Best of Lawrence - 2022

INTO THE FUTURE The winners and city favorites moving Lawrence forward

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Congratulations to our Sports Medicine and Performance Center for being recognized by Best of Lawrence.

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The University of Kansas Hospital is proud to receive national recognition, but we’re even more proud of what we do each day to earn it. We continue to be a leader in providing answers to the people of our community and saving lives. We do that by always challenging ourselves to offer very specialized, innovative care. There can be no greater reward than this.

Learn more at KansasHealthSystem.com.

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Best of Lawrence is a collaboration between Lawrence Journal-World and Sunflower Publishing

SUNFLOWER PUBLISHING PUBLISHER Bill Uhler DIRECTOR Bob Cucciniello ART DIRECTOR Alex Tatro

DEAR READER, Welcome to the 2022 edition of Best of Lawrence magazine!

We’re looking to the future—and hope you are as well—as we assemble a host of party-ready robots to celebrate achievements, individuals, businesses and organizations that have stood out this past year and kept our community going strong.

This year’s contest featured two rounds of voting: a nomination stage in April and then a final voting stage in June. Of course, the overwhelming majority of these votes came from accounts registered in Lawrence, followed by less than 10 percent of accounts from the immediate surrounding area of Douglas County, and then a few national and international accounts (for some reason, once again, France has the most registered accounts outside the U.S. with 33 … vive le LFK!).

Whichever zip code you logged in from and however many of the categories you chose to vote in, we were glad to tally your input and include it as part of the overall results presented in this magazine.

In the following pages, you’ll find Top-5 placement results for each category in each of the 6 voting sections, along with photographs and information about some of the finalists.

And, of course, in keeping with our futurism theme, there will also be plenty of robots in the mix.

Thanks for taking time to join us in celebrating our city and honoring the people and groups selected by your votes.

Until next year, as the robots say, “Beep, bop, boop, Lawrence!”

—Best of Lawrence team

1035 N. Third Street, Suite 101-B | Lawrence, KS 66044 www.bestoflawrence.com

EDITORS Evan McHenry Nathan Pettengill Kalli Jo Smith Jean Teller COPY EDITOR Leslie Andres MAGAZINE ADVERTISING Joanne Morgan 785.832.7264 jmorgan@sunflowerpub.com

ON THE COVER

Angie Taylor 785.832.7236 ataylor@sunflowerpub.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Fally Afani Jason Dailey Carter Gaskins Brian Goodman Drone Lawrence ESSAYISTS Will Averill Steve Dahlberg CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Torren Thomas Hang 12 ROBOT MODELS Scarlet Lauer Kalli Jo Smith

LAWRENCE JOURNAL-WORLD PUBLISHER Chad Lawhorn

A colossal but friendly robot strides over Lawrence landmarks including Wells Overlook, the KU campus, KU Campanile, the AT&T Communication Tower, Barry Coffin’s Totem sculpture, the Lied Center, The Granada and Downtown Lawrence, the South Park gazebo, the 23rd Street Bison, City Hall, Lawrence Loop, Lawrence Arts Center and the Haskell Memorial Arch. Digital illustration by Torren Thomas.

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & ADVERTISING Allison Tait ASSISTANT ADVERTISING MANAGER Susan Cooper ADVERTISING Jeff Cuttell 785.832.7295 jcuttell@ljworld.com Tricia Thompson 785.832.7162 tthompson@ljworld.com Peter Steimle 785.832.7119 psteimle@ljworld.com

Best of Lawrence 2022

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WHAT & WHO 09 19 28 31 40 45 55 69 76 6

Food&Dining

ARTISTS

CONTRIBUTORS Torren Thomas | cover illustration

Community

Best Street Party Ever Shopping

A video game illustrator and renowned caricaturist, Lawrencebased artist Torren Thomas has created images for a range of clients such as Pepsi Co., the New York Observer, Versace Interactive Gaming and more. In Lawrence, he is a frequent contributor to Lawrence Magazine and other Sunflower Publishing products. You can see more of his work at torren278.artstation.com

Hang12 | robot costumes

Sponsored by the Lawrence Arts Center, Hang 12 is a collective of high school student-artists who curate monthly gallery shows and create community art projects—including the adult and toddler robot costumes featured in this magazine. You can find out more about their work, and how to apply to join, at hang12.org

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Best of Lawrence 2042 edition

Fally Afani | robots and friends portraits

A communications professional at the University of Kansas and an award-winning journalist, Fally Afani is also the founder and publisher of Lawrence-based music magazine I Heart Local Music. You can see more of her work at fallyafaniphotography.com

Health&Fitness Jason Dailey | portraits of Top-5 finalists

Services

Jason Dailey won numerous editorial awards during his time as the chief photographer at Sunflower Publishing and now continues to create a range of award-winning client and editorial projects from his independent studio in Lawrence. You can see more of his work at daileyimages.com

Entertainment &Nightlife

Carter Gaskins | “Retired but Still Beloved” portrait

Retired but Still Beloved

Best of Lawrence 2022

A former Best of Lawrence winner in the photography category and contributor to Lawrence Magazine, Carter Gaskins shoots commercial projects, portraits and editorial work from his studio in North Lawrence. You can see more of his work at gaskins-photography.com

Brian Goodman | studio images of toy robots

Shooting a range of national projects, award-winning photographer and videographer Brian Goodman might be best known to Lawrence audiences for his Merc Co+Op grower portraits, his images for the University of Kansas, or his photos in Lawrence Magazine. His work is at briangoodmanphotos.com

ROBOT MODELS

ESSAYISTS Will Averill | “Best of Lawrence, 2042”

Scarlet Lauer | pink robot

Three-year-old Scarlet Lauer makes her first robot modeling appearance in these pages. She had two conditions in order to work for us: 1) her robot had to be pink and 2) her $100 modeling fee had to be paid entirely in quarters. We honored both of these conditions.

In case there is any confusion, this is the Will Averill, the funny Averill. We say that because there are several Averills in the area, and last year our payment for Will’s 2021 Best of Lawrence article mistakenly went to a different Averill. It all got worked out. But Will says if this year’s payment goes to his sister, then he’s never seeing it.

Kalli Jo Smith | blue robot

Steve Dahlberg | “Retired but Still Beloved”

Oddly enough, this is also Kalli Jo Smith’s first appearance as a robot model. She describes the experience as “hot and uncomfortable” and is not expected to quit her day job as an editor at Sunflower Publishing to continue this cardboard-clad side career.

ART DIRECTOR

A Lawrence IT professional and musician, Steve Dahlberg makes his first appearance as a Best of Lawrence contributing author, effectively winning this year’s new “Best Steve Contributor” category.

COPY EDITOR Alex Tatro is the senior art director for Sunflower Publishing, where she is responsible for the visuals and designs of several publications. This is her third year creating the Best of Lawrence magazine

Leslie Andres is a copy editor who specializes in books on the Civil War and religious philosophy.

Having edited the Best of Lawrence magazine for several years, she has developed a nearencyclopedic knowledge of the eccentric spellings of Lawrence shop pet names.

EDITORS Evan McHenry is a sophomore at Brown University who chose to spend this past summer creating the Best of Lawrence magazine and hanging out with cardboard robots.

Nathan Pettengill edits several publications at Sunflower Publishing, but to this day one of his proudest achievements is busting wide open a bot-farm ballot-stuffing attempt in the 2018 Best of Lawrence contest.

Jean Teller is a senior editor with Ogden Publications who specializes in sustainable community book projects; she also edits Sunflower Publishing publications such as Expanding DeSoto magazine.

Kalli Jo Smith, also known as KJS-2042 (see “Robot Models” section), edits several publications at Sunflower Publishing, including Baldwin City Living, Manhattan Magazine and KANSAS!

SALES EXECUTIVES Joanne Morgan is Sunflower Publishing’s senior account executive responsible for ad sales in all of Sunflower Publishing’s Lawrence-based projects as well as KANSAS! magazine. She lives with a housetrained duck (and human family members) on a farm in Douglas County.

Angie Taylor represents accounts for various magazines at Sunflower Publishing including Topeka Magazine, Manhattan Magazine and GE Magazine. She also runs her own baking business. And you thought your office meetings had great blueberry scones.

Best of Lawrence 2022

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check us out at

TOP 5 FROM...

FOOD AND DINING

Best of Lawrence food and dining bot plants the BOL flag on a Dempsey’s burger.

01 SECTION

Best of Lawrence 2022

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FOOD & DINING

We talk with people, businesses and groups making their first or return Top-5 finalist appearance.

Taqueria La Pasadita The motivation to open Taqueria La Pasadita came to Guadalupe Andrade and his family in a rather unconventional manner: “It was kind of like a joke,” he says. “We used to go to Kansas City or Topeka to buy some tacos, and we came up with the idea to make our own tacos. Every time I’d go to Kansas City, I’d have to blow like $100 just for tacos because we’re seven in the family,” Andrade adds.

“So I decided I can save that money.”

The restaurant, which opened in December 2021, is located at the southeast corner of 19th and Massachusetts streets in the

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building formerly occupied by Hank Charcuterie and Poorboy Burrito.

Andrade had done landscaping for the building’s owner for many years, and when the space opened up, he saw the chance to realize his restaurant idea. The name, “La Pasadita,” roughly translates to “The Little Pass By” in Spanish—a reference to the often busy intersection where the restaurant sits. To get going, Andrade recruited help from a friend who drew on his experience running restaurants and was able to assist Andrade set up the business and establish several initial recipes.

2nd - new Business 5th - New Restaurant

All of the recipes currently on La Pasadita’s menu aim to be authentic Mexican style, close to the cuisine that Andrade knew while he was a boy in Mexico before moving to the United States when he was 8. Before the pandemic, his family’s frequent visits with relatives there provided another way for his children to try authentic Mexican food. Andrade is happy his restaurant can do something closer to the real deal found in the cafes and streets of Mexico. “It’s a little bit different,” he says—and that’s what he hopes customers will come to appreciate.

Uplift Coffee

3rd - Barista

In the world of coffee, everyone has the same mission, according to Trey Huslig. “It’s hard in the coffee industry; we don’t really try to compete. Everyone in the coffee industry just wants people to have fun, to make great coffee, serve people well.”

The family-run business opened in January 2020. “We kept going and survived. We loved to be able to serve people during that time, and it was a good time for us to give them something to smile about.”

Huslig says his mother, Kelly Huslig, owner of Uplift Coffee, is his mentor. “She influenced me as to how to treat people, customer service, how to give them the best coffee, with good conversation. She’s trained me well and raised me right.” He also points to his fellow baristas: “I think all of us challenge each other to be better and to be able to provide the best service.”

He runs the coffee truck while his mom; his dad, Carl; and aunt Krys O’Brien handle the coffee shop. “We all work parts of the business,” he says. “We’re invested in the community, love Lawrence.”

The truck started making its rounds in 2021. “It’s super fun; we get to travel to different things. Lawrence has a lot of coffee shops and a lot of baristas. It’s a fun community.”

T H E

Trey Huslig

A N D

Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about mentors, colleagues and even competitors they admire.

W I N N E R S

A R E

. . .

FOOD & DINING

ASIAN FOOD (NON-CHINESE) 1) Encore Asian Bistro 2) Zen Zero 3) India Palace 4) Thai Diner 5) Ramen Bowls BAKERY 1) Munchers Bakery 2) WheatFields Bakery Cafe 3) 1900 Barker Bakery and Cafe 4) Great Harvest Bread Co. 5) Eileen’s Colossal Cookies BARBECUE 1) Biemer’s BBQ 2) Bigg’s Barbecue 3) Stanley James Smokehouse 4) Gold Medal BBQ Co. 5) Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q BARISTA 1) Madison Luchsinger, The Roost 2) Adam Lott, The Bourgeois Pig 3) Trey Huslig, Uplift Coffee Shop 4) Griffin Jacobson, The Koffee Korner 5) Mason Fowler, J&S Coffee BREAKFAST SPOT 1) The Roost 2) Ladybird Diner 3) First Watch 4) The Big Biscuit 5) Milton’s Cafe BURRITO 1) Burrito King 2) El Potro Mexican Cafe 3) Chipotle Mexican Grill 4) Pancho’s 5) La Estrella Tienda Mexicana BUTCHER SHOP/MEAT COUNTER 1) Leeway Butcher 2) Checkers Foods 3) Yoder Meats 4) The Merc Co+op CAKES 1) Munchers Bakery 2) McLain’s Market 3) Hy-Vee 4) WheatFields Bakery Cafe 5) Kopriva Cakes CATERING 1) Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering 2) Hy-Vee 3) Evan Williams Catering 4) Biemer’s BBQ 5) Bigg’s BBQ CHEF 1) TK Peterson, Merchants Pub & Plate 2) Daniel Galina, Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering 3) Will Soo, Lucky Seb’s Dumpling Bar & Grill 4) Aaron Pillar, Culinaria Mediterranean Kitchen 5) Theo Tagtalianidis, The Mad Greek CHINESE FOOD 1) Encore Asian Bistro 2) Jade Garden 3) Red Pepper Chinese Restaurant 4) China House 5) Oriental Bistro & Grill COOKIES 1) Eileen’s Colossal Cookies 2) WheatFields Bakery Cafe 3) Hot Box Cookies 4) Munchers Bakery 5) CC’s Cookie Co.

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3rd - chef The restaurant industry is a challenge every day, says co-owner and head chef Will Soo. He and his wife (and co-owner), Hannah Jeppsen Soo, give “mad props” to every independent operator.

Lucky Seb’s has been open for a year and a few months. Soo says, “There are a lot of things I’d never thought about, obstacles and challenges, and a lot of operators have been doing it a lot longer than we have.”

He’s been helped along the way by his wife, of course, their families, and his brother Peter, a NYC chef. “I kind of followed in his footsteps. I wanted to get into fine dining, but at some point, I realized that can be just anything. … I want more people to have access to my cooking.”

He also looks to Ken Baker at Pachamama’s. “[That was] probably my breakthrough for getting into higherend cuisines. Learning about seasonal ingredients and flavor profiles. A lot of my recipes combine Eastern and Western influences. [Lucky Seb’s] is an American diner essentially.”

They say getting the restaurant open was a joint effort. “We have a great team, a great staff, from cashiers to the cooks. All have been a great help,” Jeppsen Soo says.

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Best of Lawrence 2022

Amber Scullery 4th - food truck “This year has been my best,” says Amber Brown, owner of Amber Scullery. “The food truck has been solid … I do events, festivals, things like that. The next year, though, will be a challenge with supply shortages and costs rising. Whatever happens, I’ll make it!”

She offers smoked Cajun soul food, she says, and she’s planning to expand in the next year or so. “I do own another food truck; it’s down in the Ozarks. Even if I don’t bring that truck back, I am going to be opening another food trailer or food truck.”

More people are looking to get into food trucks, Brown says. “It’s easier and less expensive than a brick and mortar. I’m a woman-owned business and I’m trying to help other women-owned businesses in town.” She’s starting a nonprofit to help women fund existing and startup businesses.

W I N N E R S

Lucky Seb’s Dumpling Bar & Grill

T H E

Will Soo,

Best of Lawrence winners talk about changes they anticipate for themselves and their fields of expertise in the coming years.

A N D

Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about mentors, colleagues and even competitors they admire.

A R E

. . .

FOOD & DINING

CURBSIDE SERVICE 1) Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering 2) Chick-fil-A 3) Sandwich Bowl 4) Uplift Coffee 5) Terrebonne Po’ Boys DELIVERY 1) Pizza Shuttle 2) Jade Garden 3) The Mad Greek 4) Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe 5) Red Pepper Chinese Restaurant DESSERT 1) Sylas & Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream 2) Ladybird Diner 3) WheatFields Bakery Cafe 4) 715 Restaurant 5) Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering FOOD TRUCK 1) Uplift Coffee 2) The Mad Greek 3) JB’s Tacos 4) Amber Scullery 5) Ike’s OooWee Bbq Pit and Grill FRENCH FRIES 1) The Burger Stand at the Casbah 2) Dempsey’s Burger Pub 3) Five Guys 4) Runza 5) Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers FRESH PRODUCE 1) Checkers Foods 2) Lawrence Farmers Market 3) Sprouts Farmers Market 4) The Merc Co+op 5) Dillons GROCERY STORE 1) Checkers Foods 2) Dillons Food Store 3) Hy-Vee 4) The Merc Co+op 5) ALDI HAMBURGER 1) The Burger Stand at the Casbah 2) Dempsey’s Burger Pub 3) Burgers By Biggs 4) Johnny’s Tavern 5) Five Guys INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL GROCER 1) Au Marche 2) Checkers Foods 3) F MART 4) Mediterranean Market & Cafe 5) La Estrella Tienda Mexicana ITALIAN FOOD 1) The Basil Leaf Cafe 2) The Mad Greek 3) 715 Restaurant 4) Limestone Pizza Kitchen Bar 5) Papa Keno’s Pizzeria MAC & CHEESE 1) 23rd Street Brewery 2) Merchants Pub & Plate 3) Free State Brewing Co. 4) Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering 5) RPG (Restaurant, Pub & Games) MEDITERRANEAN FOOD 1) The Mad Greek 2) Mediterranean Market & Cafe 3) Aladdin Cafe 4) Culinaria Mediterranean Kitchen 5) The Fresh Mediterranean Co.

Thanks for voting me a “Best of for Lawrence” Realtor!

Thanks voting me a “Best of Lawrence” Realtor!

HOLLY GARBER - Your High Energy Realtor!

HOLLY GARBER - Your High Energy Realtor!

23rd & Louisiana | Lawrence, Kansas | checkersfoods.com Like us on Facebook @CheckersFoods!

Lawrence, Kansas The And bestthein ouris…book. winner

FOOD & DINING

And the winner is…

Lawrence, Kansas

The best in our book.

Lawrence, Kansas

Dan Zou

The best in our book.

Best of Lawrence winners talk about changes they anticipate for themselves and their fields of expertise in the coming years.

GRATEFUL

Encore Asian Bistro

TO BE A PART OF THIS

1st - Asian Food After a rough year, Encore co-owner Wanna Zhao hopes people return to dine-in options.

“We finished remodeling in December, and we hope it brings a new, refreshed look to Encore. We wanted to brighten it up a bit for Lawrence.”

The trend for dining at home has been a challenge for the restaurant. “We want people to come back in for dining. We’ve been open for 15 years, so I feel a lot of customers know us already. We’re still experiencing some ups and downs.”

While ingredient shortages have hampered the kitchen, the staff is adjusting, she says. “We made the menu a bit smaller, making it easier on the kitchen and for carryout customers. A lot of the Asian ingredients are tough to get these days.”

She says, “I’ve seen a change over the years at Encore; it’s more of a casual dining atmosphere, but with people staying home and not going into offices, it’s been more to-go orders. It’s slowly getting better. We’re hopeful that when people know we’re back open for dining that they’ll want to come back in.”

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Best of Lawrence 2022

Sylas and Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream 1st - Dessert

The sweetest finalist in Best of Lawrence just may be Sylas and Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream. The shop consistently appears in the top five of the Dessert category. “(Being in the top five) feels amazing,” says Ana Lopez, a manager at the Lawrence location. “We do have the best ice cream in town.

We’re really grateful to our community; Lawrence is one of a kind.”

This past year included a move to a new store at 11th and Mass.

“We have a ton of people coming down to South Park and enjoying some ice cream. It’s been really cool. A good family time.”

It’s also a family affair behind the counter, including owners Cindy and Jim England, their four daughters, and one of their grandsons, who just started working at the shop.

“We’ve been doing the same thing for 25 years, so we just plan on keeping good ice cream coming. … I think a lot of people who come in don’t believe that all our waffle cones are made here every single day and don’t believe that our ice cream is actually made in our basement. Everything’s homemade; I don’t think enough people know that.”

As for the future? Lopez says, “I think we’re holding on pretty good. I stick with Sylas and Maddy’s. We’re the local attraction.”

T H E

Perennial Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about what it takes to remain on top year after year.

A N D

TOP BOTS

W I N N E R S

A R E

. . .

FOOD & DINING

MEXICAN FOOD 1) El Potro Mexican Cafe 2) La Estrella Tienda Mexicana 3) Molcajete’s Lawrence 4) La Tropicana 5) Cielito Lindo MODERN AMERICAN CUISINE 1) 715 Restaurant 2) Free State Brewing Co. 3) Merchants Pub & Plate 4) J. Wilson’s 5) 6 Mile Chop House & Tavern NEW RESTAURANT 1) Molcajete’s Lawrence 2) Lucky Seb’s Dumpling Bar & Grill 3) Rusty Taco 4) Gold Medal BBQ Co. 5) Taqueria La Pasadita OUTDOOR DINING 1) 715 Restaurant 2) Fields & Ivy Brewery 3) Cielito Lindo 4) Lawrence Beer Co. 5) Culinaria Mediterranean Kitchen OVERALL RESTAURANT 1) Free State Brewing Co. 2) 715 Restaurant 3) Merchants Pub & Plate 4) J. Wilson’s 5) Culinaria Mediterranean Kitchen PIZZA 1) Limestone Pizza Kitchen Bar 2) Papa Keno’s Pizzeria 3) Minsky’s Pizza 4) Big Mill 5) Rudy’s Pizzeria PLACE FOR COFFEE 1) Uplift Coffee 2) J&S Coffee Co. 3) Alchemy Coffee & Bake House 4) La Prima Tazza 5) Z’s Divine Espresso & Coffee Roasters PLACE FOR PIE 1) Ladybird Diner 2) Perkins Restaurant & Bakery 3) WheatFields Bakery Cafe 4) Auntie Em’s Deli & Bakery 5) Munchers Bakery PLACE FOR TEA 1) Bubble Box 2) House of Cha 3) HiTea 4) Brits 5) Uplift Coffee PLACE TO BUY A DOUGHNUT 1) Munchers Bakery 2) Dunkin 3) McLain’s Market 4) Hy-Vee 5) Humble Donut Co. SALAD 1) Jason‘s Deli 2) Free State Brewing Co. 3) Merchants Pub & Plate 4) 23rd Street Brewery 5) WheatFields Bakery Cafe SANDWICH 1) Yello Sub 2) Sandwich Bowl 3) Latchkey Deli 4) Terrebonne Po’Boys 5) WheatFields Bakery Cafe

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FOOD & DINING

We talk with people, businesses and groups making their first or return Top-5 finalist appearance.

Kopriva Cakes “It’s art, in its own edible form,” says Natasha Kopriva, the sole owner of Kopriva Cakes, in describing her custom cakes for any occasion.

Kopriva found her passion for baking while working as a seasonal employee for Eileen’s Colossal Cookies. “After a while I started going home and making cakes and decorating those,” says Kopriva. “I’d post them to my Facebook to share with family and friends, and one day somebody asked me to make a

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birthday cake for their family and they’d pay me, and then it moved up from there.” Her business has expanded significantly since then, and now she has been making custom cakes for around five years.

“I like the creativity behind it,” Kopriva says. “I love that people have seen what I create and what I do, and they give me creative freedom.”

Kopriva takes requests from clients, creating a range of cake designs from elaborate fruit arrangements,

5th - cakes

decadent floral decor, and even a Fortnite-themed design.

“Word of mouth has just been a blessing to me,” she says. “Having the opportunity to have my baked goods taken to a birthday party can get one more person’s attention.”

This type of recognition has allowed Kopriva’s independent business to flourish.

“I’m very proud that me, myself, and I have managed to make a name for ourselves,” she says.

5th - place for coffee It’s no surprise that Lawrence loves a good cup of joe. And people find it at Z’s Divine Espresso & Coffee Roasters, which has been in the top 5 of Best of Lawrence for several years.

“It always feels very good,” says owner Sherry Bowden. “We always appreciate being at the top and feel good that our customers take the time to put us there.”

Bowden says it’s their products that keep customers coming back to the two locations: 1800 E. 23rd St. and 2351 W. 31st St. “(Customers appreciate) the fact that we’re intent on training and how to produce a really well-crafted latte, cappuccino, cup of coffee, roasted beans, whatever our customers find to be their favorite.”

She says they’re now offering breakfast sandwiches during the week and additional food items on the weekends. Also on the menu these days: made-from-scratch New York-style bagels. “The sales for our bagels have really been growing, and I think it’s going to get bigger.

That’s our goal for this year, so we’ve put some emphasis on that.”

For 22 years, Z’s has touted their organic, roasted coffee beans.

Paul Bowden, Bowden’s son, is the company’s buyer and roaster.

“We both really enjoy what we do.

“We continue to really focus on the quality of the coffee we buy and the freshness,” Bowden says. “I think 20-plus years is not bad for a small business, and we hope Z’s will be in Lawrence for a long time.”

. . .

& Coffee Roasters

STEAK 1) The Texas Roadhouse 2) 6 Mile Chop House & Tavern 3) 715 Restaurant 4) J. Wilson’s 5) Merchants Pub & Plate

W I N N E R S

Z’s Divine Espresso

SEAFOOD 1) Mass St. Fish House & Raw Bar 2) Krustaceans Seafood 3) Terrebonne Po’ Boys 4) J. Wilson’s 5) 715 Restaurant

T H E

Perennial Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about what it takes to remain on top year after year.

A N D

TOP BOTS

A R E

FOOD & DINING

SUSHI 1) Nagoya Japanese Cuisine 2) Tokyo Sushi Bar 3) Sushi Station 4) Oriental Bistro & Grill 5) Jade Garden TACOS 1) La Estrella Tienda Mexicana 2) Taco Zone 3) El Potro Mexican Cafe 4) Fuzzy’s Taco Shop 5) Rusty Taco TATER TOTS 1) Leeway Franks 2) Sonic Drive-In 3) Taco John’s 4) The Burger Stand at The Casbah 5) Jefferson’s VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN FOOD 1) Culinaria Mediterranean Kitchen 2) Zen Zero 3) Encore Asian Bistro 4) India Palace 5) Global Cafe WINGS 1) Jefferson’s 2) R Bar & Patio 3) Buffalo Wild Wings 4) Jefferson’s West Lawrence 5) Henry T’s

Best of Lawrence 2022

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TOP 5 FROM...

02 SECTION

COMMUNITY Best of Lawrence 2022

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COMMUNITY

We talk with people, businesses and groups making their first or return Top-5 finalist appearance.

Fruitful Acai Bowls Acai bowls (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) have been rising in popularity over the past few years. Originally from Brazil, these smoothie-like concoctions are made from frozen and mashed fruit of the acai palm, usually with assorted fruit, honey, and granola on top. Delicious and colorful, these bowls have proven to be a big hit in Lawrence. Fruitful Acai Bowls opened in early May 2022, and, as the city’s first business specializing in the popular Brazilian fruit dish, it has seen quick success. “It’s been better than we ever could have expected,” says Natalie Anderson, who co-founded the

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establishment with her husband, Austin Anderson. “We didn’t expect it to be this busy this early, so that’s awesome.” The couple are both from the area and met as students at the University of Kansas.

After graduating, they spent some time out West, tasting their first acai bowls in California and learning recipes from an experienced acai chef in Arizona. “It was a lot of learning the best way to do it,” Austin says about his time training to make the bowls. “But it’s been really, really fun.”

The process of getting their business going has been hectic, but it has fulfilled a longtime aspiration of Natalie’s. “I’ve

1st - new Business

always wanted to open a business of my own, as long as I can remember,” says Natalie. “I just thought it was a great concept and that Lawrence really needed something like this, and being from Lawrence, I thought it’d be cool to open up a store in my hometown.”

The Andersons aim to make their establishment a convivial space for the community: “We want to produce something that brings people a lot of joy,” says Austin. “Somewhere where families can come around after their soccer games on Saturday, or after the high school play, or anything like that—a joyful place to be.”

1st - Principal

On June 30, 2022, Myron Graber retired from 7 years as head of Free State High School and a total of 47 years as a teacher and administrator. That’s a time period that’s seen many changes, beginning with the “nation at risk” reforms through the present post-pandemic funding crunch. But Graber says the essential skills for his job remain the same: “how you create relationships, work with students and, along the way, teach them to be critical thinkers and problem solvers.”

Graber points to numerous people who have provided assistance to his students, his school and his work, including: Former superintendent Rick Doll “Dr. Doll was only here one year when I first came, but he had a vision for moving forward, for what it should look like. He started the whole equity process, and his emphasis on ‘all students’ was critical.”

Patrick Kelly, USD 497 executive director of curriculum and instruction “He has an understanding of what needs to be done.”

The School Board “Lawrence is in a very tough situation facing a very tough budget situation, so being a school board member is not a glorified position. … There will be lots of different groups pulling at you, and you have to have a vision of where we are going.”

W I N N E R S

Free State High School

T H E

Myron Graber, Principal

A N D

Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about mentors, colleagues and even competitors they admire.

A R E

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COMMUNITY

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (BIZ) 1) Ashley King, Free State Dental 2) Allison Hunt, Pawsh Wash 3) Candi Williams, Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital 4) Lauren Blunt, Heck Family Dentistry 5) Cory Murphy, Clinton Parkway Animal Hospital 5) Haley Patterson, Bridge Haven Memory Care ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (NONPROFITS/GOV./GROUPS) 1) Elizabeth Rodas, St. John Catholic School 2) Wendy Smith, Heartland Community Health Center 3) Brett Salsbury, Just Food 4) John Connolly, University of Kansas 4) Linda Walton, Veritas Christian School ART GALLERY 1) Phoenix Art Gallery 2) Lawrence Arts Center 3) Cider Gallery 4) Spencer Museum of Art 5) Wonder Fair “Wonder” Gallery COMMUNITY LANDMARK 1) 23rd Street Bison Statue 2) Memorial Campanile 3) Lawrence Public Library 4) South Park Gazebo 5) Wells Overlook Park COMMUNITY LEADER (INDIVIDUAL) 1) Elizabeth Keever, Just Food/Heartland Community Health Center 2) Ursula Minor, Lawrence NAACP President 3) Megan Stuke, The Willow Domestic Violence Center 4) Brad Allen, Lawrence Public Library 5) Sue Hack, Chamber/Leadership Lawrence COMMUNITY LEADER (RACIAL JUSTICE/ EQUITY ISSUES) 1) Demetrius Kemp, Back 2 School Douglas County 2) Ursula Minor, NAACP Lawrence, KS Branch 3) Cody Keith Charles, Haus of McCoy 4) Anthony Lewis, USD 497 Superintendent 5) Erica Hill, USD 497 Board President/ LMH Endowment HOTEL 1) The Eldridge Hotel 2) The Oread 3) Double Tree by Hilton 4) Circle S Ranch 5) TownePlace Suites Marriott JAYHAWK ATHLETE 1) Ochai Agbaji, KU Men’s Basketball 2) Mitch Lightfoot, KU Men’s Basketball 3) Remy Martin, KU Men’s Basketball 4) Christian Braun, KU Men’s Basketball 5) David McCormack, KU Men’s Basketball MASCOT 1) Big Jay, University of Kansas 2) Chesty the Lion, Lawrence High School 3) Freddie the Firebird, Free State High School 4) Sandrat, North Lawrence 5) Warhawk, West Middle School

Best of Lawrence 2022

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The Eldridge Hotel 1st - hotel

Pam Altic Van Roekel, The Eldridge Hotel’s general manager, believes the hotel’s success is rooted in its historical ties to the community, going back to the founding of Lawrence, and in the hotel’s role as an enduring and key landmark of Downtown Lawrence. Other factors include: Return guests Van Roekel says The Eldridge has a range of regular clients, including corporate customers, repeat tourists, and visitors with a connection to the University of Kansas. “We have one gal who has been coming here for 10 years,” says Van Roekel. “She has had three kids at KU and rotated them out.”

Historical, but not antiquated With deep ties to Lawrence’s Free State and abolitionist movements of the 1850s–1860s, the hotel staff works hard to preserve and promote The Eldridge’s historical status. But that doesn’t mean other things are antiquated. Van Roekel says she is constantly working to update room amenities and support new talent such as an inhouse mixologist and a new executive chef at the hotel’s bar and restaurant.

Community connections Though a hotel, by nature, focuses on out-oftown guests, Van Roekel says Lawrence residents are extremely important clients for Eldridge events, corporate meetings and ballroom rentals.

Lawrencians are also frequent restaurant patrons at The Eldridge. “We talk to residents all the time in the restaurant,” says Van Roekel. “They will offer what they think might be a good idea for the next chef selection and we let them know what might be coming up.”

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Best of Lawrence 2022

T H E

Perennial Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about what it takes to remain on top year after year.

A N D

TOP BOTS

From left: Blue BOL Bot, Pink BOL Bot, Pam Altic Van Roekel, and Catherine Iliya Palasz

W I N N E R S

A R E

. . .

COMMUNITY

NEW BUSINESS 1) Fruitful Acai Bowls 2) Taqueria La Pasadita 3) Paleteria Chihuahua 4) Downtown Lawrence Crescent Moon Winery Tasting Room 5) Venue 1235 NONPROFIT (ADULT/SENIOR SERVICES) 1) Just Food 2) Cottonwood Inc. 3) The Willow Domestic Violence Center 4) Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center 5) Visiting Nurses Association NONPROFIT (CHILDREN/YOUTH SERVICES) 1) Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence 2) Lawrence Public Library 3) Van Go, Inc. 4) Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Douglas County 5) Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library NONPROFIT (FAMILY SERVICES) 1) Family Promise of Lawrence 2) Ballard Center 3) Heartland Community Health Center 4) 100 Good Women 5) Lawrence Arts Center NONPROFIT (LAND, PRESERVATION, ANIMALS) 1) Lawrence Humane Society 2) Baker Wetlands Discovery Center 3) Sunrise Project 4) Prairie Park Nature Center 5) Friends of the Kaw NONPROFIT (EVENT) 1) Art in the Park, The Lawrence Art Guild 2) Lawrence Busker Festival 3) St. John Mexican Fiesta at St. John the Evangelist 4) Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade 5) Kansas Food Truck Festival 5) Festival of Trees, O’Connell Children’s Shelter OUTDOOR MURAL 1) George Floyd Mural by Xavier Martinez 2) Good Standing Amidst the Powers that Be Mural (Cottin’s Hardware) by Ardys Ramberg and Missy McCoy 3) Mass Street Music Mural by Louis Copt 4) Love Garage by anonymous artists 5) East Lawrence Waltz (Hobbs Park Stadium) Mural by Dave Lowenstein and others PLACE OF WORSHIP 1) Plymouth Congregational Church 2) Corpus Christi Catholic Church 3) St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church 4) Velocity Church 5) Story Hill Church PLACE TO TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWNER (FREE ATTRACTION) 1) Downtown Lawrence 2) Allen Fieldhouse 3) Clinton Lake 4) University of Kansas Natural History Museum 5) Baker Wetlands PLACE TO WORK (100+ EMPLOYEES) 1) University of Kansas 2) Cottonwood Inc 3) LMH Health 4) Allen Press 5) Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center

COMMUNITY

Best of Lawrence winners talk about changes they anticipate for themselves and their fields of expertise in the coming years.

Elle Weber

Specialized classroom teacher, Billy Mills Middle School 1st - teacher ((grades 6-8) We catch up with Elle Weber on a summer afternoon, just as her classes are ending. As a special education instructor at Billy Mills Middle School, Weber teaches year-round, though not always the same subject. This summer, she is working with 18–21-year-olds in the school district’s community transitional program where she creates highly individualized lessons about practical life skills. Weber says the chance to focus on the specific needs of an individual student is one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of her job.

Looking to the near future, Weber anticipates these challenges and rewards.

Funding “I’m concerned about [teacher] retention; it’s pretty well-known that there are a lot of districts paying more,. and we have a shortage of para-teachers.”

Recognizing different student needs Weber says the Lawrence school district’s three-tier classification for students with special needs goes a long way in developing future approaches to help students succeed.

Future success stories “Teaching can be taxing,” says Weber. “There are some days I leave and am just completely drained. But that doesn’t take away from the rewards. … As the years go by, you see how many students you have assisted. I take much pride in that.”

Best of Lawrence 2022

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COMMUNITY

From left: Blue BOL Bot, Louis Copt, and Pink BOL Bot

We talk with people, businesses and groups making their first or return Top-5 finalist appearance.

Mass. Street Music Mural

3rd - outdoor mural

by Louis Copt

Having grown up in Emporia, Louis Copt is no stranger to prairie fires, and this past fall, he rendered a scene of a burn at dusk in his iconic style on Mass.

St. Music’s south-facing wall. Copt has painted similar scenes as both murals and on canvas, but this time he wanted one in downtown Lawrence. After obtaining the go-ahead from Jim Bagget, who owns Mass. St. Music, Copt began painting, recruiting help from Kansas City-based muralists Isaac Tapia and Rodrigo Alvarez. To Copt, a prairie fire was the perfect scene for Lawrence.

“It’s just part of who we are here in the

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Midwest, especially around Lawrence,” he says. “It’s part of prairie preservation, part of the landscape.” He also mentions that the piece has some historical resonance: “The phoenix rising from the ashes—there’s kind of some symbolism there as well.” Rising from the ashes is an apt theme for Lawrence, whose official motto is “From Ashes to Immortality” and whose official symbol features a phoenix rising from ashes in honor of the town’s ability to rebuild after being razed

by Confederate raiders in 1863.

Painting prairie burns is a skill Copt has honed for a long time. “When I first

started doing this, I was doing paintings of the fires in daylight, but it just didn’t have the drama,” he says. “And so, I found that there’s a window of about one hour or so where the light is just perfect.

You still have light in the sky, but you have the flames really show up, but if you wait too long, then everything is black and all you see is fire.” While mastering the final product is satisfying for Copt, he also enjoys the process of painting murals. “People would drive by and honk and wave, and stop and talk,” says Copt.

“To me, that’s probably the best part of it—just interacting with people.”

1st - nonprofit (family services) For 11 years, Dana Ortiz has led Family Promise of Lawrence, a branch of a national nonprofit organization focused on preventing homelessness and providing housing stability.

Ortiz says her group’s successes come from dedicated volunteers, invested clients, and community partnerships.

Family Promise works with community partners Tenants to Homeowners, the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority, Centro Hispano, Lawrence Community Shelter, Success by Six, United Way of Douglas County, Willow Domestic Violence Center and others to “keep families housed and stabilized,” Ortiz explains.

Mathew Faulk, outreach social worker and director of the Bert Nash Center housing program, shares his compassion and expertise.

“Faulk has such a broad understanding of the situation of homelessness,” says Ortiz.

The congregation of the historic Ninth Street Baptist Church has worked with Family Promise since 2008. Their church remains a crucial venue for emergency winter housing. “We couldn’t do what we do if it wasn’t for them,” Ortiz says.

W I N N E R S

Family Promise of Lawrence

T H E

Dana Ortiz, executive director

A N D

Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about mentors, colleagues and even competitors they admire.

A R E

. . .

COMMUNITY

PLACE TO WORK (25–100 EMPLOYEES) 1) Pennington & Company 2) Lawrence Public Library 3) Lawrence Humane Society 4) Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering 5) Sigler Pharmacy PLACE TO WORK (UNDER 25 EMPLOYEES) 1) Lawrence Family Vision Clinic 2) Ladybird Diner 3) KB & Co. 4) The Raven Book Store 5) Cottin’s Hardware & Rental PRINCIPAL 1) Myron Graber, Free State High School 2) Chris Reffett, St. John Catholic School 3) Bill DeWitt, Lawrence College & Career Academy 4) Mike Baker, Veritas Christian School 5) Jeremy Phillip, Sunset Hill Elementary RADIO STATION 1) KPR (KANU 91.5 FM or K241 AR 96.1 FM) 2) KJHK 90.7 FM 3) KKSW 105.9 FM 4) 92.9 The BULL, KMXN 5) KLWN 1320 AM / 101.7 FM SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY 1) Brandon Woods at Alvamar 2) Bridge Haven 3) Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community 4) Lawrence Presbyterian Manor 5) Meadowlark Estates Gracious Retirement Living SHOP (OR OFFICE) PET 1) Dave, Wonder Fair 2) Sirius & Pretzel, Lucky Dog Pet Grocery & Bakery 3) Dinah-Mite, The Dusty Bookshelf 4) Sugar, Lawrence Humane Society 5) Chardonnay, Love Garden Sounds SOCIAL MEDIA (ANIMAL) 1) Pretzel @luckycatpretzel 2) Sugar @sugar_the_communityre sourcecat 3) Ted @HugsForAmerica 4) Mass. Street Kitten Academy @massstreetkittenacademy 5) Tom @OrangeCatTom on Twitter SOCIAL MEDIA (BUSINESS) 1) Lawrence Family Vision Clinic 2) Ladybird Diner 3) Drone Lawrence 4) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys and Collectibles 5) KB & Co. SOCIAL MEDIA (CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT) 1) Live Love Local Lawrence 2) Kansas Public Radio 3) Lawrence Modern 4) The Original LFK for Dummies 5) Larryville Life

TEACHER (PRESCHOOL) 1) Amy Cast, St. John Catholic School 2) Whitney Smith, Hilltop Child Development Center 3) Georgiane Boss, Googols of Learning 4) Donna Carlson, The Giving Tree 5) Colleen Bloom, Stepping Stones TEACHER (GRADES K–5) 1) Susan Lomshek, Corpus Christi Catholic School 2) Emily Boedeker, Woodlawn Elementary 3) Peter Gipson, Sunflower Elementary 4) Kasey Fewins, St. John Catholic School 5) Brandon Daley, Woodlawn Elementary TEACHER (GRADES 6–8) 1) Elle Weber, Billy Mills Middle School 2) Trish Neuteboom, Southwest Middle School 3) Lindsey Murray, Liberty Memorial Central Middle School 4) Jonnie Finger, Veritas Christian School 5) Maria Pope, Billy Mills Middle School TEACHER (GRADES 9–12) 1) Debby Ziegler, Free State High School 2) Valerie Schrag, Lawrence High School 3) Bryan Lloyd, Free State High School 4) Sam Rabiola, Free State High School 5) Bill Gollier, Bishop Seabury Academy TEACHER (HASKELL INDIAN NATIONS UNIVERSITY) 1) Daniel Wildcat 2) Judith Gipp 3) Rhonda LeValdo 4) Eric Anderson 5) Randy McCoy TEACHER (UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS) 1) Shuai Sun 2) Kristen Helling 3) Anne Patterson 4) Susan Williams 5) Joe Walden WORKING OR SERVICE ANIMAL 1) Cheeseburger, Lawrence Police Department 2) Pedro Pistachio, Woodlawn Elementary 3) Shakti, Founding Dog of Loving Paws Animal Therapy Program 4) Pancake the ferret and other animal ambassadors of Prairie Park Nature Center 5) Phog, University of Kansas Police Department

SOCIAL MEDIA (ORG. OR NONPROFIT) 1) Lawrence Humane Society 2) Oh 4 the Love Local Lawrence Police Scanner 3) Just Food 4) Cottonwood Inc. 5) Lawrence Police Department

Best of Lawrence 2022

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COMMUNITY

TOP BOTS

Perennial Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about what it takes to remain on top year after year.

The 23rd Street Bison The limestone bison sculpture near the intersection of 23rd Street (Clinton Parkway) and Marvonne Road was designed and created by sculptor Jim Patti in 1988 as part of a competition sponsored by the Kansas Sculpture Association and drew on one of the state’s most iconic images. The bison does not necessarily commemorate anything, any event, or anyone—it simply stands.

For nearly 35 years, this evocative, four-ton sculpture has lent its panache to holidays, festivals, seasons and other events by allowing itself to be decorated with scarves, wreathes, rabbit ears and more.

Those decorations have come from an informal network of residents in the Marvonne Meadows neighborhood just to the north of the bison.

“They used to be known as the Buffalo Bandits, and I don’t know if they even knew who one another was,” says Risa Hoyt, a Marvonne Meadows resident who helps run a neighborhood Facebook site dedicated to decorating, celebrating and caring for the bison. Even now, with the online presence, decorating the bison is

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Best of Lawrence 2022

1st - community landmark

largely an informal process with neighbors stepping up to donate and place decorations when they feel like a change is warranted. “Neighbors have just kind of stepped up,” says Hoyt. “It’s always been pretty agreed upon, and it’s not even a discussion really. I said something not too long ago about the Fourth of July coming up, and, next thing I knew, there were Fourth of July decorations.”

Recently, the decorations have also included nods to current affairs. The bison wore a mask during the onset of the 2020 pandemic and a scarf in the colors of the Ukrainian flag shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Whatever the holiday or the occasion, the bison wears it well. The only thing, perhaps, that hasn’t really fit is a name. Some call the bison “Buffy,” but that hasn’t necessarily stuck. Perhaps there’s a name for it waiting in the future, perhaps not. But there will be apparel—scarves, wreathes, perhaps hats and more— and an enduring affection for a beloved city landmark.

COMMUNITY

Best of Lawrence winners talk about changes they anticipate for themselves and their fields of expertise in the coming years.

Art in the Park board members include (from left): Julie Kingsbury, Roura Young, Clark Fulton and Maria S. Martin.

Art in the Park (Lawrence Art Guild) 1st - nonprofit event

Art in the Park has been held in Lawrence since 1964. Though the format has changed, the core concept remains the same: a public showing of mostly community and regional artists with a bit of a party.

Jen Unekis, one of the Art in the Park co-coordinators, says she expects the following future developments.

Two-day fall format is here to stay. Art in the Park moved from May to September last year. The new fall date also introduced a two-day format, which has attracted more artists and visitors.

The perfect number of exhibiting artists is hard to find, but Unekis believes it is about 125–130, not too many to crowd the park, but enough for a wide variety of art. “We keep the show fresh,” says Unekis.

Maybe even saw blades? Over the years, the Art Guild has banned certain types of works for being over-commercialized or over-saturated. For example, in the ’80s it was saw-blade paintings. “But now we might allow them because there are new and creative ways to do it,” Unekis says. “Everything comes full circle.”

Best of Lawrence 2022

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Best Street Party Ever KU fans reflect on the KU Men’s National Championship win.

story by Kalli Jo Smith | photos by Drone Lawrence

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Best of Lawrence 2022

On April 4, 2022, the Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball team faced the North Carolina Tar Heels in the NCAA National Championship. It was a fight against the clock and a comeback the world of basketball never expected.

However, most diehard Jayhawk fans would explain that this is just how KU likes to roll. And as they did in 2018 and 2019, Jayhawk fans took to Massachusetts Street to celebrate another tournament win—this time as 2022 NCAA National Champions.

A sea of red and blue filled the downtown as KU fans cheered, laughed and perhaps cried.

Tyler Boeckman, a recent KU graduate, was watching the game with friends in West Lawrence. Even before KU secured the win, Boeckman knew they would storm Massachusetts Street if the victory became theirs.

“After winning, we started driving to Mass [Street] and joined a caravan of cars heading that way,” Boeckman recalls. “Everyone was honking in excitement and waving KU flags out of their window.”

When they finally made it to Mass.

Street on foot, Boeckman and his friends were met with a swelling and cheerful crowd.

“People were dancing and chanting; it was great to see current students, alumni and future Jayhawks celebrating something that only happens every couple of decades,” Boeckman says.

Kayla Hanson, who was raised on KU basketball, came from Overland Park, Kansas, to watch the championship win at Allen Fieldhouse.

“There were a lot of emotions throughout the game, but I could feel it in my bones that we were going to win even when it looked grim,” Hanson recalls. “It was a moment I will never forget being in the magical Allen Fieldhouse with so many fans celebrating such an exciting win.”

Shortly after the win, Hanson, with her husband and lifelong best friend alongside of her, headed to Mass.

Street to continue the celebration.

“I had the most adrenaline coursing through my body from the moment we stormed the court until we were running around Mass. Street, hugging strangers and celebrating the victory,” she says. “I will never forget that night and the electric feeling on Mass. Street.”

Jake Holle, who graduated KU in 2016, celebrated on Mass. Street after the Final Four win, the National Championship win, and at the Championship Parade on April 10. Holle, who’s a dad first and KU fan second, took to Mass. Street after each win with his newborn son, Lincoln, strapped to his chest, to celebrate.

“I felt totally elated. Like all of the work KU had done throughout the year paid off, and their season got to end the way it deserved to end,” Holle says. “I felt so lucky to be a citizen of Lawrence and get to share in this moment with my wife [Courtney] and son.”

Days after the win, Holle and his family lined Mass. Street to welcome home the KU men’s team, with Lincoln strapped to his father’s chest as usual.

“We had a great view of the parade down by 11th and Mass. I tried to take in the moment as best as I could. Getting to watch our first national championship parade as a family was unforgettable, and we were sure to take lots of pictures,” Holle remembers. “It was a proud moment to see the city come together for our Jayhawks.”

Daniel Eccles, a senior at KU at the time of the win, also welcomed the Jayhawks home at the Championship Parade and celebrated with the crowd on Mass. Street the night of the Final Four win. He remembers feeling at peace as he watched the team roll in during the Championship Parade.

“I think it was a beautiful moment because after two years of isolation, getting to come together and have that sense of community again was not only special for me, but it was something we as a community needed,” Eccles says. “I’ll never forget it.”

Best of Lawrence 2022

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SOLD ON STEPHENS

Thanks again for recognizing Stephens Real Estate and Tom Harper as “Best of Lawrence.”

We appreciate your support, and we can’t wait to help you buy or sell your home.

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SHOPPING Best of Lawrence 2022

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TOP BOTS

Striped Cow

Perennial Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about what it takes to remain on top year after year.

W I N N E R S

A R E

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SHOPPING

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Best of Lawrence 2022

A N D

Since 2017, Striped Cow has provided Lawrence with art, jewelry, candles and much more. The eclectic art shop is also The Third Planet’s sister store and sits on the opposite side of Massachusetts Street. And while the Striped Cow has a tone similar to its parent store, its inventory is distinct.

Libby Gard, a buyer for the Striped Cow since its opening, says the team takes a lot of pride in the items for sale.

“I feel really lucky that everything we do is handpicked and we really take the time to curate the different items which helps us elevate what we can do to serve the community and meet their needs,” Gard says. “That means something.”

Gard says being back in the top five is just another reason to keep doing what they do best—“help art meet life.”

Gard attributes their nomination and store’s success to her team.

“We work together as team, and we make decisions as a team.

It really speaks to the nature of our staff. It speaks to the way we work together,” she says. “We really care about Lawrence, and it is really important that we are a safe space for everyone. I hope everyone that walks in the store knows and feels that way.”

T H E

4th - gift shop

ANTIQUE/VINTAGE STORE 1) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys and Collectibles 2) Lawrence Antique Mall 3) Phoenix Gallery 4) Arizona Trading Co. 5) Reclaimed by Michele APPLIANCE SHOP 1) Stoneback Appliance 2) Cottin’s Hardware & Rental 3) Menards 4) Home Depot 5) Best Buy BIKE SHOP 1) Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop 2) Cycle Works 3) The Lawrence Re-Cyclery 4) CycleFix 5) Trek Bicycle Lawrence BOOKSTORE 1) The Raven Book Store 2) The Dusty Bookshelf 3) Friends of the Lawrence Public Library 4) Signs of Life 5) Chops Comics DEPARTMENT STORE 1) Weaver’s 2) Target 3) Kohl’s 4) The Third Planet 5) T.J. Maxx DRESS SHOP OR FORMAL WEAR 1) Weaver’s 2) J.Lynn Bridal 3) KB & Co. 4) Wild Man Vintage 5) Arizona Trading Co. FLOWER SHOP 1) Owens Flower Shop 2) Englewood Florist 3) Pendleton’s Kaw Valley Country Market 4) Hy-Vee Floral 5) Dillons Floral FURNITURE STORE 1) Winfield House 2) Triad Leasing 3) HomeGoods 4) Lawrence Habitat for Humanity ReStore 5) Eagles’ Rest GARDENING STORE 1) Jungle House 2) Clinton Parkway Nursery 3) Howard Pine’s Garden Center & Greenhouse 4) Pendleton’s Country Market 5) Earl May Nursery & Garden Center GIFT SHOP 1) Phoenix Gallery 2) LMH Gift Shop 3) Wonder Fair 4) Striped Cow 5) KB & Co. HARDWARE STORE 1) Cottin’s Hardware & Rental 2) Westlake Ace Hardware 3) Menards 4) The Home Depot 5) Harbor Freight Tools JEWELRY STORE 1) Marks Jewelers 2) Goldmakers Jewelry 3) Phoenix Gallery 4) Kizer Cummings Jewelers 5) KB & Co.

SHOPPING

Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about mentors, colleagues and even competitors they admire.

Best of Lawrence winners talk about changes they anticipate for themselves and their fields of expertise in the coming years.

Raven Book Store owner Danny Caine 1st - book store 4th - place to work

(under 25 employees)

5th - local store owner Since first opening on September 1, 1987, the Raven Book Store has grown roots and a name for itself in the city’s downtown. Despite the challenges that have come their way, Lawrence residents have continued to support local businesses, says Danny Caine, owner of the Raven Book Store.

“I’m not sure I’ve ever lived in a place that understood the impact and importance of small businesses the way Lawrence does,” Caine says. “The fact that Mass. Street and Greater Lawrence have been able to support a small but vivacious community of small businesses across the decades speaks to the thoughtfulness of this community.”

While the future remains uncertain, Caine is focused on an array of goals.

“To pretend like anyone has a crystal ball at this point seems a little silly. But I can say what we’re working on: we’re working on using our role and platform as a bookstore to make Lawrence (and the world) a better place. We’re working on making our bookstore, and all bookstores, better places to work. And, of course, we’re working on being the best bookstore for Lawrence, Kansas, and doing all we can to facilitate the love affair between Lawrencians and books,” Caine says. “If we do everything right, our future will involve a lot more of that work.”

Brits,

owner Sally Helm 3rd - unique store 4th - place for tea For more than 27 years, Brits has afforded Lawrencians the chance to experience and appreciate goods from the United Kingdom, Ireland and more. The business was initially founded by childhood friends Sally Helm and Susie Pryor on a small side-street in the historic downtown in July 1995. By 2003, the store had outgrown two locations and moved to a historic building built in 1901 on Massachusetts Street— its current location.

Helm loves having a shop in the heart of downtown. “I live in Lawrence, and I feel all our customers are neighbors and family.

Even visitors are neighbors,” Helm says. “This community, the people and friendliness we give to one another, makes working here a pleasure.”

I love stopping by Lucky Dog Bakery to see what new items they’re creating for our furry friends. Usually, you can meet a few of them while you’re there. Shout out to Sirius and Pretzel. They have a wonderful home.

Visiting Nurses is an integral part of the community. Their personal love and care have helped so many families, including my own.

Thank you to everyone who works there.

Best of Lawrence 2022

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SHOPPING

We talk with people, businesses and groups making their first or return Top-5 finalist appearance.

Chops Comics

5th - book store

owner Jason Springer

In 2018, after teaching history and social studies at Free State High School for 11 years, Jason Springer decided it was time to make a change. “Owning a comic book store was always something I had thought about and dreamed of since I was a kid,” Springer says. “I grew up with comic books, and I had my own collection. Now my collection is the store.”

Springer’s longtime interest in comics has helped him as a store owner. “I remember what it’s like to be on the customer’s side of the counter,” he says. “So I try to go out of my way to provide them with the opportunity to get the individual issue they’re looking for, or the graphic novel they’re looking for.”

This approach has helped him build close relationships with his

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customers, many of whom he knows by name.

Springer also credits the usefulness of local resources in Lawrence for starting his business; for instance, he got help from the University of Kansas’s Small Business Development Center when he wrote his business proposal. “There are a lot of really good resources here in town,” he says. Appreciative of the help he received from the community, Springer now has involved his shop in some charitable endeavors. Along with a recent fundraiser for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Douglas County, Springer is in the process of donating around 500 books to LMH Health for patients to keep. “I try to give back to the community as best I can,” he says.

1st - pets and pet supplies 2nd - shop or office pet Mother-daughter duo Jennifer Thomas and Sarah Kathryn celebrated Lucky Dog Pet Grocery & Bakery’s 10th year in business this June. Since opening its 400-square-foot shop in 2012, originally located within Wagmore Canine Enrichment, Lucky Dog has become a fan favorite for animal lovers in Lawrence. In 2020, Thomas and Kathryn knew the store was growing, but in order to survive the pandemic, the two would have to adapt to curbside pickup options. Soon after this realization, a unique opportunity to move into the 165-year-old historic Hanna building on Massachusetts Street came about.

“Although moving during a pandemic wasn’t on the agenda for the business, the move to a larger store in a super cool building just couldn’t be passed up,” Thomas says. “An upgrade to 2,400 square feet, and a back entry to accommodate curbside pickup launched during the pandemic was a big motivation [for the move].”

Absolute Pawfection Pet Salon deserves a huge shout out!

Shelby and her team are so gentle and patient with their clients.

We are fortunate to have them in the Lawrence pet community.

At Brits there is something for everyone, and we are so happy to have them as our neighbor. Women-owned and in business for 27 years, Brits is a gem in downtown Lawrence.

Sandwich Bowl, owned by Jesi Gordon, is one of our favorite local restaurants. Great customer service, so many tasty options, and, of course, the Dirty Flaming Pig. Oh, and she has an adorable dog named Inara, too!

W I N N E R S

owners Jennifer Thomas and Sarah Kathryn

T H E

Lucky Dog Pet Grocery & Bakery,

A N D

Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about mentors, colleagues and even competitors they admire.

A R E

. . .

SHOPPING

KU SOUVENIR SHOP 1) Kansas Sampler 2) KU Memorial Union Bookstore 3) Jock’s Nitch 4) Phoenix Gallery 5) Weaver’s LOCAL STORE OWNER 1) Claire Engelken, KB & Co. 2) Meghan Heriford, Ladybird Diner 3) Jesi Gordon, Sandwich Bowl 4) Terry Taylor, 1313 Mockingbird Lane and Collectibles 5) Danny Caine, The Raven Book Store MEN’S CLOTHING STORE 1) Weaver’s 2) Kohl’s 3) Wild Man Vintage 4) Arizona Trading Co. 5) River Rat Print and Skate MUSIC STORE 1) Love Garden Sounds 2) Mass Street Music 3) Richards Music Co. 4) Beautiful Music Violin Shop 4) Supersonic Music PETS AND PET SUPPLIES 1) Lucky Dog Pet Grocery & Bakery 2) Pet World 3) PetSmart - Bauer Farm Dr. 4) EarthWise Pet Supply & Grooming 5) Lawrence Humane Society PLACE TO BUY A NEW CAR 1) Crown Toyota 2) Laird Noller Ford Mazda 3) Dale Willey - Chevrolet, Buick, GMC 4) McCarthy Subaru of Lawrence 5) Dale Willey - Honda PLACE TO BUY A USED CAR 1) Crown Toyota 2) Laird Noller Ford Mazda 3) Dale Willey - Chevrolet, Buick, GMC 4) Cordova Motors 5) The Selection SECOND-HAND/PAWN SHOP 1) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys and Collectibles 2) Lawrence Antique Mall 3) Arizona Trading Co. 4) The Dusty Bookshelf 5) Lawrence Habitat for Humanity ReStore SHOE STORE 1) Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. 2) Ad Astra Running 3) Footprints 3) KB & Co. 5) Famous Footwear SPORTING GOODS 1) Dick’s Sporting Goods 2) Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop 3) Ad Astra Running 4) Jock’s Nitch 5) River Rat Skate Shop TOY STORE 1) The Toy Store 2) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys and Collectibles 3) Game Nut Entertainment 4) Wild Territory Science & Nature Store 5) Walmart

Best of Lawrence 2022

35

Thank Thank You You

F OR V OTING U S! For Voting ForFORUS! Dr. Chris Wertin DC Dr. Chris Wertin DC Dr. Dr. MaryColleen Huss DC Auchenbach DC Huss DC Dr. Dr. Kyle Mary Wertin DC Kyle Wertin Dr. Dr. Jessica Wertin DC DC Dr. Eric Wertin DC Dr. Dr. Eric Wertin DCSpeidel DC Jessica

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TOP BOTS

The Third Planet

Perennial Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about what it takes to remain on top year after year.

general manager Ethan Adams

W I N N E R S

A R E

. . .

SHOPPING

UNIQUE STORE 1) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys and Collectibles 2) Phoenix Gallery 3) Brits 4) KB & Co. 5) Au Marche VINTAGE CLOTHING 1) Arizona Trading Co. 2) Wild Man Vintage 3) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Toys and Collectibles 4) Lawrence Antique Mall 5) Plato’s Closet WINDOW DISPLAY 1) The Toy Store 2) Game Nut Entertainment 3) Weaver’s 4) KB & Co. 5) Ruff House Paperie WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE 1) Weaver’s 2) KB & Co. 3) Kohl’s 4) Eccentricity Women’s Clothing 5) Arizona Trading Co.

A N D

The Third Planet is many things, but on most days, it’s a socialjustice–advocating, hippy-loving, gem-stone enthusiast store.

And it’s why it’s so beloved by many, says Ethan Adams, the store’s general manager who has been with the local business for more than 21 years.

Adams says the store’s success stems from being locally owned and its unique inventory.

“I like that it’s locally owned and local folks shop here. We provide a lot of different and unique items here, and I think that’s what makes this place so special,” Adams says. “We sell things that are meant to make people feel good and that’s what draws people in. It might not be necessities, but it’s for your heart.”

Adams notes he never takes being nominated for granted.

“It really feels great to be nominated. It’s just awesome that our community cares,” he says. “We’ve supported this community for 27 years, and we plan to support it for 27 more years and beyond that.”

T H E

4th - department store

Best of Lawrence 2022

37

SHOPPING

We talk with people, businesses and groups making their first or return Top-5 finalist appearance.

CycleFix

4th - bike shop

owner Keith Muller

From the outside, Keith Muller’s bicycle repair shop, CycleFix, appears like any other garage in the Barker neighborhood. However, upon entering, one is met with an array of bike frames, mechanical parts, and specialized tools adorning the walls and tables. And then there is Muller’s shop dog, a friendly pit bull named Doug.

Muller started CycleFix in 2019 but has been involved in the cycling industry for the past 27 years; he took his first job at a bike shop when he was 14 years old. “I kind of like to joke that it’s the career I’ve never been able to get rid of,” he says.

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Best of Lawrence 2022

Muller studied accounting in college and briefly worked in that field but decided it wasn’t for him.

“I’ve always been kind of drawn back to the bike shop world,” he says. An important part of Muller’s job is working with customers with varying levels of experience, he notes. “I might have one customer who walks through the door and they’re very techy and understand all the nerdy things about bikes, and I might have another customer who walks through the door and really all they understand is that a bike has two wheels and pedals and a handlebar,” says Muller.

“I have to change my message to be able to work with people on their level so that they feel comfortable when they walk through the door.”

CycleFix, based in Muller’s home garage, is a one-man operation. “I’m the CEO and I’m the janitor and I’m everything in between,” says Muller.

This can mean he’s often incredibly busy, sometimes working up to 80 hours a week. But this independence also comes with its benefits. “Some days you have off days, and you can just lock the door and go for a bike ride,” says Muller.

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The Best of Lawrence …

Comedian Will Averill travels to the future to report on contest winners 20 years from now.

2042 Edition story by Will Averill

Greetings from beautiful Lawrence, Kansas, in 2042! How did I get here, you may ask? Well, that’s simple—through the time machine in the basement of the Bowersock Dam. Why else do you think they need all that power? It’s a fantastic time machine. The only issue is that every time you use it, a streetlight turns purple. So, it helps if you get special permission from The Mayor. However, that’s easier since 2032, when the entire city unanimously declared that in Lawrence, everyone is Mayor. The 100,000-plus mayoral system has dramatically increased diversity while at the same time cutting down on crowds because city law prohibits more than three Mayors being in the same place at the same time.

Lawrence 2042 is a truly excellent place to be. The Monarch tiny village of affordable housing is now the Monarch Towers collection of small skyscrapers, reaching 350 feet high and solving the affordable housing problem in Lawrence. The City sidewalk project was just completed back in 2040, $5.2 trillion over budget and four years after jet packs rendered sidewalks obsolete. In sports news, the Jayhawk Nude Pickleball team has really gone balls out this year, and the hologram of the late Bill Self led the KU Jayhawks to a third Intergalactic Title over the Splort Collective, once again saving humanity from having to pay off its debts by galactic servitude. Oh, and then there’s no construction on Iowa Street this year.

Things are really looking up!

It hasn’t all been glamour, though. The Lecompton Conflict of 2028 and the resulting 2nd Quantrill’s Raid of 2029 ended in tragedy, as Bushwackers rode into town and burned down The Oread hotel. When architectural preservationists of Lawrence lauded them as heroes, the raiders got even angrier and tried to burn down The Eldridge as well, leading to

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Best of Lawrence 2022

its high placement in 2029’s Best of Lawrence’s “Best Fireproof Hotel” category. The onslaught would have continued, but a well-placed Louis Copt mural hastily painted by GAELs (Gentrified Artists of East Lawrence) caused the raiders to stop and really think about things. The townspeople were then able to drive off the raiders, a little bit more cultured for the experience.

It’s nearly impossible to pick the Best of Lawrence in 2042 because everything is the best. The sheer volume of the 2,457 categories has spiraled to where families now elect one child at birth (most often the second child) to be The Nominator and spend their entire lives filling out the Best of Lawrence nomination form. The Nominators are held in great regard by the community. They nomadically move to where the Wi-Fi is best, never marrying or having their own families.

The Nominators are then gathered at the Winners Bash celebration at Abe & Jakes, given one drink ticket, herded to the river, and floated downstream to drown to avoid bias the following year.

What are some sure bets for winners in 2042?

Well, I think it’s pretty clear Bert Nash will win “Best Place to Cryogenically Freeze Your Brain” after the success of their recent Brain Harvest Outreach Team, though the walk-in freezer at 715 Restaurant is a lock for second place in this category. “Best Utterly Futile Gesture” is likely to be a real tossup between Lawrence’s July 4th Firework Ban and K.U.’s Diversity Program.

Free State Brewery will continue its streak of winning “Best Place to Eat Even Though They Changed the Fries 40 Years Ago.” Larryville Life has a lock on “Best Neural Network Events Implant (Local)” even though no one knows what he looks like, how many of him there are, or what his agenda is.

Through It All, We’re Here For Your Family

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Ladybird Café is very likely to take the “Best Place for Pie and a Heart-wrenching Social Media Narrative of Soul-Warming Beauty” category, and the empty plot at 8th & Vermont will continue to win “Best Orchard (Undeveloped).” 14th & Tennessee Street will likely continue to rank high in “Best Place to Catch Cyber-Monkey Pox, Gamma Variation (Outdoor),” while that house right by the Kwik Shop on 9th threw a rager last week that makes it a sure contender for “Best Place to Catch Cyber-Monkey Pox, Gamma Variation (Indoors).”

The Lawrence Loop, completed in 2041, will likely come in fresh as “Best Place to Run,” while angry anti-mask protestors will continue to win the category of “Best Person(s) to Run From (Kids and Adults)” during lockdown. Speaking of health, “Best Surgical Operating Room” will be fascinating this year; previous winner LMH Health will be challenged by the recently opened surgical drop-in at Lawrence Public Library. “The Best Event” this year will also be close between Transformations Transformed! and the Chamber Deathmatch, where aspiring local business

42

owners network and cage fight for city funding.

For those who like pets, the “Best Reanimation Facility (Animals)” will be a close competition this year. You might want to shout out to whoever cybernetically revived your furry family. The Lawrence “In-store Pets” category is also up for grabs this year, with The Raven’s Lucy, the unpleasant gibbon, competing with Bob, the Love Garden’s sloth, and the Taproom’s Gary the Genetically Modified Booze Ferret. So, keep an eye on that one!

There are many reasons to think the future won’t be bright, but those reasons are all stupid.

And I’m saying this from the future. Because I’m here! I’m Mayor, now, and I’m gonna tell you it’s impossible to have sadness in a world where The Best of Lawrence has won “Best Awards Event Administered by Best of Lawrence and Called ‘Best of Lawrence’ (Lawrence)” since 2025. Gotta run. My son is taking me to Babcock Place (“Best Place to Send Snarky Old Townies”), next to Dillon’s parking lot (“Best Place to Destroy Your Car in a Mad Parking Frenzy – Local”).

Best of Lawrence 2022

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HEALTH & FITNESS Best of Lawrence 2022

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HEALTH & FITNESS

We talk with people, businesses and groups making their first or return Top-5 finalist appearance.

Mutt Run Off-Leash Dog Park Since 2001, Mutt Run Off-Leash Dog Park has provided a pleasant place for people to walk expansive trails and, even more importantly, let their canine friends run freely. Located on property leased from the U.S. Corps of Engineers, the park sits below the Clinton Lake Dam and can be accessed via a road connecting to the dam.

Jane Imber and her husband, Mickey, take their dog, Sadie, to Mutt Run, and they’re all big fans of the park. “She can run to her heart’s content,” Jane says. “It’s such a big area where she can really run free and get tired out. I think a lot of people take their dogs out there just to tire them out.” This makes the park

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Best of Lawrence 2022

5th - Hiking & Bike Trails

a popular destination. “You go there from dawn to dusk and there’s always two or three cars there—or 30 or 50, depending on what time and the weather,” Mickey notes. The park’s 40plus acres can accommodate many dogs at once without them getting in each other’s space. Dogs and their owners can enjoy several miles of mowed trails, as well as a small canine obstacle course near the parking lot. Jane especially appreciates the park in the winter. “It’s very peaceful, and after a snow it’s just incredibly beautiful,” she says. However, its main benefits can be enjoyed year-round. “It’s quiet, fun, and you can walk as much or as little as you want,” she adds.

Running a small business runs in the family, says Rachel Weitekamp, owner of Sunflower State Dance.

“Of course, my dance teachers growing up were big influences in my life. They were an inspiration in how to teach and be a good supporter of the arts. And my parents, they’re small business owners as well and offer me a lot of support.”

She and her staff take pride in providing age-appropriate and always family-friendly dance activities from costuming to choreography and everything in between. “We’re the only local dance studio to be certified by the Youth Protective Advocates in Dance (YPAD), an international program that includes background checks on employees, training on age-appropriate artistry, injury prevention, and more. We love the program and it really helps me train our employees for the values and mission of the studio.”

Weitekamp says, “I love to develop relationships with all my students and help them grow into great young adults.” She and her four employees work with 80 students from ages 3 to 18.

She says, “The biggest challenge is to really set us apart from other dance studios, but also other extracurricular activities that kids can do. We are shifting toward being a performing arts company. Instead of focusing on competition, we’re going to be more focused on the whole dancer as an artist, nurturing students as young artists and young leaders.”

W I N N E R S

3rd - dance studio

T H E

Sunflower State Dance

A N D

Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about mentors, colleagues and even competitors they admire.

A R E

. . .

HEALTH & FITNESS

ACUPUNCTURE 1) Julie Johnson-Bear Don’t Walk Acupuncture 2) Advanced Chiropractic Services 3) Body Specific 4) River City Chiropractic 5) Lawrence Acupuncture/Mud & Lotus ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTER 1) DCCCA 2) First Step at Lakeview 3) DCCCA Lawrence Outpatient Services 4) Mirror Outpatient 5) Dahlia Trauma & Wellness Center LLC CERTIFIED DIETITIAN 1) Free State Nutrition 2) Shannon Jones 3) Mandy Peers-Greaves 4) Lisa Njoroge 5) Staci D. Hendrickson CHIROPRACTOR 1) Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic 2) Advanced Chiropractic Services 3) The Chiropractic Element 4) River City Chiropractic 5) Restore Chiropractic & Rehab COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER (PUBLIC) 1) Sports Pavilion (Rock Chalk Park) 2) Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center 3) Holcom Park Recreation Center 4) East Lawrence Recreation Center 5) Lawrence Community Building DANCE STUDIO 1) Lawrence Arts Center 2) Dance Gallery 3) Sunflower State Dance 4) Dazzlers Dance 5) Dance Hues Studio DAY SPA/WELLNESS CENTER 1) Salon Di Marco & Day Spa 2) Body Specific, LLC 3) Mud & Lotus: Outdoor Soaking Tub and Sauna 4) Elevate Arts of Wellness 4) TherapyWorks DENTAL PRACTICE 1) Cascade Dental Care (Dr. Jamie Ritchie, Dr. Brent Jones, Dr. Kurt Glendening) 2) Free State Dental 3) Peterson, Krische & Van Horn, DDS 4) Heinbach Larkin and Associates, DDS 5) The Dentists in Lawrence: Wilkerson, Saunders, Anderson and Nellor EYEWEAR OR VISION CENTER 1) Lawrence Family Vision Clinic 2) Drs. Dobbins & Letourneau 3) The EyeDoctors 4) Lawrence Eye Care Associates, PA 5) Atteberry Eye Centers, LLC FAMILY MEDICAL PRACTICE 1) Lawrence Family Practice Center 2) AdventHealth Medical Group Lawrence 3) Family Centered Medicine, LLC 4) Internal Medicine Group 5) Free State Family Medicine GOLF COURSE (TRADITIONAL AND DISC) 1) Eagle Bend Golf Course 2) Lawrence Country Club 3) The Jayhawk Club 4) Centennial Park 5) Orchards Golf Course GYM OR FITNESS CENTER (PRIVATE) 1) Genesis Health Clubs 2) Evolution Athletics 3) Crunch Fitness - Lawrence 4) Jazzercise Lawrence Fitness Center 5) Premier Martial Arts

Best of Lawrence 2022

47

HEALTH & FITNESS

Find Fitness LLC 5th - personal trainer

Diversification is the name of the game for James Findley.

“I’m now training people all over the United States. Before the pandemic, I didn’t have the online training at my disposal like I do now,” he says.

He’s helping people with both their fitness goals and their pain management. “I’m training people getting ready for joint replacements. I’m putting more emphasis on back health this year, and I’m trying to develop a bit of a specialty in back pain management and healthy spines.”

Find Fitness is a personal business, and Findley works out of TherapyWorks. “I’m grateful to them for giving me a place to work out of since 2008.

“The trick for me going forward is to make sure I’m doing a good job, educating my clients so even if the economic downturn happens, the lessons and the training will still continue to help them,” he says.

Being at TherapyWorks, he sees people transitioning from physical therapy to their own wellness programs. “My goal is to really just make fitness available to everyone, help people find a level of fitness that improves their quality of life. To make exercise achievable for everyone.”

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Best of Lawrence 2022

T H E

James Findley,

A N D

Best of Lawrence winners talk about changes they anticipate for themselves and their fields of expertise in the coming years.

W I N N E R S

A R E

. . .

HEARING AID PROVIDER/AUDIOLOGIST 1) Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates, LLC 2) Kaw Valley Hearing 3) Marston Hearing Center, LLC 4) Schiefelbusch Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, University of Kansas 5) Beltone Hearing Center HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS 1) The Lawrence Loop 2) Baker Wetlands 3) Clinton Lake Trails 4) Rock Chalk Park 5) Mutt Run Dog Park MARTIAL ARTS 1) Prime Martial Arts 2) Premier Martial Arts 3) Rivers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 4) Lawrence Tae-Kwon-Do School 5) Caio Terra Academy Lawrence MASSAGE THERAPIST (INDIVIDUAL) 1) Jennifer Baldwin, Renew by Jennifer 2) Beth Hand, Natural Balance Massage 3) Lisa Lahm, Body Specific 4) Allison Edmonds, Salon Di Marco 5) Leslie Denison, Salon Di Marco MASSAGE THERAPY (GROUP OR OFFICE) 1) Salon Di Marco & Day Spa 2) Body Specific, LLC 3) Elevate Arts of Wellness Massage and Float Spa 4) Renew by Jennifer 5) TherapyWorks MEDICAL CLINIC 1) Lawrence Family Practice Center 2) AdventHealth Medical Group Lawrence 3) Heartland Community Health Center 4) Family Centered Medicine, LLC 5) OrthoKansas MEDICAL DOCTOR (INDIVIDUAL) 1) Dr. Loree Cordova, AdventHealth Medical Group Lawrence 2) Chad Johanning, MD, Lawrence Family Practice 3) Dr. Stephanie Suber, Family Centered Medicine, LLC 4) Dr. Luke Mueller, Heartland Community Health Center 5) Adam M. Goodyear, MD, OrthoKansas MEDICAL SPA 1) S. Thetics Med Spa 2) Sunflower Aesthetics 3) Lawrence Plastic Surgery 4) Simple Wellness, Fitness & MedSpa 5) KMC Dermatology Lawrence MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR (OTHER THAN LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST OR LICENSED PSYCHIATRIST) 1) Raven Rajani, LMSW 2) Sunnie Dreu Shedd, LSCSW, LMAC Sun Of The Times Therapy, LLC 3) Christie Stiehl, Stiehl Behavioral Consulting, LLC 4) Tamara Henley, Family Psychological Services 5) Sarah Doyle, LSCSW Family Psychological Services NURSE/NURSE PRACTITIONER/PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT 1) Adrian Cade, APRN, Family Psychological Services 2) Brianne Cook, AdventHealth Medical Group Lawrence 3) Amy Baker, LMH Health 4) Britani Congleton, Family Centered Medicine, LLC 5) Rosie Mueller, Heartland Community Health Center OPTOMETRIST (INDIVIDUAL) 1) Kenny Trummel, Lawrence Family Vision Clinic 2) Kevin Trummel, Lawrence Family Vision Clinic 3) John Harvat, The EyeDoctors Optometrists 4) Sharon Green, Lawrence Family Vision Clinic 5) Jacob Letourneau, Drs. Dobbins & Letourneau Eyecare Lawrence

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HEALTH & FITNESS

TOP BOTS

Perennial Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about what it takes to remain on top year after year.

Dr. Sharon Green

Lawrence Family Vision Clinic

W I N N E R S

A R E

. . .

ORTHODONTIC PRACTICE 1) Ranjbar Orthodontics 2) Oread Orthodontics 3) McColm Orthodontics 4) Freestate Dental 5) Hamilton, Wilson, Hendrickson Orthodontics

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Best of Lawrence 2022

A N D

Being patient-oriented helps keep Dr. Sharon Green at the top of the Best of Lawrence voting.

“We have fun with our patients, have fun with the staff. I think that’s a lot of it … we’re very patient-oriented. Obviously, you can’t please 100% of the people 100% of time. I do think we work hard to make sure people get the results they want and have a good experience while they’re here. And fun.”

She says it’s an honor to know she (and her colleagues) are providing the care they think they’re providing. “That’s neat, to know that you are consistently doing that year in and year out, especially with how great our doctors are here in Lawrence. It gives me a sense of satisfaction that I’m helping people, and that’s a good feeling.

“I like to say I see children of all ages. The adults I see get a kick out of that, being a child at heart.” While she sees patients of all ages, she does do a lot of work with children. “I do a vision screening each year.

We take the whole school of those little ones and we run them through a screening. And it’s just amazing how many really should have eye exams. It’s nice to know that we’ve identified them early.”

Green tips her hat to the other optometrists in town. “There’s no animosity. I think we’re really fortunate.”

T H E

4th - Optometrist

PEDIATRIC CARE 1) Panda Pediatrics 2) Sound Speech Therapy, LLC 3) Lawrence Pediatrics, PA 4) Lawrence Family Practice Center 5) Family Centered Medicine, LLC 5) Speech Solutions, LLC PERSONAL TRAINER 1) Tyler Naylor, Evolution Athletics 2) Zach & Whitney Schneider, SchneiderFIT 3) Elijah Jacobs, Evolution Athletics 4) Eric Wells, WellsWeights 5) James Findley, Find Fitness PHARMACY 1) Orchards Drug 2) Sigler Pharmacy 3) Dillons Pharmacy 4) Jayhawk Pharmacy 5) Walgreens Pharmacy PHYSICAL THERAPY (GROUP OR OFFICE) 1) OrthoKansas, LLC 2) LMH Therapy Services 3) TherapyWorks 4) Bird Physical Therapy 5) Sports Medicine & Performance Center, University of Kansas Health System PLACE FOR HEALTH & NUTRITION GOODS 1) The Merc Co+op 2) Sprouts Farmers Market 3) Natural Grocers 4) Crave Nutrition 5) Ad Astra Running PLACE FOR YOGA CLASSES 1) Bluestem Yoga 2) Lava Yoga Studio 3) OmTree Shala at Vibe 4) Yellow Brick Yoga 5) Yoga Center of Lawrence PSYCHIATRIST (LICENSED) 1) Nana Dadson 2) Elias Chediak 3) Matthew Carey 4) Spencer Harrison 5) Taylor Porter PSYCHOLOGIST (LICENSED) 1) Wes Crenshaw 2) Christy Blanchard 3) Anne Owen 4) Kirsten Watkins 5) Tish Holub-Taylor SPORTS MEDICINE 1) OrthoKansas, LLC 2) Sports Medicine & Performance Center, University of Kansas Health System 3) Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic 4) TherapyWorks 5) River City Chiropractic SURGEON (INDIVIDUAL) 1) Jeff Randall, Sports Medicine and Performance Center 2) Scarlett Aldrich, Plastic Surgery Specialists of Lawrence 3) Adam Goodyear, OrthoKansas 4) Blake Conklin, Lawrence General Surgery, LMH Health 5) James Huston, OrthoKansas

Lawrence Landscape

CALL US TODAY AT 785-843-4370

Best partners for lifelong health To the physicians, advance practice providers and nurses at LMH Health, recognized as The Best of Lawrence, congratulations.

Your dedication to making Lawrence a destination for health is rooted in our culture, our lifestyles, and the way we care for one another as friends and neighbors.

HEALTH & FITNESS

TOP BOTS

Perennial Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about what it takes to remain on top year after year.

Jennifer Baldwin, Renew by Jennifer 1st - Massage Therapist Listening is key, Jennifer Baldwin says. “I listen to what my clients’ goals are, and then I’ll listen to what their body is telling me they need as well. We work together to try to find the best treatment plan to address their concerns.”

The massage therapist aims for a personal connection with all of her clients. “It’s important, the followthrough. Building strong relationships with them, providing continuous customer service, supporting them as they do me.”

A variety of factors prompt people to seek ways to relax.

“Between dealing with a global pandemic and other tensions of the world, or with a personal situation, it has been a very stressful time on our bodies,” Baldwin says.

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Best of Lawrence 2022

“I’ve definitely noticed how stressed some clients are and the effect it has on their body. With significant changes to how people are living and surviving, I’m thankful that clients trust me with their bodywork needs. If I’m able to help ease some aches and pains and help a client relax with massage, it’s a good day.”

She appreciates the Lawrence community. “I am honored to have and operate my business in Lawrence. It’s a phenomenal community, phenomenal people. I’m incredibly humbled and appreciative of anybody and everybody who took the time to nominate and vote for me and continues to support my small business year round. Thank you to the LFK community.”

HEALTH & FITNESS

Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about mentors, colleagues and even competitors they admire.

Dr. Blake Conklin 4th - surgeon Shadowing family friends who were physicians started Dr. Blake Conklin on his path as a general surgeon. He’s been with Lawrence General Surgery, LMH Health, for about seven years, and he still feels blessed.

“For me, being able to say that this is the first job and I’m still going strong with the majority of our staff being the same … just blessed,” Conklin says.

Many of the surgeons he’s met along the way offered advice, he says. “A few of the physicians I trained under had good advice about finding that balancing act between being a top-notch physician and being a good partner, husband, father, and I think that carried as much weight with me as did the technical skills I gained along the way.”

Being a general surgeon is like being a jack of all trades, says Conklin.

“What drew me into general surgery was the wide spectrum of experience, not only on the surgical front but also on the medical critical care front. I think most people are pretty surprised by the wide spectrum (of cases).”

He says he and his partners—Dr. Jared Konie, Dr. Chad Tate, and Dr. Ralph Park—have a great collegial relationship, which is not always easy to find. “We work incredibly well together.

When we leave to enjoy those times with our families, we know when we come back, no one has missed a beat, and, if anyone needed any attention, they were in the best of hands.”

Create your memories here!

WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED FOR OVER 50 YEARS

P:785.842.4200 F:785.842.2871 Best of Lawrence 2022

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www.meadowbrookapartments.net

Westside 66

785-843-1878 | 2815 W 6th ST. Lawrence, KS 66049

A Big Thank You To

Douglas County Public Health, Emergency Management and the team at the fairgrounds for all their hard work.

Also

Boys and Girls Club, Lawrence Humane Society, Lawrence Public Library, the Lawrence Arts Center, Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, Parks and Recreation, LMH Health, the Journal-World, parade and festival committee members, city staff, and those who champion strong character and diversity.

Big thanks to past and current city commissioners for their vision, which helped form the city as it is today.

Thank you to all who make Lawrence the Best.

TOP 5 FROM...

05 SECTION

SERVICES Best of Lawrence 2022

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SERVICES

TOP BOTS

Perennial Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about what it takes to remain on top year after year.

Downtown Barber, Jay Amyx 1st - barber With its memorabilia-lined walls and black-and-white tile floors, there isn’t much you can take your eyes off of when walking into the Downtown Barber shop. Much like any Lawrence business, the shop’s charm and its ability to connect with the town’s revolving door of college youth have kept it open since 1987.

Jon Amyx, a third-generation barber, originally began Downtown Barber as a single-chair business. Twelve years later, his son, Jay, joined him in the business. Jay says being recognized by the community for another year is a great feeling.

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“We’re completely honored,” Jay says. “Well, that’s the short answer anyway.”

Jay attributes the business’s decades of success to the people who run the show—the barbers.

“We’re a pretty open book, being in the barber industry. We open ourselves up to customers, [so] in return they feel more comfortable,” Jay says. “We listen to people to help them feel comfortable enough to open up. We’re here to listen and make people feel good about themselves because we care.”

2nd - massage therapy (group/office) 2nd - day spa/wellness center 3rd - acupuncture 3rd - lisa lahm - massage therapist 5th - waxing/hair removal (business)

Since starting Body Specific in June 2013, co-owners Lisa Lahm and Leah Henderson have grown their business to include a diverse therapy team offering massage, chiropractic care, acupuncture, skin care and more.

Lahm, a licensed massage therapist with more than 20 years of experience, and Henderson, who runs the social media and marketing side of things, are enjoying their business in the community.

“It [Lawrence] has been a community that embraces a wellnessminded lifestyle. Massage Therapy isn’t viewed as a luxury; it is viewed as part of a healthy lifestyle,” Lahm says.

Lahm notes she and her team will continue to provide services that promote health and wellness.

Working or Service Animal: Shout-out to Cheeseburger, a K-9 officer with the Lawrence Police Department, and his handler and the whole K-9 unit for putting their lives on the line to keep our community safe.

Accountant/Accounting Firm: Sarah Williamson CPA has been a lifesaver for us with our accounting needs. She is always quick to respond to questions and is extremely proactive in making sure we stay on top of important tasks to keep us running smoothly.

HVAC: We recommend Dunco Heating & Cooling. We are always impressed with businesses that treat not only their customers well but also their employees.

W I N N E R S

co-owners Lisa Lahm and Leah Henderson

T H E

Body Specific

A N D

Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about mentors, colleagues and even competitors they admire.

A R E

. . .

SERVICES

ACCOUNTING/TAX CONSULTING (INDIVIDUAL) 1) Sarah Williamson, Sarah Williamson CPA LLC 2) Jerrad Humerickhouse, Humes Tax Service 3) Doni Mooberry, Mooberry Financial Management LLC 4) Ben Miller, Benjamin L. Miller, CPA, LLC 5) Sarah Dinges, Stonecreek Accounting ACCOUNTING/TAX CONSULTING FIRM 1) Hume’s Tax Service 2) Sarah Williamson CPA, LLC 3) The Roark Group, LLC 4) Terry M. Garrett, CPA 5) Kindred CPA, LLC ADVERTISING/MARKETING SERVICES 1) 3 Clever Broads 2) Allen Press, Inc. 3) Wildman Web Solutions 4) FASTSIGNS 5) Minuteman Press APPLIANCE REPAIR 1) Stoneback Appliance 2) Steve’s Appliance Repair 3) Price’s Appliance Repair 4) Ted’s Appliance Repair 5) Affordable Repair Service Co AUTO BODY REPAIR 1) Hite Collision Repair Center 2) Crown Automotive 3) Steve’s Auto Plaza Body Shop Inc. 4) Pearson Collision Repair Inc 5) Bryant Collision Repair AUTO SERVICE REPAIR 1) Westside 66 and Carwash 2) Dale & Ron’s Auto Service 3) Big O Tires 4) Crown Automotive 5) D & D Tire Inc. 5) Lawrence Automotive Diagnostics Inc. BANK 1) Central Bank of the Midwest 2) Truity Credit Union 3) Capitol Federal 4) Envista Credit Union 5) First State Bank and Trust BARBER 1) Downtown Barber Shop 2) Amyx Barber Shop North 3) Wildflower Hair Company 4) Rex’s Stadium Barber Shop 5) Mane Haus CAR WASH 1) Tommy’s Express Car Wash 2) Club Car Wash 3) Mr D’s Auto Wash 4) Auto Plaza Car Wash 5) Shucks Detailing CHILDCARE CENTER 1) Hilltop Child Development Center 2) Stepping Stones 3) Raintree Montessori School 4) Ms. Leslie’s Daycare 5) Edna A. Hill Child Development Center, KU CLEANING/MAID SERVICES 1) ECO Clean Ellie’s, Cleaning and Organization Service 2) Buckingham Palace Housecleaning 3) Marvelous Mom’s 4) Alison Yother 5) Tara’s Cleaning Services

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. . .

SERVICES

3rd - advertising/marketing services

Miles Bassett started Wildman Web Solutions in 2017 with the aim of helping small businesses implement technology.

After growing up in Lawrence and graduating from the University of Kansas, Bassett had done contract work as a software engineer for several large companies, such as Microsoft, IBM, and Sprint, to name a few. “I saw the power they had,” he says. “I wanted to make some of that technology more accessible to small businesses.”

We talk with Bassett over Zoom—a medium familiar to him, as his company works entirely remotely—and discuss what the future looks like in his area of expertise.

“If the Covid-19 pandemic was any indicator, the need for our industry is expanding more rapidly than ever,” he says. “Using technology to get your business online was hardly a foreign concept to most business owners a few years ago, but it seems to have moved out of the ‘nice to have’ category and into the ‘absolute must.’ We were already moving in this direction, as my team and I were noting years ago, but the pandemic and resulting shutdowns seem to have launched us roughly 5 years into the future in regard to small business technology requirements. The pressure on business owners to evolve and adapt along with the fast pace of technology development can be overwhelming.”

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T H E

Wildman Web Solutions

A N D

Best of Lawrence winners talk about changes they anticipate for themselves and their fields of expertise in the coming years.

W I N N E R S

A R E

From left: Miles Bassett, Anna Qualls, Mike Hannah

COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR 1) Alpha Roofing 2) B A Green Construction Co 3) ATEC Services, LLC 4) Jason Tanking Construction 5) Kennedy Glass COMPUTER REPAIR OR SERVICE 1) Doctor Dave Computer Repair 2) UNI Computers 3) Best Buy 4) DPI Inc. 5) Geek Squad CONSTRUCTION COMPANY 1) Construction Specialties 2) Mike Wedman Homes 3) Jason Tanking Construction 4) B A Green Construction Co 5) Natural Breeze Remodeling CREDIT UNION 1) Truity Credit Union 2) Envista Credit Union 3) Meritrust Credit Union 4) Mainstreet Credit Union 5) Midwest Regional Credit Union DRY CLEANER OR LAUNDRY 1) Scotch Fabric Care Services 2) Lawrence Laundromat 3) 31st Street Coin Laundry 4) Hygienic Dry Cleaners 5) Professional Laundry Services ELECTRICIAN COMPANY 1) Good Energy Solutions 2) Hemel Electric LLC 3) Mel Lisher Electric 4) Danielsan Electric 5) Lynn Electric & Communications Inc. ESTHETICIAN 1) Tiffanie Reed, Salon Di Marco & Day Spa 2) Whitney Pinegar, Sunflower Aesthetics 3) Andy Doll, Beauty Brands 4) Sally Bremenkamp, Good Skin, LLC 5) Madisyn Foster, Mad’s Lashes EVENT PLANNER 1) Carmen Hocking, A Beautiful Wedding 2) Libby Queen, Golf Course Superintendents Association Of America 3) Stacie Alldritt, Love In Lawrence Wedding Planning 4) Samantha Lenz, The Jayhawk Club 5) Nicole Blocker, More Than an Event FLOORING 1) Kring’s Interiors 2) Paradise Carpet One Floor & Home 3) Freedom Pine Woodworks LLC 4) Menards 5) Pod’s Discount Carpets HAIR SALON 1) Salon Di Marco & Day Spa 2) Mane Haus 3) Wildflower Hair Company 4) Paisley & Stripe West 5) Static Hair Salon HAIR STYLIST 1) Alex Cedeño, Paisley & Stripe West 2) Adrianne Morales-Jackson, Wildflower Hair Company 3) Jodi Ray, Wildflower Hair Company 4) Courtney Quirarte, Mane Haus 5) Sarah Easum, Mane Haus HANDYMAN 1) Billings Handyman Services, LLC 2) Shea Handyman Services 3) Greg Springer Handyman, Inc 4) Waters Handy Services 5) Rich Mohney, RM Handyman Services

F I R S T M A N A G E M E N T, I N C

ALL PROPERTIES ARE WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE TO CAMPUS

888 New Hampshire St, Suite D.

785.830.8800 • firstmanagementinc.com

SERVICES

We talk with people, businesses and groups making their first or return Top-5 finalist appearance.

NailCraft Lawrence,

3rd - Nail salon

owner Darien Kramer

“I’m essentially painting ten tiny canvases when I sit down with a client,” says Darien Kramer, who started NailCraft Lawrence in October of 2021. “It’s hard to not see this as a form of artistic expression,” she adds. After several years working in the food service industry, Kramer decided she wanted to be her own boss. “I was inspired by another great nail tech in town and one of my best friends, Kara Jean,” she says. Kramer got her license in cosmetology and now operates NailCraft Lawrence out of the Volume Lash & Hair Studio. Her customers are all people she has come to know well, and business has been so good in this first year that she does not have room to take new

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recurring clients. “Sometimes the open spots can get quite competitive,” she adds. Good business also means Kramer has more to do, however, and her first year “has been very busy with a lot of attention to detail,” she says. She has worked hard to find which nail products suit each client and to provide a clean and comfortable space. Running her own business also means she often has to take on several different roles at once.

“I am my own social media and marketing person, accountant, secretary and more,” she adds. However, Kramer believes it’s all worth it. “What seems like a small thing of getting your nails done can really change someone’s whole day,” she says.

owner Penny Strasser-Tuckel 4th - hair salon

In 2010, Jerry Jackson had a vision to open a hair salon in Overland Park, Kansas, that would highlight the creativity of its stylists. Jackson thought of the tag line before the salon’s name: “Hair is fabric, we are tailors.” Soon after this idea came about, the salon’s name, Paisley & Stripe, was born.

One year after the opening of the Overland Park location, Penny Strasser-Tuckel partnered with Jackson with a similar dream to “redefine the salon experience, for both clients and hairdressers.”

In May 2016, Strasser-Tuckel spearheaded the salon’s expansion in Lawrence and opened Paisley & Stripe West.

“It’s been a pleasure to work in the Lawrence community.

As I know most businesses around town feel, the culture is unbeatable,” Strasser-Tuckel says. “One of our favorite things is having the privilege to meet so many amazing people who aren’t actually from here.”

We regularly order India Palace and Ramen Bowls for lunch.

W I N N E R S

Paisley & Stripe West

T H E

Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about mentors, colleagues and even competitors they admire.

A R E

. . .

SERVICES

And, of course, stop in Ladybird Diner for some of the best coffee and pie.

A N D

We recommend all of our out-of-towners to walk Mass. Street and check out places like Wonder Fair and Raven Book Store.

HOME CONTRACTOR 1) Construction Specialties 2) Mike Wedman Homes 3) Natural Breeze Remodeling 4) Jason Tanking Construction 5) Apple Tree Homes, Inc. 5) Full Send LLC. HOME INSPECTOR 1) LaRue Inspection Service, LLC 2) Ad Astra Home Inspections 3) Brent Boyle 4) Sanger Home Inspections 5) McKinney Home Inspection HVAC SERVICE 1) Dunco Heating & Cooling 2) Advantage Heating and Air 3) Cloud Heating & Air Conditioning 4) Scott Temperature Equipment 5) A & H Air Conditioning & Heating INSURANCE AGENCY (OFFICE) 1) Kurt Goeser Agency - State Farm 2) CEK Insurance 3) The Sparke Agency, Farm Bureau Financial Services 4) American Family Insurance 5) Kristi R. Keefer Insurance Agency, Inc. INSURANCE AGENT (INDIVIDUAL) 1) Kurt Goeser, State Farm 2) Ryan Sparke, Farm Bureau Financial Services 3) Justin Moravec, American Family Insurance 4) Dee Jay Flummerfelt, American Family Insurance 5) Kristi R. Keefer, Farmers Insurance INTERIOR DESIGNER 1) Sarah Kellogg of Construction Specialties 2) Kring’s Interiors 3) KB Painting, LLC 4) Winfield House 5) Christine Julian LANDSCAPING SERVICE 1) Lawrence Landscape 2) Turf Masters Inc. 3) Schendel Lawn and Landscape 4) Pine Landscape Center 5) Clinton Parkway Nursery LAW FIRM 1) Stevens & Brand, LLP 2) Barber Emerson, LC 3) Fagan & Emert, LLC 4) Riling, Burkhead & Nitcher, CHTD 5) Petefish, Immel, Heeb & Hird, LLP LAWYER 1) Amy Durkin, Stevens & Brand, LLP 2) Brennan Fagan, Fagan & Emert, LLC 3) Calvin J. Karlin, Barber Emerson, LC 4) John Frydman, John Frydman Defense 5) Bethany J. Roberts, Barber Emerson, L.C. MORTGAGE BROKER/LOAN ORIGINATOR (INDIVIDUAL) 1) Hannah Blodgett, Bank Midwest 2) Amy Newell, Truity Credit Union 3) Danielle Hugunin, Bank Midwest 4) Diane Fry, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation 5) Hakan Wildcat, Guardian Mortgage MOVING COMPANY 1) Professional Moving & Storage 2) PDS Professional Delivery Services 3) Ebony & Ivory Moving Services 4) College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving 5) Starving Artists Moving

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SERVICES

BOL Blue Bot receives a fitting from Holly McComas (left) and Melanie Freeman-Dietz (right) while Christine Ashburn (front right) checks the height of BOL Pink Bot.

TOP BOTS

Perennial Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about what it takes to remain on top year after year.

Sew Forth Alterations & Tuxedo Rental Originally known as “The Shop,” Sew Forth Alterations began its journey in 1979 on 19th and Massachusetts streets. In 1990, The Shop became known as Aneita’s Alterations and continued on Iowa Street until Aneita passed away in 2018. With a hope to keep the family business alive, Aneita’s niece, Melanie Freeman-Dietz, stepped in to carry on the family sewing tradition.

Since her takeover, Freeman-Dietz says she is honored to be nominated in this year’s Best of Lawrence.

“It’s really flattering to know that people are out there voting for us,” she says. “It feels good to make a difference through sewing.”

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1st - Sewing/Alterations/Embroidery

Interacting with the community daily and making others feel good in their clothing are some of the main reasons she appreciates the job.

“We want to be a welcoming environment for people.

We want them to be comfortable in their own clothing, and that’s a big part of what we do,” she says. “One of my favorite things is seeing the brides come in and the prom dresses … we see all of these beautiful dresses, and when they finally fit and they’re ready for their big day … it’s those special moments when a dress finally looks like it belongs to them. That’s what I love about this job.”

1st - Accounting/Tax Consulting 2nd - Accounting/Tax Consulting Firm For the past 12 years, Sarah Williamson has assisted thousands of Lawrence clients who have sought her financial advice.

“I believe you should only work with people you enjoy being around—my clients are now my friends,” Williamson says. “Each time we meet, although sometimes it is just once a year, we enjoy the conversation and each other’s company.”

Williamson says her specialty lies in connecting and growing with local businesses.

“I love seeing local businesses succeed and grow, especially those I have assisted from their inception.”

In the future, Williamson foresees herself and other Lawrence businesses continuing to adapt to increased automation and advanced technology. Despite this shift, Williamson says she hopes others will remember the importance of one-on-one customer interactions.

“With this shift, businesses should not lose sight of personalized service. Automation through technology will increase efficiencies, but quality customer service will need to remain a priority. A mix of both will be the winning combination for a successful business,” she says. “Lawrence is and will continue to thrive in the future. I am so excited to be a part of it and serve Lawrence for many years to come.”

T H E

Sarah Williamson, CPA LLC

A N D

Best of Lawrence winners talk about changes they anticipate for themselves and their fields of expertise in the coming years.

W I N N E R S

A R E

. . .

SERVICES

NAIL SALON 1) Salon Di Marco & Day Spa 2) Salon Lotus 3) NailCraft Lawrence at Volume 4) Elite Nails 5) Lux Nails PAINTING SERVICE 1) KB Painting, LLC 2) Construction Specialties 3) Midwest Painting and Resurfacing 4) Renaissance Painting 5) J Mendez Construction PEST CONTROL 1) Haley Pest Control 2) Schendel Pest Control 3) Laser One Pest Management 4) Midwest Exterminators 5) Bracciano Pest Control PET CARE/GROOMING 1) Pawsh Wash 2) Absolute Pawfection Pet Salon 3) Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital 4) Clinton Parkway Animal Hospital 5) EarthWise Pet Supply & Grooming PHOTOGRAPHER 1) Blair Jennifer Photography 2) Moriah Ruth Photography 3) Drone Lawrence 4) Jeff Burkhead, Backstory Photography 5) The Crystal Image Studio PLUMBER 1) Action Plumbing 2) Blue Duck Plumbing 3) Peace of Mind Plumbing 4) Jim Bost Plumbing 5) Advanced Plumbing PRINTING SERVICE 1) Allen Press, Inc. 2) Minuteman Press 3) Copy Co 4) FASTSIGNS 5) Printing Solutions 5) Pro-Print PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY 1) Cherry Hill Properties 2) Midwest Property Management 3) Lawrence Property Management LLC 4) Pinnacle Woods Apartments 5) First Management REAL ESTATE AGENCY 1) McGrew Real Estate 2) Stephens Real Estate Inc. 3) Keller Williams Integrity 4) American Dream Realty 5) Northrop Team RE/MAX REALTOR 1) Nicholas Lerner, McGrew Real Estate 2) Holly Garber, American Dream Realty 3) Bailey Stuart, McGrew Real Estate 4) Theresa Seiwald, Keller Williams Integrity 5) Tom Harper, Stephens Real Estate ROOFING COMPANY 1) Alpha Roofing, LLC 2) K S R Roofing 3) Free State Roofing 4) Garrison Roofing 5) Mesler Roofing & Exteriors SEWING/ALTERATIONS/EMBROIDERY 1) Sew Forth Alterations & Tuxedo Rental 2) Kathy’s Alterations 3) Two Freckled Frogs 4) Holman Needle & Ink 5) Kim’s Sewing and Alterations

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SERVICES

We talk with people, businesses and groups making their first or return Top-5 finalist appearance.

ECO Clean Ellie’s,

1st - Cleaning/Maid Services

owner Ellie Mason

When Ellie Mason founded ECO Clean Ellie’s in May of 2020, she did not foresee it becoming the business it is today. “I started this business kind of by accident,” she says.

After getting laid off from her job at a manufacturing company early in the pandemic, Mason decided to try following in the footsteps of her mother and aunt, who used to operate a cleaning service in the area together. “I went to Dollar Tree and bought $62 worth of cleaning supplies, rounded up a bunch of my friends, and we started doing student turnovers,” says Mason. After turnovers ended, Mason began advertising via word of mouth and on the “Live Love Local Lawrence” Facebook group. After getting more and more business,

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Mason realized she might be on to something and obtained her LLC in July 2021. She also hired an experienced homecleaner as a consultant to help her understand the residential side of business. “I did fine with the commercial stuff, and the turnovers and move outs and all that,” she says. “But residential is a whole different beast.” Mason’s business has grown considerably since its inception, and now it has a dedicated administrative office and around a dozen employees. Mason also is engaged in giving back to the local community. “I partner with a charitable organization called Cleaning for a Reason,” she says. “When I get a cancer patient in my zip code, they send me an email and we do free cleanings for that cancer patient.”

A N D

T H E

W I N N E R S

A R E

. . .

SERVICES

STAFFING AGENCY 1) JobLink Cottonwood Inc. 2) Express Employment Professionals 3) Adecco Staffing 4) Manpower 5) Westaff T-SHIRT OR SCREEN PRINTING 1) Acme 2) River Rat Print & Skate 3) Holman Needle & Ink 4) Blue Collar Press 5) Lawrence Shirt Factory TANNING 1) Ultimate Tan and Spa 2) Sun Tan City 3) Mango Tan 4) Crunch Fitness - Lawrence 5) Beauty Brands 5) Body Boutique 5) Endless Summer Tan TATTOO ARTIST 1) Steven Bridgman, BDC Tattoos and Piercings 2) Erin Bratzler, Abraxas Tattoo 3) Carlos Ransom, Abraxas Tattoo 4) Holly Hackney, Standard Electric Tattooing 5) Emma Swendson, Abraxas Tattoo TAXI/LIMOUSINE/RIDE SERVICE 1) KU Safe Ride 2) Shannon McCoy, SDM Transportation 3) Affordable Limousine Services 3) Senior Wheels 5) GTS (Ground Transportation Services) Lawrence TRAVEL AGENT (INDIVIDUAL) 1) Amanda Storm, Amanda’s Travels 2) Lauren Pomeroy, AAA Travel 3) Taylor Hanna-Peterson, Key to the World Travel 4) Carmen Hocking, Island Dreams Travel 5) Dorothy Pogge, Travel Leaders TREE SERVICE 1) Lawrence Arborists 2) Shamrock Tree Service Inc. 3) Kansas Tree Care 4) San Marco + French Tree Service, LLC 5) Forest Keepers Tree Care

www.bgclk.org

VENUE COORDINATOR 1) Jesse Rice, Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering and Arterra Event Gallery 2) Jennifer Burkhead, Cider Gallery 3) Kiley Nottingham, Abe & Jake’s Landing 4) Mike Logan, The Granada, The Bottleneck 5) Samantha Lenz, The Jayhawk Club VETERINARY CLINIC 1) Clinton Parkway Animal Hospital 2) Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital 3) Animal Hospital of Lawrence 4) Lewis Veterinary Clinic 5) Jarrett Small Animal Clinic, PA WAXING/HAIR REMOVAL 1) Salon Di Marco & Day Spa 2) Wax Bar Lawrence 3) Beauty Brands 4) Volume Lash & Hair Studio 5) Body Specific

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785-841-5672

Thank you for giving us your vote!

The real thank you goes to all the families giving us the opportunity to mentor your kids. It’s the BEST!!

stepping

stones

SERVICES

Providing 35 years of quality care and education for children 2 months -11 years.

Thank you for your votes!

Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about mentors, colleagues and even competitors they admire.

Drone Lawrence,

co-owners Nathan Mize and Seth Sanchez 3rd - photographer

785-843-5919 steppingstones-childcare.org

After graduating in 2018 from KU with a degree in strategic communications, Nathan Mize founded Drone Lawrence. Later that year, Mize collaborated with Seth Sanchez on a project, and the rest is history.

“We love working in the Lawrence community,” Sanchez says. “One weekend we are flying over a National Championship Parade in Downtown Lawrence, and the next it’s a field burn on the outskirts of Douglas County.”

Sanchez, originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, found his way to Lawrence to study at KU. He first joined Mize with a role in sales but was later promoted to co-owner in 2020 for his savvy social media skills and passion for the business.

“We are honored to showcase the best views of Lawrence from ‘far above the golden valley,’” Sanchez says.

Free State Brewing Co.: “One of our very first clients, Free State played a major role in bringing Drone Lawrence together.”

Memorial Campanile: “The most photographed item in Drone Lawrence history, the campanile dominates the Lawrence and campus skyline in stunning fashion.”

Phoenix Art Gallery: “Our favorite gallery in town!

There is always something new and unique to see.”

(785) 749-2800 www.manpower.com

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LAWRENCE, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU IN THE MOMENTS THAT MATTER Whatever you want. Whenever you need.

Envista Online is at your fingertips.

Envistacu.com

5 BEST REALTOR

CONGRATULATIONS

ON TOP

BAILEY STUART

NICHOLAS LERNER

785-766-7840 BAILEYSTUART@ASKMCGREW.COM

785-766-5613 NICHOLAS@ASKMCGREW.COM

THANK YOU

Lawrence!

TOP 5

REAL ESTATE AGENCY

AskMcGrew.com

TOP 5 FROM...

06 SECTION

ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE Best of Lawrence 2022

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ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE

Chase Westheffer with Blue BOL Bot

We talk with people, businesses and groups making their first or return Top-5 finalist appearance.

Venue 1235 Chase Westheffer and his family officially opened Venue 1235 in September 2021, but their story with the North Lawrence location goes back much further than that. In 1969, the family-owned Westheffer Company built the warehouse and began renting it to various tenants over the years. Recently, after the last tenant left, the warehouse was used for a wedding and then a music concert—and the idea of an event venue was born. “It was kind of a wholefamily idea,” says Westheffer. “We made the decision to actually put the money into it and build the bar and the addition with more bathrooms.” After an opening delayed by the pandemic, Venue 1235 has hosted a variety of events,

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5th - event venue

including weddings, corporate functions, and even concerts.

Westheffer’s previous experience has been useful for this venture; he already had a general contracting license and had studied finance at the University of Kansas. “I had the frameworks for how to start and run a business,” says Westheffer. “It all kind of fell in line there.” While Westheffer says his family frequently helps out, he still has plenty to do to manage the business. “Being the owner, I do a little bit of everything,” he says. “It depends what day—landscaper, bartender, janitor, you know. But it’s been a fun process, and I’m a very outgoing person. I like being around crowds of people, so the job fits.”

Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about mentors, colleagues and even competitors they admire.

Ann Dean

A R E

. . .

ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE

Community historians such as James Barnes, Ursula Minor Barnes and Kwam Dowdell all provided guidance and expertise on local history and on interviewing people to create oral histories that have formed the basis of some of Dean’s projects.

Supportive institutions such as Humanities Kansas, the Dole Institute of Politics, the KU School of Business and the Lawrence Arts Center.

T H E

Fellow photographers Earl Richardson, James Roper, Meg Heimovics Kumin and Mark Hutchinson. Dean says Richardson is simply “the best photographer around.” She praises Roper for the scope of his projects and the beauty he brings to his shoots, and Meg Heimovics Kumin for creating “work that I absolutely adore.” Dean says Mark Hutchinson, who hired her as his assistant when she first began and women photographers were much less common, championed her career and mentored her with patience and freedom to develop her own style.

A N D

Ann Dean began her photography career some 17 years ago, when digital was claiming ascendancy over film. “The whole format of photography has changed,” notes Dean, “but film photography is really coming back, especially with young people.”

Some of that credit has to go to Dean, who teaches film photography and development at Lawrence Arts Center and creates images known for their examination of light and how it can elevate a viewer’s understanding and appreciation for often overlooked scenes of beauty.

One of her current projects, an Arts Center photography class seeking to document overlooked aspects and landmarks of Lawrence history, is an extension of that approach.

“We’re trying to find and take images that represent the underrepresented communities in Lawrence that have a rich history.”

Dean says several people have helped and influenced her work, including the following:

W I N N E R S

4th - Artist - Photography/Digital media

ARTIST (PAINTING/SCULPTING) 1) John Sebelius 2) Julie Hammer 3) Alycia Earhart 4) Ursula Jane Minor 5) Amanda Wells ARTIST (PHOTOGRAPHY/DIGITAL MEDIA) 1) Griffin Hastings 2) Jeff Burkhead 3) Trina Baker 4) Ann Dean 5) Nathan Mize BAR 1) Louise’s Bar Downtown 2) John Brown’s Underground 3) The Sandbar 4) Red Lyon Tavern 5) Free State Brewing Company BARTENDER 1) Dante Colombo, John Brown’s Underground 2) Justin Kogl, The Sandbar (in memoriam) 3) Adam Lott, The Bougeois Pig 4) Chance Penner, Replay Lounge 5) Rob Dover, Empire Bar & Billiards BEER SELECTION (RESTAURANT/BAR) 1) Free State Brewing Company 2) Merchants Pub & Plate 3) Lawrence Beer Company 4) 23rd Street Brewery 5) Fields & Ivy Brewery BREWERY 1) Free State Brewing Company 2) Lawrence Beer Company 3) Fields & Ivy Brewery 4) 23rd Street Brewery 5) Black Stag Brewery & Pub DRAG KING/QUEEN 1) Deja Brooks 2) Novacayne 3) MsAmanda Love 4) Raven Jade Von’Du 5) Micha Anne EVENT VENUE 1) Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering 2) Liberty Hall 3) Abe & Jake’s Landing 4) Cider Gallery 5) Venue 1235 HAPPY HOUR 1) 715 Restaurant 2) 6 Mile Chop House & Tavern 3) Mass St. Fish House & Raw Bar 4) Merchants Pub & Plate 5) 23rd Street Brewery LOCAL BAND 1) Kim and The Quake 2) Soundwave 3) The Sluts 4) The Unfit Wives 5) ThunderKat PERFORMANCE - MUSICAL (IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL) 1) Lawrence PRIDE, Presented by I Heart Local Music (Multiple Locations) 2) Showtime, Lawrence High School 3) Cell Block Tango/Chicago, Theatre Lawrence 4) Elf: The Musical, Theatre Lawrence 5) Encore, Free State High School

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TOP BOTS

Novacayne,

The King of Lawrence It’s early in the morning—not the usual time for drag artist performances—but nonetheless Novacayne, The King of Lawrence, arrives at the photoshoot looking dapper in a bespoke tuxedo, blazing crown-motif cufflinks, and Oxford dress shoes with gold embellishments.

Novacayne’s ability to bring this combination of energy and detailed style to his appearances has propelled him to become one of the region’s leading kings. Originally from Lyons and coming through Wichita to Lawrence, Novacayne has built up a repertoire of cabaret, ballad, and comedy routines that he adjusts for the ages of his audience and the venues where he performs—and behind each show are hours of rehearsal, costume preparation, and travel.

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Perennial Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about what it takes to remain on top year after year.

2nd - drag king/queen

“I think most people don’t realize the time and sacrifice that go into just going out for a couple of hours to perform a show,” Novacayne says. But the reward of performing is what keeps this king going.

“I can be super-tired, but as soon as the music starts—it’s pure adrenaline,” Novacayne says. “I try to connect with at least one person on each song, and it only takes a moment to connect with somebody and do something meaningful. I think I have been able to gather love and appreciation for what I do … because even if someone is having a terrible day or a terrible time, they can go out and maybe enjoy what I do for an hour or two and look back and go, ‘You know what, that was such a great time.’”

ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE

Best of Lawrence winners talk about changes they anticipate for themselves and their fields of expertise in the coming years.

Theatre Lawrence,

executive director Mary Doveton 3rd - performance/musical - cell block tango/chicago 4th - performance/musical - Elf:The Musical 3rd - performance/theatre - girl on the train 4th - performance/theatre - The Ballad of Black Jack 5th - performance/theatre - And Then There Were None Mary Doveton, the outgoing head of Lawrence’s community theater, has been with the group since she helped found it in 1977.

“It has grown much bigger than I ever could imagine,” she says. “We went from a meeting held back at the old Carnegie building where we put together a kitty of $500; to a traveling group performing at parks, homes, the TeePee Junction, and anywhere; to our old building on New Hampshire; and now to our beautiful facility operating on a million-dollar budget.”

Drawing on her years of experience, Doveton predicts these developments: More diversity on stage follows a recent trend of staging thoughtful socialcommentary productions and continues with the coming year in which headliners include the LGBTQ+-affirming musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Doveton believes that more diverse productions, in turn, support a more diverse cast and attract a more diverse audience.

More actor training for potential actors of all ages. Although Theatre Lawrence has had strong children’s programs for many years, they are increasing youth classes and performances, some of which will be more challenging opportunities such as a musical production for high schoolers. “We’re also offering more adult classes, from acting to dancing,” Doveton says. “We are finding a lot of people would like to do theater but don’t know where to start.”

Creative solutions to real-world problems will be an increasing necessity.

Even though performances seek to transport an audience to other worlds and places, they are grounded by market costs. For example, “lumber and steel costs are so high it makes it hard to construct sets, so in the near future you will see more projections and lighting on stage,” says Doveton. “But the great thing about theater is that it adapts; our life is one big improv.”

Best of Lawrence 2022

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ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE

John Sebelius adds some artistic touches to Blue BOL Bot

TOP BOTS

Perennial Best of Lawrence finalists and winners talk about what it takes to remain on top year after year.

John Sebelius A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and the University of Kansas, John Sebelius has lived in Lawrence 14 years, creating and exhibiting work in many capacities as an interdisciplinary artist. He has been selected by the Kansas City NFL team to create customized cleats for the charity project My Cause, My Cleats and has developed an arts program for military veterans suffering from PTSD. For the past four years, he has been the artist-in-residence at the University of Kansas’ Cofrin Logan Center for Addiction Research and Treatment.

Sebelius says the following guidelines allow him to continue developing his creative talent: Choose intriguing projects “Whether it’s apparel design, public murals, short docs, or painting commissions, finding the uniqueness in each project pushes me to create more,” he notes.

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Best of Lawrence 2022

1st - Artist- Painting/Sculpting

Accept rejection “Persistence, especially when working with collectors and organizations, helps,” Sebelius advises. “Apply for everything! Rejection comes with working in the creative arts. Don’t let it define or intimidate you from trying something new. Some of my greatest mistakes and rejections have led to my proudest artistic accomplishments.”

Seek out the new through collaborations and experiments “Establishing collaborative relationships with other artists who inspire me and experimenting with different mediums in art allow me individual freedom when approaching a new creative project,” Sebelius writes. “I’m always more focused on looking to future growth than worrying about repeating past work.”

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ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE

PERFORMANCE - THEATER (IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL) 1) Transformations Charity Gala 2022 at Liberty Hall 2) Lawrence PRIDE, Presented by I Heart Local Music (Multiple Locations) 3) The Girl on the Train, Theatre Lawrence 4) The Ballad of Black Jack, Theatre Lawrence 5) And Then There Were None, Theatre Lawrence PLACE TO GET A BLOODY MARY 1) The Roost 2) Louise’s West 3) Louise’s Bar Downtown 4) Ladybird Diner 5) 6 Mile Chop House and Tavern PLACE TO GET A MARGARITA 1) Cielito Lindo 2) El Potro Mexican Cafe 3) Molcajete’s Lawrence 4) Rusty Taco 5) Taco Zone Caring for people with age related issues from memory care to physical needs in a beautiful residential setting.

We focus on the individual needs and preferences of each resident to develop a care plan that enriches their life while providing support to both the resident and the resident’s family.

PLACE TO GET A MIXED DRINK/COCKTAIL (RESTAURANT/BAR) 1) John Brown’s Underground 2) 715 Restaurant 3) 6 Mile Chop House & Tavern 4) The Bourgeois Pig 5) Merchants Pub & Plate PRIVATE MUSIC INSTRUCTOR 1) Michael Hamm 2) Matthew Mulnix 3) Dylan Bassett 4) Sarah Niileksela 5) Kelley Hunt 5) Linda Tilton

Visit www.neuvanthouse.com for more info.

Assisted Living | Memory Care

SOLO MUSICIAN 1) Perry Lockwood 2) Jordan Tucker 3) SILENT AVE, Tyler Vann 4) Michael Hamm 5) Martin Farrell Jr.

DINE IN & OUTSIDE PATIO AVAILABLE

STORE TO BUY BEER 1) Cork & Barrel Wine and Spirits 2) On The Rocks 3) Alvin’s Wine & Spirits 4) Roy’s Wine & Spirits 5) Micro Liquor STORE TO BUY LIQUOR 1) Cork & Barrel Wine and Spirits 2) On the Rocks 3) Alvin’s Wine & Spirits 4) City Wine Market 5) Roy’s Wine & Spirits STORE TO BUY WINE 1) Cork & Barrel Wine and Spirits 2) On The Rocks 3) City Wine Market 4) Alvin’s Wine & Spirits 5) Crescent Moon Winery 5) Roy’s Wine & Spirits WINE LIST (RESTAURANT/BAR) 1) 715 Restaurant 2) Merchants Pub & Plate 3) 6 Mile Chop House & Tavern 4) J. Wilson’s 5) Eldridge House Grille

Thank you for voting us Best of Lawrence for the last 9 years!

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Best of Lawrence 2022

Home | Re-imagined 1216 Biltmore Drive Lawrence, Kansas 785-856-7900

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Retired but Still Beloved story by Stephen Dahlberg | photography by Carter Gaskins In April, Rick Atwell finished his last repair job, hung up his wrench, and retired from Mass. Street Automotive at 19th and Mass. Rick owned and operated the repair shop, a well-known stop for Lawrence car owners, for several decades.

I tip my hat to the many fine mechanics in town. I discovered Rick around 1990 when I first began buying inexpensive older cars on a tight budget. I’m not sure how I found him initially, other than the fact I lived in East Lawrence at the time and he was the closest. He has been my mechanic for more than three decades.

He’s great about answering questions, and sometimes, if I happened to be there at the end of the day, we’d talk for a while. We had sprawling conversations that started off about mechanics and went from there. I told him about my dad being a gearhead and his dream of one day restoring a 1950s Cadillac (Rick had been restoring classic cars for his brother outside of work hours). He would describe oddball problems he’d solved over the years. Fast forward 20 minutes, and we might be talking about how quantum computers work or the latest discoveries in microbiology. Then we’d bring it back to the here and now.

Rick has a quiet air of humility and self-deprecation, with a wry sense of “exasperation comedy” I find endearing. He’s patient and insightful. He has a penetrating intelligence combined with a let’s-just-find-the-simplest-solution approach. He installed a lift in the second garage bay mostly by himself; he excavated the pit, installed the lift, poured the concrete, and saved a ton of money.

He is hard working and incredibly generous. Many in Lawrence share stories about him working past closing time or going the extra mile when they were truly in a bind. For example, I hit some debris on the highway one night. The damage caused a grinding noise when I turned my wheels to the right, so I was stressed, imagining expensive repairs. I took a chance and swung by Rick’s late the next morning, and he came out and listened to my description of the issue. I was prepared for him to tell me to bring it in later. Instead, he just asked for the keys. He put the car on the lift and took a look while I chatted with him from the garage entrance. About 15 minutes later, he lowered the car and backed it out, saying, “You’re good to go.”

What a surprise! He said the right front plastic mudguard had been deformed and was impinging on the wheel, so he simply sawed off the small offending portion. I asked him how much I owed him, and he said I didn’t owe him anything. I said, “Rick! You took time to put it up on your lift and you fixed it. I need to give you something.” He said, “Don’t worry about it.”

Your many satisfied customers will miss you, Rick. Thank you for your service in this community for so many years and enjoy your hard-earned retirement, my friend.

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Best of Lawrence 2022

MORE GOODBYES A few other longtime Lawrence business owners also decided to retire this past year.

Among them:

• Jane Bateman, The Interiors Store • Dave Bach, Das Autohaus • Tom Conroy, Conroy’s Pub • Cynthia Trask, The Blackbird Trading Post

Thank you, Lawrence!

Meritrust Credit Union 2022 Best of Lawrence Honoree Meritrust Credit Union is proud to join with other Lawrence businesses and organizations to support and serve the growing community, including our continued partnership with Kansas Athletics.

We're committed to making Lawrence the best place to live, learn and work.

FIND US ONLINE: meritrustcu.org

VISIT OUR BRANCH: 650 Congressional Dr Ste A Lawrence, KS 66049

GIVE US A CALL: 785.856.7878

THANK YOU for voting us The Best in Lawrence since 2012!

Kent T. Peterson, DDS • Matthew F. Krische, DDS • Keith D. Van Horn, DDS

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