed to the casino’s success?

A. Part of our success is the fact we are new to this

community. Our continued popularity and attraction are because we brought Oklahoma-style gaming to this market. Called Class II gaming, it includes bingo and non-banked card games – the games offered at CrossWinds Casino are clearly what makes us stand out. We do have an excellent café open to the public called Bottles & Bites, and we’re located just off I-135 with proximity to Wichita and other communities.

Q. In December CrossWinds Casino opened a new non-smoking gaming floor. What prompted that decision and how has it impacted operations?

A. Immediately upon opening and seeing the popularity

of our casino, we began plans to add another 10,000 square feet of casino space. We simply were not big enough. We experienced long lines of people waiting to get inside, often wrapped around the outside of the building. With an initial count of 500 gaming machines upon opening, we were able to add an additional 300 machines within the popular new addition. We also decided to make this part of the casino a non-smoking addition, in response to those who desire a smoke-free gambling area.

A. I have been with the tribe for seven years. Previously, I

was operating one of the tribe’s casinos in Kansas City and chose to transfer here because of the opportunity. The challenges of opening a new casino and building a new team were quite attractive to me. I also looked forward to living in Wichita. I love the size of Wichita and the ease of getting to work and other places, plus there are lots of great things to do here in Wichita. In forming our team of casino workers, we lucked out with the labor market here. Due to Covid and cutbacks of other casinos in the area, we were fortunate to pick up many good team members who already had casino experience.

Q. After 25 years in the gaming industry,

what keeps you motivated? And what does CrossWinds have planned in the near future?

A. Working in the casino gaming industry is something you

just get into, and it then gets in your blood. It’s a very challenging, exciting and unique industry. One thing I appreciate most about my job is how the tribe is extremely committed to being a good partner within the community where they are located. We are proud to announce our recent purchase of the Motel 6 property just adjacent to our casino. We look forward to giving the property a facelift and having a hotel property where people can stay when they visit our casino.

Where To Find Them CrossWinds Casino 777 Jackpot Way Park City, KS 67147 316.768.2000 crosswindscasino.com

Q. Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma owns and

operates CrossWinds Casino. Tell us about your decision to join the team at CrossWinds here and your thoughts about operating a new casino in this market.

Offering over 30,000 square feet of fun and excitement.

So Close. So Fun. So Much More! For more information about CrossWinds Casino, go to crosswindscasino.com. 68

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

TO ANOTHER YEAR OF TAKING FUN TO

Year

Anniversary

NEW HEIGHTS! Thank YOU for helping us TAKE FLIGHT during the first year of CrossWinds Casino! We’ve expanded with a new non-smoking gaming floor, 300 more hot new slots and our new bar, THE DOC – AND WE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED! Stop in all month long in March as we celebrate our 1st Anniversary and take your fun to all new heights!

So Close. So Fun. So Much MORE!

777 Jackpot Way

Park City, Kansas 67147

I crosswindscasino.com

FIRST PITCH BANQUET Wichita State University Players, coaches and fans kicked off the 2022 Shocker Baseball season at Charles Koch Arena. The event featured a dinner, live and silent auctions, and team awards. Head Coach Eric Wedge, along with his staff, gave guests an upcoming season outlook, following the program’s best finish in the American Athletic Conference last season. Proceeds from the event will benefit the WSU baseball program. WSU Shocker baseball team

Janelle Longwell, Nate Robertson, Stacie Williamson, Eric Wedge and Julie McCausland, Kendra Osterblom, Judah and Natalie Craig

Brent Kemnitz, Mike Kennedy, David Jabara

Jeremy Hunt, Marcus Adler, Neil and Kristi Gosch, Michelle Adler, Shannon Hunt

Jim Spring and family

Kait Van Vleet and Corrigan Bartlett, Zona and Todd Bartlett

Mike, Carrie and Jace Kaminska

The Lucas family

Ron and Loretta Young, Cathy and Dennis Fairbanks

WuShock, Chloe Layman, Addie Moore, Kennedy Dunlavy

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

5th Annual

MODEL MAYHEM ICT Runway Show

CELESTIAL SOLACE Saturday, May 28th, 2022 Tickets: $55 · Early Bird: $45 VIP tickets $95 Doors open at 7pm Show starts at 7:30pm

CROWN UPTOWN T H E AT R E

3207 E. Douglas Ave. Wichita, KS 72

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

9465 E. Cross Creek Cir. • $725,000 • Lakepoint • Remodeled Upper Level & Basement • 2 Fireplaces • 5 Bedrooms • 4.5 Bathrooms • 4,394 sq. ft. ©2021 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. 73

Wichita Area Students Fighting in JC’s Honor Written by Kari Krahn and Amy Palser

Very few 13 year olds have a legacy, but JC Delamore has “JC Strong.” JC was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia at age 2 1/2. In spite of his extensive treatments and experimental procedures, JC lost his battle with cancer at age 13 in 2018. He stayed strong, fighting with determination and courage. When he was only 5 years old and the doctors told him he was no longer in remission and that his cancer had returned, he looked at mom Angie Delamore and said, “Well, I guess we have work to do.” Several teams of students in the Wichita area are raising money through March 11 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Student of the Year Campaign. During the seven-week campaign, students have organized pickleball tournaments, raffles, bake sales, rummage sales, bingo nights, music events, T-shirt sales – pretty much anything they can think of to raise money to help kids who are fighting JC’s fight. Team JC Strong Legacy is made up of Eisenhower High School students Kari Krahn (senior), Bella Martens (junior) and Sydney Crees (sophomore). This year, JC would have been a senior at EHS. Krahn said JC was always positive. In fourth grade, he was again out of remission and couldn’t attend school, so he did computer lessons at home long before Zoom meetings. He would ask and answer questions and laugh with the other students at the teacher’s jokes, Kari recalled. “He was loved by all the teachers and students at Apollo, Explorer, Discovery and Eisenhower Middle School,” Kari said. “In the hearts of the students who knew him, JC didn’t lose his fight, he inspired them to help find a cure.” Since 2019, EHS students have been part of the LLS campaign to continue JC’s legacy of finding a cure for cancer – and as a loving tribute to JC’s memory. Meanwhile, three Wichita boys who all had leukemia alongside JC when they were younger are also participating in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Student of the Year Campaign. Gentry Brown, Jesse Whiteside and Joey Bacon are raising funds as Team Kickapoo. All three boys were diagnosed with leukemia at age 3 and developed friendships during their hours of receiving chemotherapy treatments. They spent summers at camp with JC, so they named their team after the Kickapoo cabin where they all stayed. “Our families met as we spent countless hours receiving chemo treatments at the doctor’s office,” Gentry said. “Along the way we developed friendships with so many kids also battling cancer. This created a bond that most people would never understand.” Each team is hoping to raise $100,000, which would fund two research treatment projects. Said Gentry: “Having to say goodbye to so many friends is our motivation to kick cancer to the curb.” You can learn more and donate to both teams by finding them on Facebook: @TeamKickapooLLS and @JCStrongLegacy. Other teams in the Wichita area include Team Falcon Fighters, Answer for Cancer! (Josie Morris), and Trinity Academy Knights (Mason Wingate). Visit lls.org for more information. 74

Blood Cancer Facts • Every 3 minutes someone is diagnosed with blood cancer. • Approximately every 9 minutes someone in the U.S. dies from blood cancer. • Leukemia is the No. 1 most diagnosed form of childhood cancer. • The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society funded 41 of 47 FDA-approved treatments since 2017.

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

A Beaut iful

Bridge

Mom’s Journey Through Grief Inspired New Book Written by Julie Hying

Loss and addiction, two brutal realities that many deal with, pose challenges and evoke emotions that are often difficult to deal with. One mother, Rhonda Kemp of Derby, knows this kind of loss in a very real and personal way and has created an amazing interactive journal to help those who are grieving. It’s a beautiful bridge that allows someone one more walk with a person they love. Her book, “Remarkable You: Revisiting Love, Regrets and Celebrations,” presents writing prompts that allow readers a place to write down their thoughts. Rhonda shares, “It’s a way to talk to a loved one you miss, recall memories you shared.” Lacy, Rhonda’s daughter, first used opioid pain pills when she was only 17 and had undergone two knee surgeries. In her mid 20s she battled addiction, that inherent physiological draw that many contend with. She knew moments of peace but many more where her body craved what would ultimately end her short time on earth. Her mom says, “Chronic pain and pain killers can alter a person’s brain chemistry, and sometimes I felt like I was talking to another person, not to my daughter.” Before Lacy’s death, she was clean for a number of months and was feeling hopeful – even talking about a rehabilitation group. Unfortunately, a visit to the ER for kidney stones and a hasty release left her vulnerable, again in pain and searching for relief. Lacy’s death in 2014 brought a devastating loss to her family. As time passed, Rhonda began speaking thoughts into her cell phone that she wanted to share or remember. Grief-filled and drained of energy, this simple act took mere moments but

brought glimmers of peace and some semblance of closure. Thoughts and memories sparked other ideas and questions. Soon the beginnings of a book had formed. This collection of sentence starters is organized into chapters that frame various stages of the grieving process and capture the essence of conversation. Many are enveloped in positivity and help the person journaling to focus on a continued relationship: “For your next birthday, I would have celebrated by buying you … I have learned to … I was looking forward to you getting older (so we could) … I am so very thankful that I have your …” “Lacy kept a journal, and this is a way I can talk to her and honor her,” Rhonda says. Rhonda is involved with Hope is Alive Ministries which is connected to Hope After Loss. Hope After Loss is a branch of that organization which provides support and a safe place to share for people who have lost loved ones due to addiction. Plans are underway to bring Hope After Loss to the Wichita area for bi-monthly meetings. The first Wednesday of the month would be reserved for people to share personal stories of loss. The third Wednesday will offer a lesson bearing a spiritual component, shared as an inspiration and a motivational tool for the weeks that follow. These gatherings will begin in April at The Phoenix, 145 N. Wabash Ave., from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This journal is a beautiful example of a mother’s love and her deep understanding that death ends a life not a relationship. Rhonda says, “Journaling is a good way to free your thoughts while documenting precious memories.” “Remarkable You: Revisiting Love, Regrets & Celebrations” is available at Amazon and at Watermark Books.

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

Modern Landscapes Created With Bloom KS Written by Julie Hying

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” – Charles Dickens, “Great Expectations”

When it comes to working outside in March, Bloom KS is the first in line for the sunshine. Offering bespoke gardening, flowerbed maintenance and flower pot design, Bloom KS curates each installation with attention to details and design. Celebrating nature and our connection to it, the staff at Bloom KS work diligently to deliver carefully crafted masterpieces. Transforming flower beds and pots and keeping them fresh all season will make outdoor relaxation or returning home a joy. A glimpse of the Bloom KS website displays examples of dedication, design and color. Friends want to recommend good companies to other friends. “As our client portfolio has expanded, so have the services we provide,” shares Janet Poston-Harding, owner of Bloom KS. “Our company can help customers with aerating and overseeding in the fall. Additionally, we can offer assistance in opening a sprinkler system and applying lawn pre-emergent treatment and fertilizing. We also provide plant sitting to those who need help while they are on vacation or just unable to take care of their beautiful gardens. “In addition to our commitment to valued employees and customers, Bloom KS takes great pride in financially supporting the local community,” says Poston-Harding. Some non-profits supported include the Wichita Family Crisis Center, the Rose Hill Historical Society, the Auggie Navarro Annual Pro-Am Golf Tournament, Freedom Hooves Therapeutic Riding Center, the Kansas Children’s Service League and Butler County 4-H. Through conversation and collaboration, Bloom KS helps people bring their dreams to fruition. “We want to understand our clients’ vision for outdoor spaces and how we can help them achieve their perfect ambiance,” says Carol French, manager of customer success. French joined the company in December 2021 and has been supporting Poston-Harding in seeing that processes and products are delivered efficiently and beautifully. “We have spent the last two years getting to know the trends and history of landscaping in Kansas, as well as getting to know our customers,” says Poston-Harding. “It’s no surprise to see customers saying goodbye to boxwoods and burning bushes and saying hello to the possibilities of color and confirmation with Bloom KS guidance.”

Bloom KS Rose Hill, KS 316.209.4468 bloomks.com

Flower pots are at the heart of Bloom KS. Personal preferences, likes and dislikes, are always taken into consideration as their team chooses the best quality plants and materials to create custom flower pots to complement decks, patios and landscaping, creating inviting spaces that remain fresh throughout the warmer seasons. Often pot design includes Bloom’s signature succulents, an enhancing embellishment to the floral creation. Whether modernizing an established flower bed or creating a new one, Bloom KS provides dedicated support to ensure your “Bloomscaping” is a success. They help clients find plants that will flourish in all three blooming seasons. Through ongoing research, Bloom curates the perfect flora for the Wichita hardiness zones, ultimately ensuring they thrive in your gardens. As the winter snow melts away and spring quickly approaches, it’s a perfect time to schedule a complimentary on-site consultation and let the creativity begin.

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

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6305 N. 143rd St. E. g

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• 7.09 Acres • Lake • 6 Bedrooms • 4 Full & 2 Half Bathrooms • Sq. ft. 7,381 • 1 1/2 Story • Finished Walk-out Basement ©2021 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

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MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

NEW MEMBER INDUCTION CEREMONY Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame The Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame welcomed four new members at a recent ceremony: players Jason Adams, Carl Hall, and Chet Thomas (deceased), as well as umpire Todd Tichenor. Also inducted to the Hall of Fame was the 1982 Wichita State Shockers Baseball Team, the winningest team in the history of college baseball. Many of its members – both players and coaches – and their families were in attendance at the ceremony.

Dennis Hall, inductee Carl Hall, Brent Kemnitz

Inductee Jason Adams and family

Family of inductee Todd Tichenor: Kaden, Kelly and Kooper Tichenor

Jane and Tim Gaskell, Kathy and Rick Younger, Lisa Brown, Torrie and Josh Halbert

Mark Grogan and family

Kathryn and Russ Morman, Erik Sonberg, Bryan Oelkers, John Ryan, Tony Carter

Rex Hudler, Jay and Adriane Stephenson, Gene and Jana Stephenson

Wayne Harmon, Julian and JT Thomas, Susie and Jim Spring, Loren and Lisa Hibbs

Mignon Brewster, Cathy Mitchell, Terry and Jody Klein, Brent Kemnitz, Lindsey Hall, Angela Pirner

Bryce LeGrande, Jim Kobbe, Kevin Jenks

Tony Carter, Rick Younger, Don Heinkel, Mark Grogan

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

60 BRANDS OF APPLIANCES FREE LOCAL DELIVERY 12 MONTH NO INTEREST FINANCING

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3545 N. Hillside, Wichita | 316-941-4040 MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

The Award Goes to Kitchen Tune-Up

Wichita Franchise Wins 2021 National Project of the Year Written by Julie Underwood Burton

Congratulations to Max Hinman, local owner of Wichita’s Kitchen Tune-Up franchise for receiving the company’s prestigious Project of the Year award for 2021! To qualify for the award, a franchise must have won a Project of the Month award in the previous year. Projects are then voted on by Kitchen Tune-Up franchisees from across the nation. Out of the hundreds of submissions received through 2021, eight projects earned praise from the entire system. “I am honored to be receiving one of the Project of the Year awards among so many other dedicated franchisees,” said Hinman. “Our team is continually working to ensure we are always delivering the best work and an exceptional experience to our clients, so being recognized for our efforts is extremely fulfilling. It feels amazing to be part of a company that truly values and supports our continued success.” According to project designer Candy Viera, the design and functionality aspects incorporated into this project include a new island with seating, taller cabinets, relocation of appliances, and removal of a peninsula and wall, which resulted in additional food preparation space and improved workflow throughout the kitchen. Viera included popular design trends such as white cabinets with a grey-stained island, gold fixtures, a wood-look tile floor and marble-look quartz countertops.

One unique aspect of this project was the involvement of the homeowners, Chavis and Melissa Gard, who did their own flooring and some demolition, including tearing down one of the kitchen’s walls. According to the Gards, “Our favorite feature about the design is how open, light and airy it is now. Before, our kitchen was a cookie cutter, early 2000s, standard oak-style kitchen,” states Melissa. “Since opening up the kitchen and with all of Kitchen Tune-Up’s attention to detail, it made a huge impact on our home. We love our new kitchen and honestly now spend most of our time there.” Kitchen Tune-Up continues to meet the growing demand for homeowners seeking to update and upgrade the look of their kitchens. Founded in 1988, the company has established itself nationally as the industry leader with more than 34 years of experience. With over 263 franchised territories nationwide, the company was named to “Entrepreneur” magazine’s Franchise 500 list in 2021. The Wichita franchise was established in 2004 and has transformed over a thousand kitchens, many of which were also project award winners. Congratulations to Wichita’s Kitchen Tune-Up! To see more of their design work, go to kitchentuneup.com/Wichita. For your free in-home estimate, call 316.640.4153.

Where To Find Them Kitchen Tune-Up 3545 N. Hillside St. Wichita, KS 67219 316.640.4153 kitchentuneup.com/wichita

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316.558.8888 | kitchentuneup.com MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

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MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

With

Deborath Allen

Smithfield Foods Plant Safety Manager

Written by Amy Palser

Smithfield Foods recently received the Sedgwick County Local Emergency Planning Committee’s Business Safety Recognition Award for its safety practices. Making safety a priority for approximately 500 team members is a challenge, but one that plant safety manager Deborath Allen is happy to accept. Here she tells us a bit more about how Smithfield, which has been in Wichita since 1975, is taking “good” to the next level.

Q. What is Smithfield? A. Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936,

Smithfield Foods is an American food company with agricultural roots and a global reach. We are the largest hog producer in the U.S. and the largest pork processor in the world, with a presence in 32 U.S. states and seven countries. Our portfolio of high-quality iconic brands – such as Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan’s Famous and many others – have made us a top supplier to the retail, export, food service and deli channels.“Good” doesn’t stop with our products – it’s how we do business and deliver on our tagline, “Good food. Responsibly.” We provide good jobs, take good care of our animals and environment and do good in our local communities.

Q. What services do you provide to Wichita and Sedgwick County? A. Our Wichita facility produces more than 100 million pounds of protein annually. While primarily a pork facility, we also utilize beef, chicken and turkey in our products, which include hot dogs, lunch meats and smoked sausage.

Q. So you coordinate the Emergency Preparedness Program/Safety Program? A. Yes! As plant safety manager, I coordinate safety programs and activities for our facility. I joined Smithfield in 2006 as an EMT and was promoted to safety manager in 2020. Since then I have led and implemented a number of initiatives to keep our employees safe and protected, in particular amid the Covid-19 pandemic. My job involves collaborating with numerous team members including Connie Stone, environmental coordinator; our plant manager Ryan Dalinghaus; our engineer and operations manager; and our hardworking front-line staff.

Q. What are a few key elements your company has done to be a SAFER company this past year? A. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve made significant investments in our team members’ health and safety – including providing free vaccinations and testing to all employees, implementing virtual meetings whenever possible to reduce close contact, continuing aggressive sanitation and distancing efforts and abiding by CDC guidance. We launched a new safety campaign that goes above and beyond our already extensive safety measures as part of our commitment to continuous improvement. The new program provides production supervisors with safety checklists to help further enforce and audit safety compliance on the line every two weeks. Our Wichita facility’s safety standards align with ISO 45001 health and safety certification standards and we are taking steps to become officially certified.

Q. How often do you have exercises to test your emergency plans? A. We perform annual drills focused on fire, evacuation, tornado

and medical emergencies. All employees receive emergency awareness training throughout the year. We also provide annual hazmat training as possible

Q. Describe how you feel Smithfield works to have a safe workplace for its employees as well as the community A. Our team members are family, and we approach their safety and work environment accordingly. Worker health and safety is critical to our ability to feed people across the world, to support farmers and partners in the agricultural supply chain and to be a successful business. This is why worker health and safety is a standalone pillar of Smithfield’s leading sustainability program.

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

Unique Selection of Vessel and Stone Sinks, Wine Racks, Fire Pits, Fire Glass, and Kitchen and Bath Remodel

Outdoor Kitchens

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Granite and Quartz from around the World. Scott Bishop - Owner

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CARPET CHANGES EVERYTHING

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shop in-store or online at HortonsCarpets.com 92

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

For 50 years Cheney Door Company has been Kansas’ leader in residential and commercial garage door installation and service.

We Do So Much More Than Garage Doors • Entry doors • Replacement windows • Door and window screens • Dog doors • Gates and openers • Security and surveillance • Smart home services • And more!

See why so many people choose Cheney Door. www.cheneydoor.com · 316.262.2198

mitchgeecreative.com

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

ERIKA SALMERON’S BIRTHDAY PARTY 6S Steakhouse

Erika Salmeron with family and friends

Peter and Erika Salmeron

Christopher Gomez, BJ Williams, Erika Salmeron, Angelica Gomez, Peter Salmeron, Angel Gomez

Angel and Angelica Gomez

Erika Salmeron, Marsha Salerno

Katheryn and Robert Green

Monica and Dale Shuey

Harrison Steele, featured musician

Hillary and Brooklyn Alexander

Erika Salmeron and Angelica Gomez

Peter Salmeron, Angel Gomez

Gino and Marsha Salerno

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

Imagine your business staying online when the power goes out Net Assurance from Cox Business is your Internet backup plan that automatically connects you to LTE wireless Internet. So even if you lose power, you won't lose business. Automatically connect to wireless Internet backup Seamlessly continue payments and file transfers Remain online and maintain security

Call (866) 440-9563 or Visit coxbusiness.com/netassurance Net Assurance available in failover situations only. Professional installation fee ($99) applies for all installations. LTE Router, Universal Power Supply (UPS) and modem provided by Cox; remains property of Cox and must be returned to Cox upon termination of service to avoid additional charges. Speeds vary and are not guaranteed, and connection speed may be affected when using LTE. Max backup download speed is 10 Mbps. Not all services (including but not limited to Self-Install, Optical Internet, Multiple Static IP or CIDR Blocks, 3rd Party Internet (out of footprint), CBSS, Managed Wifi, and Voice Manager) are subject to backup. Only equipment connected to the UPS with Surge Protection has access to backup power. Backup speeds may not support video products, including video surveillance and TV service. Duration of backup battery runtime depends on multiple factors, including equipment, configuration, battery age, and temperature. All services and plans subject to Cox Business General Terms (including mandatory arbitration provisions), Cox Business Acceptable Use Policy (including Cox’s right to terminate service for abuse of network), and other policies: cox.com/policies. Customer must have Cox Business Internet or Cox Fiber Internet. Other restrictions and limitations apply. © 2022 Cox Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. PAD108382-0005

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

Not Just Kitchen & Bath Remodeling By Nahid Holmes | Design Source Interiors

Full Interior Design Services Including:

Furniture · Accessories · Large Rug Selection · Custom Window Treatment · Bedding · Art

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

Call for a FREE in-store design consultation to turn your home into your dream home.

316.733.7080

Your Unique Design for Your Unique Home

316.733.7080 Weatherstone Village 736 N. Andover Rd., Andover KS dsiandover.com MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

• Limit one food and free play offer per stay • Offer valid for new club members, 21 and older only • Limited availability, call hotel for full details

MARCH 2022 · splurgemag.com

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