April 2024

This top ranking is something to sneeze at

The Active Age

There's apparently no place like Wichita to experience that sniffling, sneezing, itchy, runny nose and watery eyes feeling. For the second year in a row, the city has been named the most challenging place in the United States to live with seasonal allergies by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

But there are a few things you can do about it.

The 2024 report on “Allergy Capitals” based its findings on our higher-than-average tree and grass pollen, higher-than-average allergy medicine use and lower-than-average number of board-certified allergists and immunologists. The nation’s 100 most populated metro areas were ranked.

The report notes that pollen

See Allergies, page 6

True Blue

Century II dome nears restoration

By Joe Stumpe

Saved by concerned citizens from possible demolition, Century II is starting to look like its old self again. Make that its new self.

Restoration work on the downtown landmark’s iconic blue dome is nearly done, with completion expected by the end of summer. Nearly

gone is the pale turquiose shade that’s loomed over the convention and performing arts center in recent decades, replaced by a vibrant blue hue that seems to melt into the sky at times.

“We knew the original intent was for a sky-blue color,” said Brad Teeter of SPT Architecture, who

worked on the roof plan. “When we did some tear-off, we found some of that original color. We’re closer to that color than to what everybody’s seen for the last few years.”

Teeter said he thinks the roof was last painted at least 20 years ago.

The work underway now is more than just a paint job, as it involved stripping off the roof and insulation down to the concrete, he said. “It’s a whole new roof system, with like a 25year warranty,” Teeter said.

The $5 million job is drawing raves from the same people who’ve criticized the city’s handling of Century II in the past.

“I think the roof looks marvelous, just the way it pops,” said Celeste Racette, who leads the Save Century II organization. “I’ve already been sent lots of pictures from people flying over Wichita who just love the way it looks.”

The dome renovation is part of $18 million in capital improvements to Century II that the City Council approved in 2022. Of that, about

See Century II, page 7

New season, new looks

Meet the winners of The Active Age’s Spring Makeover Contest

By Bonnie Bing

Like a spring shower, requests came pouring in for the Active Age’s Spring Makeover Contest. To make it happen, hair stylists and makeup artists at three salons gave three lucky contestants a new hairstyle and fresh makeup techniques.

Here are before-and-after photos, what the stylists had to say and how the women felt about the results.

Sheila Hiebert, 80, wanted a new look when she participates in a ballroom dance showcase this summer with her husband, Lyle.

Hair stylist Melissa Tinker at Eric Fisher Salon added highlights and lowlights to her hair while still keeping it natural and low maintenance. She added layers to the cut and took some weight out of the

bottom that gave it a new shape.

Makeup artist Amber Zaman, also at Eric Fisher, started by shaping and filling in Hiebert’s eyebrows. “The brows are important because they frame the face,” Zaman said.

Zaman put cool, damp pads under Hiebert’s eyes to help reduce bags and catch eyeshadow. With brown tones in light shades under her brows and

concealer under her eyes, Hiebert’s eyes looked bigger and brighter. Add foundation, blush, lip liner and lipstick in a darker shade than Sheila usually wears, and voila!

See Makeover, page 3

Photos by Bonnie Bing Marci Williamson was one of three winners of The Active Age's makeover contest. She's shown before and after sessions with a hair stylist and makeup artist.

Courtesy photo

Renovation of Century II's trademark blue dome is nearly done.

Inside: Wichita's most dangerous intersections

Makeover

From Page 1

“Oh, I’m just so impressed,” Hiebert said of her new look. “A little help does a lot. You two are geniuses!”

Dixie LaBrue, 78, wanted a makeover to feel better about herself and impress her children.

Pamela Cutler at Salon Knotty did LaBrue’s hair and makeup.

During a brief consultation, LaBrue explained that she would love a hairstyle that would make it look like she has thicker hair. She also wanted to be able to style it herself.

Cutler didn’t trim a lot of LaBrue’s hair but re-shaped it into a style that would be easy for her to maintain. She added auburn highlights all over but not so much that it would be a problem when it grew out. Cutler explained that the chemical in color swells the hair and gives it more manageability. She chose auburn to enhance LaBrue's blue eyes.

Labrue’s eyebrows were shaped and tinted and foundation was used to cover uneven skin tones, contour and highlight. Lighter shades were applied to the forehead, top of the nose and around the eyes to brighten and draw attention to those areas. Darker tones contoured the jawline and cheekbones.

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A copper brown shimmery eyeshadow added a bit of glamour while lip liner and lipstick made the lips appear fuller.

“Oh, my goodness,” LaBrue said. “I feel like a new person. My hair is the biggest change. I really like it!”

Before After

Marci Williamson, 67, grew up with a mom who didn’t let her and her sisters wear makeup. The first thing she wanted to do after the makeover was text her grandson a photo of her new look.

She was eager to learn makeup tips and have a shorter hairstyle but gave Tamara Miller, a hairstylist at Charisma, full rein to do what she thought would be best.

Miller’s first step was putting highlights around Williamson’s face. Then she cut her hair to collarbone length. “I feel like I just lost ten pounds!” Williamson said.

Layering added volume to her hair,

which has some natural curl. Miller thought this length would be good during the summer when Marci could still pull it up during hot weather.

Fringy bangs delighted Williamson, who said she had wanted bangs for a long time.

Jessica Barragan did Williamson’s makeup. She applied primer first, then a lightweight foundation and concealer on areas that needed lightening. She blended darker tones for contouring

and used light pink eyeshadow and warm brown tones on the lids with darker brown in the crease. She added subtle shimmer to her face and mascara finished the fresh new look.

“Wow! I really like it,” Williamson said. “I finally have bangs! I think my grandson will be impressed!”

Contact Bonnie Bing at bingbylines@ gmail.com.

Photos by Bonnie Bing

Dixie LaBrue, left, and Sheila Hiebert are shown in their before-andafter photos.

Dixie Labrue

Sheila Hiebert

Juanita Albrecht

Ginny Alden

Ema Lou Atherly

Carol Ball

Joann Baptiste

Julie Barth

Gary Barton

Karen Baxter

Kay Beauchesne

Donna Becker Lane Becker

Robert Bequette

Shirley Bessette

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Robert Blake

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Scott Brummett

Carla Burgardt

Jana Abbott

Susan Addington

Mary Aldridge

Willard Ashcraft

Don Awtrey

Janice Bailey

Jerry Baumann

Terry A. Blair

Marilyn Boewe

Susan Bourland

Bridget Bowman

Anna Brady

Marilyn Brzon

Joseph Burnette

La'tisha Burns

Barbara Carlson

Bill Carroll

Frances Caliendo

Jerry Calkins

Janice Claassen

Sharon Clark

Carolyn Combs

William Cook

Donna Coonrod

Booker Counts

Michael Coup

Patricia Crowe

Judy Cuellar

Jeanne Cummin

Marvel

Gorges

Tony Catanese

Mary Kay Catlin

Richard Cook

Carol Copeland

David Crane E. Viola Crouse

Katherine Davis

Janice Decker Kathleen Dye

Robert Fitzthum

Patricia Flack

Debra Fleitz

Ronald Floyd

Robin Foley

Larry Frutiger

Jeanette Graber Hortense Grant

Isabelle Gray Pat Haines Tim Hanna

Karen Harman

Cindy Harms

Raymond Harris

Larry Hart

Jeanine Hathaway

Mary Hawley

Barbara Hillier

Ruth Hinshaw

Carol Hoffer

Pamela Holland

Robert Holsey

Toni Hughes

Wilma Hunt

Honor Roll of Donors

Phillip Gamble

Jo Lin Gardner

Donald Gattis

Karen Gilchrist

Nina Gunter

James Hattan

James Hauserman

Sandy Hayden Susan Hill Clinton Hinman Deanna Hoover Donald Hull Gladie Irwin

Jodie Jeck

Sally Jones

Jane & Bob Knight

Therese Lair

S.K. Lambing

Kay Larson

Shirlene LeBleu

Dale Maltbie

Ernest Manny III

Rosemary Martin

Marietta Mason

Donald Moody

Constance Musgrave

Steven Overstreet

Dwight Oxley

Donna Pierce

Paul Price

Marie Prochazka

Nancy Hunter

Lajuan Hutcherson

R. Elena Ingle

Catherine Janzen

Janice Kelly

Joyce Kidwell

Analene Klassen

Ronald Knepp

Jerry Lee

James Leiszler

Virginia Linden

Geraldine Loehr

Nancy Love

Darlene Lowther

Mary Lucas

Janet Malcom

Gwenda Markham

Marlene Markley

Pat Schwartz

Karen Shideler

Carolyn Smith Edward Stucky

Kathleen Stucky

Carol Sutcliffe

Connie Tangeman

Kent Thompson

Gary Ubben

Douglas Ward

Bill Warren

Susan Wickiser

Diana Wolfe

Nancy Wolford

Lynda Woods

These readers recently contributed $50 or more to the 2024 donation campaign.

Call Broc Whitehead,Wichita Bankruptcy Lawyer at (316) 263-6500 for

Timothy Marlar

Janet Marrs

Evelyn Mathews

Vicki Mazurek

Kendra McBroom

Connie McClellan

Margo McDonald

Roberta McGrew

Jim Meyer

Sharla Michael

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Alta Montonye

Virginia Morgan

Mary Morris

Bradley Moser

Janet Myers

Janice Neagle

Darryl Neighbor

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Mary Obryan

Barbara Orsak

Jay Dee Overstake

Kevin Oxborrow

Richard Pelz

Janet Penley

Carol Plinsky

Kathleen Poling

Floyd Price

Sandra Price

Gary Read

Linda Reazin

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Larry Rickard

Darlene Roatch

Stephen

Tony

Nancy

Ronald

Linda

Anna

James

Lisa

Jim

Sheliah

Sheila

Deanna

Gene

Carol

Melva

Cheryl

Christina

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Allergies

From Page 1

causes symptoms for people with two common allergic conditions — seasonal allergic rhinitis, or “hay fever,” and allergic asthma. Spring’s warm weather brings people outdoors and into contact with tree pollen. Grass pollen follows later in spring and summer, and weed pollen — notably ragweed pollen — follows in the late summer and early fall.

According to the report, climate change, an increase in carbon dioxide in the air and the preference for planting wind-pollinating trees is leading to longer and more intense allergy seasons.

If you suffer from allergies, the report suggests:

• Limiting your contact with pollen. Daily pollen counts and forecasts can be found online at sites

such as weather.com

• Using allergy medicines and treatments.

• Rinsing out your nose.

• Asking your doctor about immunology.

According to the Mayo Clinic’s website, other ways to limit exposure to allergy triggers are to:

• Stay indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.

• Avoid lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up allergens.

• Remove clothes you’ve worn outside and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.

• Don't hang laundry outside, where pollen can stick to it.

• Wear a face mask if you do outside chores.

• Use air conditioning in your house and car.

Where are the most car crashes?

By Trace Salzbrenner Wichita Beacon

Nearly every day, vehicles collide at one of five Wichita intersections. Three of those locations fall along Kellogg Drive.

The intersections with the most crashes in 2023 were:

• Kellogg Drive and South Rock Road, with 99 crashes.

• Kellogg Drive and South Seneca Street, with 81 crashes.

• Kellogg Drive and South Broadway Avenue, with 45 crashes.

• East 21st Street and North Woodlawn Boulevard, with 36 crashes.

• West 29th Street and North Maize Road, with 36 crashes.

The Federal Highway Administration reports that 50 percent of fatal or injury-inducing car

accidents occur at intersections.

The Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization looked over 10 years of data and found that the intersection of West Kellogg Drive and South Broadway Street had the most fatal accidents over that time.

WAMPO found the most common reason for a collision in Wichita is a right-of-way violation. The next most common cause is distracted driving.

In 2023, WAMPO commissioned a study comparing traffic collisions in Sedgwick County to those in more populous Johnson County. Sedgwick County had more fatal collisions, had more that resulted in injuries and had to spend more money on crashes, despite Johnson County having about 80,000 more residents.

Letters to the Editor

An angel in her book

Yesterday morning, my friend and I were having breakfast at Mokas Cafe on McLean. My friend choked and could not get her breath. In a panic, I yelled to the cafe workers for help and immediately a gentleman who was eating there came over very calmly and did the Heimlich maneuver on her.

After the third time my friend was able to breathe. It all happened so fast. You never know how you are going to react in a situation like this but he may have saved her life. This man was a Good Samaritan to say the least — an Angel in my book.

My friend was able to calm down and sit down and realize what had just happened. I think — I hope — we thanked the man but we didn’t have any conversation with him. Everyone just went back to business as usual. Reflecting on it now, I wish we would have gotten his name, talked to him a bit or at least hugged him or something.

Anyway, I’m hoping maybe somewhere in your news you could mention that there are wonderful people out there in the right place and the right time to help a stranger in

distress. I’d like to say thank you again to this gentleman and let him know what a wonderful thing he did.

Ted topper

Julie Hall

Re: Ted Blankenship’s column in our March 2024 issue (“The travels and travails of lost luggage”):

I read your article in The Active Age paper as it arrived today with great anticipation of a sure-fire suggestion for how to deal with being the victim of lost luggage.

While I didn’t find the answer in your article, I am compelled to share our story.

My wife and I planned a vacation to Italy and Greece for our 40th wedding anniversary in 2023. We checked two bags and that was the last we saw of them for a while. After spending eight days in the same clothes, we aborted our 15-day vacation and flew back to Wichita. Twenty-six days later one of the bags came home. Then five months to the day it went missing, bag number two came home.

Never give up hope. Just prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

Tom & Vicki Byrne

Mid-century modern buildings worth saving, architect says

By Joe Stumpe

Century II is just the most conspicuous example of much distinctive mid-century modern architecture in Wichita, including shopping centers, churches, gas stations, office buildings and more, architect and history buff Dean Bradley says.

The post-World War II building style was influenced by everything from the proliferation of automobiles to new building materials and even the threat of nuclear war. Those buildings that remain are worth saving, both for their intrinsic qualities and for environmental reasons, Bradley believes.

Bradley, owner of Platt, Adams, Bradley and Associates, discussed the era’s public and commercial architecture during a Senior Wednesday program last month at the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum. Bradley is president of the museum ’s board of directors.

He began his survey with Lincoln Heights Village Shopping Center, located at Douglas and Oliver and considered the city’s first suburban shopping center when it opened in 1949. The Walter Morris Co., which had developed most of the nearby Crown Heights neighborhood, made a point of building a large parking lot in front of the new L-shaped center, where a grocery and Gessler drug store had previously sat curbside. Window display boxes on the center’s north end — now occupied by Watermark Books — canted toward east-bound traffic on Douglas. “You weren’t walking by this so much as you were driving by it,” he said.

A few years later, Henry’s department store opened a location across Oliver with an elevated showroom that motorists could pull under and hand their keys to a valet for free parking. “It was nicknamed

Century II

From Page 1

$11.2 million was to be spent last year and this year on the roof along with upgrades to the fire alarm, air conditioning and WiFi systems, lifts, elevators and stage and rigging systems. The remaining money is to be through 2032 on projects that were not specified in documents provided by the city to The Active Age.

While happy with the roof, Racette remains wary of the city’s long-term plans for Century II, which opened in 1969 to commemorate the city’s first 100 years. Racette said the

the store on stilts,” Bradley said of the space, which is now the Ferguson Phillips home store. Its architect — former Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice John Hickman — later worked on Century II and the Corbin Education Building at Wichita State University, while engineering firm Dudley Williams & Associates gained national attention for its use of waffle slab construction to span the overhead space.

Gas stations also sprung up to handle the nation’s love affair with cars. The Vickers family, who’d made a fortune drilling oil, got into the filling station business in a big way. Its first to feature the distinctive "batwing" design lives on today in Haysville as that city’s Economic Development Office — and popular photo backdrop for car enthusiasts.

Bradley said Jack Vickers worked with Hickman to design the attention-grabbing building. Drivers could “see that shape coming, and it sort of makes a ‘V’ for Vickers.’” The concrete structure was one of the few in that area to survive Haysville’s 1999 tornado.

In the 1950s, the KG&E building at First and Market heralded a building boom downtown, Bradley said. The KG&E building and nearby Colorado Derby building both featured horizontal design lines characteristic of

roof was rated in poor shape by the city as early as 2009. That year, the city approved $20 million in planned capital improvements to Century II. However, the money was never spent.

In 2019, civic boosters, with backing from the city and Sedgwick County, trumpeted a billion-dollar riverfront redevelopment plan that would have demolished Century II and the former main library building located nearby. City officials said Century II could not be renovated to meet the needs of a modern convention and performing arts center.

Racette said the city’s handling of Century II over the years amounted to “demolition by deterioration,” with the

the era, and both have been repurposed into apartments today.

Another downtown apartment building — the Broadway Autopark — started life as the city’s largest parking garage, with valet service. Today, Bradley noted, its residents can drive up the building’s ramp and park in front of their apartments. He called it “a great example of adaptive re-use.”

“Concrete is especially expensive for the environment, to come up with and (to put in) place. We call it ‘embodied carbon.’ It’s something you might be hearing more about. That building was built structurally sound, so why not use it when you can?”

Bradley noted that the former downtown main library, designed in the geometric Brutalist style by Schaefer Schirmer & Eflin Architect, is the only structure in Kansas to win a national American Institute of Architects award. Like Century II, it was once threatened with demolition.

Numerous Wichita houses of worship show modern influences, especially Catholic churches responding to edicts of the Vatican II council of the 1960s. At least three adopted in-the-round designs, including All Saints near Harry and Hillside, Christ the King on West Maple and the Church of the Magadalen formerly located at Kellogg and Woodlawn (“sometimes referred

goal of allowing private developers to profit from the riverfront.

The city changed course after Save Century II gathered more than 17,000 signatures on a petition drive demanding that voters be allowed to decide the building’s future. The city’s current capital improvement plan states that the intention is “to maintain this cultural icon.” The plan still calls for a new convention center, stating that it “would complement the continued use of the iconic Century II facility.”

Racette said Century II needs tens of millions of dollars in additional work to which the city has not committed, including reconfiguring its convention spaces, improving

to as the ‘holy hamburger,’” Bradley joked).

Cold War tensions made themselves felt in buildings such as the Blanchat-Fallet chiropractic clinic built at West 13th and St. Paul in 1963. It featured a basement with strengthened walls, fallout shelter and pantry packed floor-to-ceiling with food, fuel, water and medical supplies. It now houses a holistic wellness space.

Further west, the Vegas-stye Cotillion ballroom, built in 1960, used elevated signage in the shape of lollipops to announce itself to passing motorists on Kellogg.

On the city’s near northeast side, architect Charles McAfee used repeating U-shaped concrete structures in designing the public pool that now bears his name. McAfee employed a pattern of vertical steel pillars to good effect at the nearby Jackson Mortuary, Bradley said.

Other mid-century modern structures haven’t survived. Bradley cited the Wesley Motor Hotel on East Central and former AAA headquarters in the same neighborhood, the Schimmel Hotel on East Kellogg and the former Airport Terminal building at what’s now Wichita Eisenhower National Airport.

Bradley noted that the latter underwent numerous modifications and “wasn’t as fresh as what was originally done” by the time it was demolished.

But in its heyday, he said, “It had some really cool aspects to it, such as the iconic Wichita sign on the tower. You could walk on to an observation deck and watch planes coming in.”

More Modern

“Being Modern,” a new exhibition at The Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, traces changes in architecture, fashion and furniture during the 1950s and 60s. It’s on view through 2024.

the theaters’ dressing rooms and restoring the Kennedy Plaza and other surrounding areas. Racette would also like to see the lighted spire atop the building reactivated.

“It’s not enough, it falls short, but at least it’s a step in the right direction,” Racette said of the city’s current plans for Century II. “Anything is better than nothing.”

Century II celebration

Save Century II is holding a roof celebration from 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 18 in Century II’s Mary Jane Teall Theatre. George Smart, a North Carolina architect and expert on modernism, will be the featured speaker. Admission is free.

Photos courtesy of Wichita-Sedgwick Historical Museum

The Henry's department store in College HIll and Vickers gas station in Haysville were early local examples of modern architecture.

April tri-county quiz is three times the fun

By Nancy Wheeler

The Active Age primarily serves readers in Butler, Harvey and Sedgwick counties. This month’s quiz tests readers’ knowledge of all three. Answers appear below.

1. The economy of this county changed almost overnight when an oil well was discovered in 1915.

2. Pulitzer prize-winning journalist and editor William Allen White spent the majority of his childhood in the largest city in this county.

3. This county was named for a Civil War major general in the Union Army.

4. This county hosts the oldest continuing Kansas festival, the Old Settler’s Picnic, which began in 1887.

5. A town in this county has been the home of a college affiliated with the Mennonite denomination as well as internationally known

manufacturers of farm and turf equipment.

6. The Flood Control Act of 1965 authorized the establishment of an 8,400-acre reservoir in this county, combining two smaller lakes to create a premier lake destination.

7. This county is home to the Paradise Doll Museum and the Twisted Oz Motorcycle Museum.

8. According to historians, the confluence of two rivers in this county served as a trading post for Native Americans long before the arrival of white settlers.

9. This county’s largest city has been severely damaged by tornadoes twice in recent memory.

10. This county is home to an art deco theatre that opened in 1935 and is listed on the National Historic Register.

11. After visiting Bartlett Arboretum in Belle Plaine in the 1970s, a couple returned to this county inspired to create the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains featuring native Kansas plants.

12. White Castle sliders, named “The Most Influential Burger of All Time” by Time Magazine, originated in this Kansas county in 1921.

13. One of the most famous residents of this county was Milburn Stone, “Doc” of the long-running radio

and TV series “Gunsmoke."

14. Fluent in 14 different Indian dialects, trailblazer Jesse Chisholm paved the way for the settling of this county when he signed a treaty with the Plains Indian chiefs.

15. The amusement park in this county operated for 55 years from 1949 to 2004 and featured a wooden roller coaster.

16. The community college in this county has won 10 NJCAA national championships, including six in football, one in basketball, two in men’s cross country, one in women’s cross country and one in softball.

17. Generations of families dined at Lehr’s Motel Restaurant and enjoyed Mexican food at The Triangle Café along the Walnut River in this county.

18. Travelers who wish to take Amtrak’s Southwest Chief train to either Los Angeles or Chicago depart from a train station in this county between 2:00 and 3:00 a.m.

19.In the 1870s, this county saw an influx of Russian Mennonite settlers from the Ukraine, who brought with them a hard winter wheat suited to Kansas winters.

20. A maximum-security correctional facility opened in this county in 1991.

21. The living history museum in

30. Sedgwick

29. Sedgwick

28. Harvey

27. Sedgwick

26. Harvey

25. Harvey

24. Butler

23. Harvey

22. Harvey

21. Sedgwick

this county lets visitors experience the city like it’s the 1870s.

22. Generations of restaurantgoers dined in this county at The Old Mill, now the location of a steakhouse:

23. As a railhead for the Santa Fe Railroad in 1871, this county’s seat earned its nickname as “the wickedest town in the West.”

24. A grassy airstrip and good food attract many pilots, ranchers and daytrippers to a former railroad hotel in this county.

25. This county’s seat was named after a town in Massachusetts that was the home of some of Santa Fe Railroad stockholders.

26. Warkentin House, the Kauffman Museum and the Blue Sky Sculpture are featured attractions in this county’s seat.

27. Known as a hub of entrepreneurship, this county has seen not only aircraft pioneers but the establishment of Pizza Hut, Koch Industries and Freddy’s Frozen Custard.

28. The Sand Creek Station Golf Course in this county was ranked among 2006’s best new public courses in America by Golf Digest:.

29. The Museum of World Treasures, Exploration Place and the Kansas Aviation Museum are all attractions in this county

30. Actors Don Johnon and the late Kirstie Alley are from this county.

ANSWERS:

20. Butler

19. Harvey

18. Harvey

17. Butler

16. Butler

15. Sedgwick

14. Sedgwick

13. Harvey

12. Sedgwick

11. Harvey

10. Butler

9. Butler

8. Sedgwick

7. Butler

6. Butler

5. Harvey

4. Harvey

3. Sedgwick

2. Butler

1. Butler

Tell your unique story by self-publishing

By Deanna Harms

Have you ever thought about writing a book? If yes, I encourage you to do it. You don’t have to have an agent or a publisher, you can go it alone through one of the many options now available. I recently helped my mother publish her memoir through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, and the experience has been gratifying for us both.

Let me back up a bit. My mother, Ileen Dunivent, lost her partner of 73 years in May 2022. Mom answered the question all her friends and family asked — “What are you going to do now?” — with the response: “I’m writing a book.”

That was an audacious statement for a first-time writer, even if she is a lifelong storyteller. “Stories for My Kids: Learning to Yodel and Other Life Lessons” published 14 months later. She wrote the book for her children and future generations, but also for herself. Putting thoughts to paper — yes, she wrote it longhand on lined notepaper since she doesn’t own a computer — helped her deal with her grief and to see the fullness of her life more clearly. The exercise filled her with gratitude.

She shares her wisdom and also her joy. She takes you along on her journey — irrepressible tomboy, poliostricken child, head-in-the-clouds artist, lovesick teen, struggling mother, sledgehammer-wielding wife, faithful caretaker.

Hidden benefits

Perhaps the best part of the book has been the connections it generates for my mother, whose activities have been severely curtailed by mobility

and health challenges.

Mom went from being a caregiver for my bedridden father to being confined to a wheelchair herself. Her physical outings have been reduced to a oncea-week, wouldn’t-missit trip to the beauty shop.

Since her book’s publication, Mom has had two book signings in her 1,600-population hometown of Salisbury, Mo., and two articles in its weekly newspaper. Mom was sitting on her front porch one day a few months after her book came out, and someone driving by yelled, “You’re famous!”

Mom has a smartphone and a Facebook account where she continues to get positive comments about her book. And, she’s not done. Since last fall, she’s been working on a children’s book. She’s illustrating it with watercolor artwork that she paints from her living-room sofa. The creation process has helped pass many solitary days. Once she’s done, I’ll scan the artwork and publish the book, like before, on Amazon.

A friend, former Wichitan and now Missoulian Theresa Johnson, just helped her mother in Seattle, Jean Smith, self-publish a collection of creative writings she’s done over the years: “No Time to Lose: Collected Writings of Margaret Jean Heg Smith.” Once her mother saw the author’s proof, Theresa says, she was

“over the moon.” Her mother took the book to the communal dining room at her assisted-living home and her friends’ enthusiasm fueled her excitement even more. The home’s already asked to do a write-up in its resident newsletter with a photo, bio and order information. Jean is starting to feel a bit like a celebrity, too, as people ask about getting their hands on a copy. She erroneously thought only family would be interested in her writing. She’s pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong.

Easy-to-use, free resources

Like me, Theresa had no experience self-publishing a book. Fortunately, Amazon makes it relatively easy. It walks you through the process step by step, and if you mess up, you can go back and correct your mistake. You can start the process by visiting kdp.amazon.com.

With Amazon, there are no upfront costs or hidden fees. Both my and Theresa’s mothers were ready to spend substantial dollars to have their books printed. Instead, they had no capital outlay whatsoever.

You can price your books however you like, but Amazon sets a minimum. My mom just wanted to cover her

costs and to get her book into as many hands as possible, so she set her prices low: $14.95 for the paperback and $2.99 for the Kindle version.

Initially, when we were thinking about using a digital print shop to produce the books, Mom planned to handle distribution herself. That was some magical thinking for a multitude of reasons. She never could have managed to package, label and haul books to the post office, and she was not equipped to handle invoicing and payment. Instead, by using Amazon, people place their orders directly with the platform, sparing Mom those hassles and hurdles. Amazon handles sales and fulfillment turnkey. Easy breezy.

Go forth and publish

My goal with this piece is not to tell you how to publish a book, but why you should consider it. In taking my Mom’s words and photos and organizing them into a bound book, I offer proof that it can be done. You probably could do it even better.

If you prefer to use another platform, go for it. I just know that Amazon helped novices such as Theresa and me find a way to make our mamas mighty happy.

Courtesy photos

Ileen Dunivent, left, and Jean Smith self-published books with their daughters' help. The books can be ordered in paperback or Kindle form by visiting amazon.com.

Why

Wichita’s Lynette

By Sam Zeff KMUW

Until this year, Wichita native Lynette Woodard had scored more points in major college basketball than any woman ever. But she was never recognized by the NCAA as a scoring champion.

Even a casual college basketball fan can list famous University of Kansas Jayhawks. Players Wilt Chamberlain and Danny Manning, coaches Phog Allen and Bill Self — and, of course, James Naismith, inventor of the game and, turns out, the only losing coach in KU men’s basketball history.

But the Jayhawk who scored more points, blazed more trails and probably inspired more athletes was Lynette Woodard.

“Lynette Woodard would definitely be one of the greatest players in women’s basketball if she played today,” ESPN basketball commentator Brenda VanLengen said.

VanLengen played college basketball and is producing a multipart documentary on the history of women’s college basketball.

Woodward, who led North High to two state championships, has a park and recreation center named after her on 18th Street. She was a four-time All-American, two-time Olympian and in 1996 was named the greatest female athlete ever in the then-Big Eight Conference. She was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2004.

In her four years at KU, she scored 3,649 points, more than

Woodard should be as famous as Caitlin Clark

any other woman in the game until Caitlin Clark from the University of Iowa surpassed that mark Feb. 28. Woodard scored all her points without a 3-point shot — introduced in 1987 — and played with a bigger basketball than women compete with now.

“In today’s game, she probably would have scored over 4,000 points,” VanLengen said.

The man with the most points at KU, Danny Manning, scored 2,951 — 698 fewer points than Woodard. Woodard was also the first woman to play for the Harlem Globetrotters. Ebony Magazine at the time called her the Crown Princess of Basketball, a play on the Trotters’ famous marketing line.

After a game in Houston on February 14, 1986, the Philadelphia Daily News wrote “Doe-fleet and willow-tall, 26-year-old Woodard is blazing a trail in basketball. She won’t rival Jackie Robinson, but that’s OK. Woodard is not comfortable being thought of as a role model.”

But you don’t seek role model status, it finds you. And it certainly found Lynette Woodard.

“She’s one of the all-time greatest athletes in women’s sports,” said Michael Voepel, who has covered women’s basketball since 1984 and writes for ESPN.com. “To see someone like Lynette, who was so powerful, so strong, so unapologetic about being an athlete, I think she was an inspiration to anybody, regardless of sexuality or gender identity or anything. If you were just somebody who, I don’t fit into what everybody says a girl is supposed be like, people

More on Lynnette Woodard

A couple of former Wichita Eagle sports writers weighed in on Lynette Woodard via Facebook.

Van Williams: “Whatever the reasons for Lynette’s lacking recognition, the matter is made worse by the fact that she’s not just a great baller. She’s a damn good person. If you’ve been around her as a fan, a friend or even a journalist, you know in a short time that she’s kind, engaging, humble, and charming; she flashes a smile that makes you feel like you’ve

known her forever. She also seems to defy aging.”

Bob Lutz (who famously challenged Woodard to a game of one-on-one and got trounced): “With respect to Caitlin Clark and all of the many great women’s basketball players through time, none are better than Lynette Woodard.”

Woodard has made several appearances at McAdams Park to support League 42, the youth baseball league started by Lutz.

like Lynette told you that was okay.”

Despite her stellar credentials, Woodard’s name is nowhere to be found in NCAA basketball records. She played when the women’s game was governed by the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women.

“The NCAA didn’t have interest in governing women’s sports when women sports leaders approached them in the late 1960s, so the women created their own governance and championship organization,” VanLengen said. “It wasn’t until the NCAA saw women’s sports as viable that they took over the governance.”

VanLengen says now is the time for the NCAA to recognize those records, just like Major League Baseball finally recognized the Negro Leagues.

Another women’s hoops pioneer, Pearl Moore, scored 4,061 points during her career at Francis Marion College in South Carolina in the late 1970s, but Francis Marion isn’t a Division I school.

Woodard’s last basketball stop was Winthrop University, where she

was head women’s coach from 2016 to 2020. She’s kept a low profile since then, but did weigh in on whether the NCAA should recognize AIAW records.

In a statement to NPR, Woodard wrote: “In honoring Caitlin’s accomplishments, I hope we can also shine a light on the pioneers who paved the way before her. Women’s basketball has a glorious history that predates the NCAA’s involvement. I applaud Caitlin for everything she has done and look forward to watching her score many more points for years to come.”

Photos courtesy of The Wichita Eagle Lynette Woodard is shown during her playing days at North High, right, and as a member of the Harlem Globetrotters, above.

40 years ago — In response to reader requests, The Active Age published a list of health care providers who accepted at least 100 Medicare patients during the previous year … The Halstead Presbyterian choir performed

a 51-page Easter cantata, “The Stone is Rolled Away,” composed by rural Burrton resident and former saloon musician L.R. Emerson … A proposal to contain hospital costs died in the Kansas Legislature … The Wichita Better Breathers club organized to help people with emphysema, asthma and other problems.

25 years ago — Led by Bill and Shirley Naill, a group of senior skaters known as the “Coffee Clubbers” showed off their moves at the Wichita Ice Sports rink … Retiree Tom Orr discussed his volunteer work tutoring eighth graders in reading at Coleman Middle School.

10 years ago — The Active Age featured Jerry and Terri Kasperak and other volunteers in a tribute to National Volunteer Month … Cooks at the popular Lenten dinners put on by Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in north Wichita revealed their recipe for meatless enchiladas.

www.theactiveage.com

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UseyourinsurancedeductibleNOWbeforetheendoftheyearwhenitstartsover

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by taking care of your advance healthcare planning documents.

FREE documents available at www.wichitamedicalresearch.org April 16th

Notary public service provided at no cost by appointment. 316-686-7172

WichitaMedicalResearch.org

• Is it difficult to read regular print in newspapers, magazines or books?

• Does your vision make it difficult to watch TV or recognize faces?

• Has your eye doctor told you eyeglasses can no longer be made stronger?

If so, call Envision for an appointment or schedule an education presentation in your senior living facility.

Working Statewide So Communities Are Livable for People of All Ages

By 2030, one out of every five people in the United States will be age 65 or older. By 2034, the nation will have more older adults than children under 18 for the first time ever. That’s why AARP is working with local leaders nationwide to help towns, cities, counties, rural areas and even entire states become more livable for people of all ages.

Learn more about AARP Livable Communities by visiting aarp.org/livable.

Green

By Joe Stumpe

an green sauce, comes together in five minutes and is delicious on chicken, fish, vegetables, rice and many other foods.

The quantity of jalapenos called for in the recipe might suggest it’s on the fiery side. But by removing the chiles’ seeds and inner membrane (the easiest way is to scrape them out with a spoon under running water), the heat quotient is drastically reduced, and the addition of yogurt further cools it off.

Aji verde (Peruvian green sauce)

3 jalapenos, seeds and inner membrane removed, roughly chopped

1 cup cilantro

2 green onions

2 cloves garlic

¼ cup yogurt

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon honey

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Combine ingredients in a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Taste for seasoning and serve.

NOTE:The Active Age is printing regularly scheduled senior center activities as space permits. Please email Joe at joe@theactiveage.com to have your center’s activities listed.

Calendar of eventS

SedgwiCk County Senior CenterS

BEL AIRE

7651 E Central Park Ave 744-2700, ext 304 www.belaireks.org

BENTLEY/EAGLE

504 W Sterling, 796-0027

CHENEY

516 Main, 542-3721

CLEARWATER

921 E Janet, 584-2332

DERBY

611 N Mulberry Rd, 788-0223 www.derbyks.com

DOWNTOWN

200 S Walnut, 267-0197 www.seniorservicesofwichita.org

EDGEMOOR

5815 E 9th, 688-9392

ANDOVER

GARDEN PLAIN

1006 N Main, 535-1155

GODDARD

120 N Main, 794-2441

HAYSVILLE

160 E Karla, 529-5903

KECHI

Kechi City Building, 744-0217, 744-1271

LA FAMILIA

841 W 21st, 267-1700

LINWOOD 1901 S Kansas, 263-3703

MCADAMS GOLDEN AGE

1329 E 16th, 337-9222

MT HOPE

105 S Ohio, 667-8956

MULVANE

632 E Mulvane, 777-4813

NORTHEAST 212 1 E 21st, 269-4444

OAKLAWN

2937 Oaklawn Dr, 524-7545

ORCHARD PARK 4808 W 9th, 942-2293

PARK CITY

6100 N Hydraulic, 744-1199

VALLY CENTER COMMUNITY CENTER 314 E Clay, 755-7350

Butler County Senior CenterS

410 Lioba Dr, 733-4441 www.andoverks.com

AUGUSTA

640 Osage, 775-1189

BENTON

Lion’s Community Bldg, S Main St

CASSODAY

Cassoday Senior Center

133 S. Washington, 620-735-4538

DOUGLASS

124 W 4th, 746-3227

EL DORADO

210 E 2nd, 321-0142

Senior wedneSdayS

www.seniorwednesday.org

April 3

10:30 am Wichita Art Museum

1400 W. Museum Blvd., $2 admission. Artist Sontia Levy-Mason, owner of Get Ya Color On Studios

1:30 pm Museum of World Treasures 835 E. 1st St. Dr. Andrew Orr

April 10

10 am Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 Zoo Blvd. (316) 2668213, $4 Composting 101. 1:30 pm Advanced Learning Library, 711 W, 2nd, (316) 261-8500, Free. Keeper of the Plains.

Derby Sr Center, 611 Mulberry. 1st & 3rd Tuesday 7pm-9:30 pm.

El Dorado Jam & Dance, Senior Center, 210 E. 2nd.

April 17

10 am Ulrich Museum of Art, 1845 N. Fairmount. Spotlight on WSU School of Digital Arts. 1:30 pm Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 E 29th St N. Bumble Bees: What’s the Buzz About?

April 24

10 am Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, 204 S. Main. Sara and Charity Harmon

Present Their Original Films

1:30 pm Mid American All-Indian museum. 650 N Seneca (316) 3503340, $2 + tax admission; free for MAAIM members. Powwow 101/Regalia Cupboard.

danCeS

Orchard Park Golden Age, 4808 W 9th. Every Friday 7pm-9:30pm. Call Casey 316-706-7464

LEON

112 S Main, 745-9200 or 742-9905

ROSE HILL

207 E Silknitter, 776-0170

TOWANDA

317 Main, 776-8999

Open 10:30 am-5 pm Mon, Wed, Fri

WHITEWATER

Legion Hall, 108 E Topeka

Harvey County

BURRTON

124 N Burrton, 620-463-3225

HALSTEAD

523 Poplar, 835-2283

HESSTON

Randall & Main, 620-327-5099 www.hesstonseniorcenter.com

NEWTON AREA SENIOR CENTER

122 E 6th, Newton, 283-2222 www.grandcentralseniorcenter.com

SEDGWICK

107 W. Fifth, 772-0393

tranSportation

Sedgwick County

Sedgwick Co Transportation, 660-5150 or 1-800-367-7298. Information: 8 am-5 pm, Mon-Fri; closed most holidays. www. sedgwickcounty.org/aging.

Butler County Transit

Friendship Meals

Aging Projects serves a hot, nutritious meal weekdays for persons 60 and older in Sedgwick, Harvey and Butler counties. Reservations are necessary. For locations and reservations, call 316-686-0074

WEEK OF APRIL 1

Mon: Glazed Chicken, scalloped potatoes, pineapple, wheat bread.

Tue: Turkey & Broccoli pie, diced carrots, sliced apples, wheat roll.

Wed: Chili, baked potato, tropical fruit, cinnamon roll, crackers.

Thu: chicken & cheese cass, combo salad, mixed fruit, breadstick.

Fri: BBQ Pork on bun, cauli-brocc-raisin salad, apricots.

WEEK OF APRIL 8

Mon: Sloopy Joe on bun, corn relish salad, ambrosia fruit salad.

Tue: Chicken & rice casserole, mixed vegetables, peaches, wheat roll.

Wed: Ham & beans, potatoes & onions, mixed fruit, cornbread muffin.

Thu: Turkey hash, peas & carrots, garlic toast, chef's choice birthday cake.

Fri: Tuna pasta salad, tomato salad, applesauce, crackers.

WEEK OF APRIL 15

Mon: Swiss steak, green beans, tropical fruit, wheat roll.

Tue: Pork tips over rice, creamed peas, apricots.

Wed: Italian chicken, au gratin potatoes, pears, wheat bread.

Thu: Calico beef and beans, mixed vegetables, pineapple, cornbread muffin.

Fri: Chicken salad on croissant, copper pennies salad, mixed fruit.

WEEK OF APRIL 22

Mon: Chicken cacciatore, parslied carrots, mixed fruit, wheat bread.

Tue: Scalloped potatoes & Ham, corn, flavored applesauce, garlic cheddar biscuit.

Wed: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, creamy mushroom caps, peaches, wheat roll.

Thu: Mac & cheese w/ chicken, combo salad, tropical fruit, garlic toast.

Fri: Shrimp pasta salad, cucumber & onion salad, blushing pears, crackers.

WEEK OF APRIL 29

Mon: BBQ Chicken on nbun, coleslaw, cinnamon apples, potatoe chips.

Linwood Golden Age, 1901 S Kansas. Every Saturday 7pm-9:30pm. Call Jim 316-945-9451

Minisa Golden Age, 704 W 13th. Info 617-2560. Every Thursday 7pm9:30pm. Call Rita 316-364-1702

Mulvane, 101 E. Main (Pix Community Center Second Tuesday of every month at 7-9 pm.

Oaklawn Activity Center, 4904 S. Clifton. Contra Dance1st Saturday of each month. 7pm-9pm. Call Amanda at 316-361-6863.

Prairie Wind Dancers: Plymouth Congregational Church, 202 N Clifton. Joyce, 683-1122.

Village Steppers Square Dance, Oaklawn Activity Center, 4904 S Clifton. 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month September through May 7:30 - 10:00 pm. Info: Mike Huddleson 316-650-2469

Westside Steppers Square Dance, 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, 6-8:30 p.m., West Heights United Methodist (entrance "D"), 745 N. Westlink Ave. Info: Sheldon Lawrence (316) 648-7590.

Weekday transportation in El Dorado, Augusta and Andover. Rides to Wichita on Wed, Thu. Information: Augusta, 775-0500; El Dorado, 322-4321; toll free, 1-800-2793655. 48-hr notice required.

Harvey County

Transportation reservations or information: 316-284-6802 or 1-866-6806802. Round-trip: $8 Newton (wheelchair only), $12 Harvey County, $20 outside Harvey County. AVI to Newton: Tue, 12:304:30 pm from Burrton, Sedgwick, Halstead, Hesston, Walton.

www.theactiveage.com

Tue: Creamy Turkey & Veg Cas., green beans, pineapple, wheat bread.

* Milk is served with all meals. Meals fall within the following ranges: Calories 650-750; protein 25 grams or higher; fat 20 to 30 percent of calories; calcium 400 mg or higher; sodium 1,000 grams or less; fiber 9 grams or higher.

FUNDING MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT, KDADS AND CENTRAL PLAINS AREA AGENCY ON AGING

F CEMETERY PROPERTY FOR SALE F

2

at Resthaven cemetery. Sermon on the mount garden. Lot 95-C spaces 3&4. $3,500 each or $7,000 together. Transfer fee paid. 316734-0660. Leave message.

2 plots w/vaults, side by side At White Chapel Memorial Gardens in the Garden of Gethsemane, Wichita, Ks. Valued at $6,500. Sale price $2,300 plus transfer fee OBO. 913-558-0486

Lakeview Gardens, Meditation Section, 4 spaces. Sell all 4, $6,000 plus transfer fees. Cashiers check or certified check only. Call Kendra 405-623-5687 pwfjr@sbcglobal.net

HEAVENLY RESTING PLACE at Lakeview Gardens Everlasting Life. Lot 53 Spaces 3&4. Retail $3,695 each, Selling both for $4,000 OBO. Seller pays transfer fee. Call 316-393-6054

White Chapel. Masonic Garden. 2 lots side by side. $3,000 OBO plus transfer fee. 316-838-5844

(2)cemetery plots in Lakeview cemetery In "Garden of the Apostles " lot 58 1&2 $3,000 each plus transfer fee 903-348-1636

Resthaven Cemetery Garden of Faith, Prime location. 2 lots on center isle. 40 A&B. $12,500. 316-617-8581

1 interior Mausoleum Niche – White Chapel Memorial Gardens, valued at $3171, sell for $2,800, OBO, call Stan at 856-722-0916. Transfer fee paid

Two ground burial spots at Lakeview Gardens Cemetery. Section: Garden of the Holy Rosary Lot 30. $2800 each

Contact C Mansaw 316-942-4291xt 2165 mansawc@newmanu.edu

2 burial plots at White Chapel Nativity Garden valued $2,049 each. Sell $1,900 each. Seller pays transfer fees. Kurt 316-992-2539.

Two ground burial spots at Lakeview Gardens Cemetery. Section: Garden of the Holy Rosary Lot 30. $2800 each

Contact C Mansaw 316-942-4291xt 2165 mansawc@newmanu.edu

White Chapel. Sermon on the mount. 4 plots, $1,200 each plus transfer fees. Call 316-3714454.

Nice single plot Lakeview Cemetery, Veterans Field of Honor. Shade Tree nearby. Includes casket. Valued at $5,890. Sell for $4,195.00. Seller pays transfer fee. Cashier's check or Cash. 316-832-0497

Resurrection Cemetery. 2 single niches. D1 & D2. $1,100 each. Seller pays transfer fee. Call 316-729-0649.

IPK Enterprises Estate Sales. Know your options, you have many. Please call us for a free consultation. 316-806-3435. F

Cowboy

Todd

Molina

Cell 316-461-2199.

Derby, Haysville, Mulvane, Rose Hill, Wichita

& Interior. House painting, siding, decks, fences. Build, repair and stain.

(SEE REVIEWS)-

KC

MOBILE

FOOT CARE IN YOUR HOME

Cheryl Rosine ~ The Foot Lady ICMT RN

• 316-312-2025 • Benjamin Jones ~ CNAICR

• 316-932-8524•

$40 : In-home, Sedgwick & surrounding counties

Diabetic, thick toe nails, ingrown & callous care

F FOR SALE F

Commercial grade Carpet 12*23 Vivid Burgundy. Never used. $715. You pick up. No Deliveries. 316-200-7163.

Earthlite portable massage Table w/carrier and disposable headrest covers. Holds up to 600 lbs. Excellent condition. Asking $250. Massage Stones and massage stone heater. $55. 316-9445093.

Canon Rebel T5i w/ lenses. 2 canon AE1. Canon Bixia MFM40. Tiltall Tripod. Logan Elite mat cutter. Call 316-648-4532.

Invacare Full Electronic Bed, comes with brand NEW low air loss mattress, still in original packaging. Sold as set $600. 620-694-9626

F FURNITURE F

F HOME CARE F

Needing someone to clean the Yard WILL PAY GOOD. 316-889-1426.

Private Duty Aide with light house keeping. Availability evenings and weekends. References upon request.

Cynthia CNA/HHA 316-992-6711

•

Tree

ALL

28 YR EXPERIENCED LICENSED HOME HEALTH AIDE

Providing rides to Dr etc. Home Health Care Specializing in Dementia/Diabetes. Ref avail. Kay 316-882-9127

Caring Home Care

Need help cleaning your home, grocery shopping, etc. Call Roberta 316-587-4414.

I am honest, dependable and caring. Budget friendly. References available.

Caregiver will care for your loved one. Experienced w/Dementia+ALZ, companion care, transportation to and from appointments, light cleaning. References available. Cristi 316-779-4269

Need someone to cook evening meal 5 times a week. 316-295-2145. Alpha

Dependable Electrical Service Call Greg at 316-312-1575

Insured, Lic. #1303

Hair Solutions by Sherry Perms * Cuts * Colors

Men, Woman & Children

1 person Salon

Spring into a new hair do Call for an appointment Sherry Brown 316-207-1760

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Beard & Son Concrete Construction

Drive ways, sidewalks, patio and landscaping. Dirt work and more.

Skid Loader/Mini Skid Loader Services

Licensed * Bonded * Insured

I bid’em to get’em!

Steve 316-259-0629

Dylan 316-734-6134

Jesus Landscaping

Complete lawncare.

Spring clean-up * Aeration * Over Seeding Gutter cleaning * Fencing * Landscape install/maintain * Shrub/tree trimming/ removal Call

316-737-3426

WWW.JESUSLANDSCAPINGKS.COM

West Side Lawn Service

SPRING CLEANUP

Hauling & odd jobs Free estimates. Perry 316-339-4117.

SPRING CLEAN-UP

Trim

• Cut • Remove

Fence Repairs • Odd jobs

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Honest & Reasonable. 316-807-4989.

Brush, Limbs, Debris, Hauling and Junk Removal. Leaf removal. Free Estimates. Will pick up scrap metal FREE of charge Call David at 316-213-8880.

Single

with over 9 years’ experience Residential/Commercial

• Trash Removal

Residential or Commercial 720-254-3557

Impact Lawn Care

MOWING Residential/ Commercial

SPRING CLEAN-UP

• MULCHING

LANDSCAPING • SCALPING TREE & SHRUB TRIMMING & MORE

Call now for an estimate for the upcoming season! Small family owned and

SERVING EAST WICHITA AND SURROUNDING AREA

• Lawn Maintenance

• Fertilization

• Weed Control

• Mulching

www.fleminglawn.com 316-214-5959

• Aeration

• Overseeding

• Landscaping

• Shrub Trimming

F SERVICES CONT F

Need

for Best Bath walk-in tubs, Bruno, EMC, Golden Tech, Pace Saver, Pride and Ricon. Working for you since 1987.

'Let

F TREE SERVICE CONT F

Lawmakers ‘not listening,’ survey finds

By Rachel Mipro Kansas Reflector

TOPEKA — More than 80 percent of voters said housing, health care, child care and healthy food are increasingly difficult for the average Kansas family to afford, according to a new survey.

Seventy-nine percent of voters said most Kansas policymakers aren’t in touch with the financial challenges facing average families.

“The vast majority of Kansans believe that policymakers are not listening to working people as they push through new laws and policy changes,” said Ashley All, executive director for Kansas Common Sense Fund, who paid for the survey along with the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund.

The survey of about 1,000 Kansas voters found bipartisan support for Medicaid expansion, which has been sought by Gov. Laura Kelly but blocked by top Republican legislators.

About 90 percent of Democrats,

74 percent of independents and 61 percent of Republicans supported expansion.

Majorities of those surveyed also want government action to help Kansans access healthy food and afford child care.

At NBC World Series, ‘generations of fans’ know Betty

The NBC World Series is celebrating 90 years this summer, and one woman greeted fans for more than half of those tournaments. Betty Abbott is a familiar face for fans, organizers and teams as she spent more than four decades working and volunteering for the tournament in Wichita.

Abbott was inducted into the National Baseball Congress Hall of Fame in 2009, one of three women to be a member, after a long career with the tournament and the former Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, and many years of volunteering after that.

“I worked at the ballpark, and the guys that worked at the ballpark ran [the NBC World Series] too, so whatever they said to do, I did,” Abbott said. “I just wanted to help whenever I could.”

Abbott is serious when she says she did whatever was needed. She vended chairback seats, packed umpire kits with fellow NBC Hall of Famer Dian Overaker, took tickets and a lot more. She started working at the stadium around 1958. At the time, she

also worked for the City of Wichita Parks Department. When she’d finish her day of work, there’s only one place she’d want to be.

“She was always there, everyone knew her,” said Brian Turner, NBC World Series director of community partnerships and former Wichita Wingnuts GM. “Fans looked for her when they came to the games, and when it came to the tournament, you always heard people talking about Betty. Generations of fans.”

After Abbott retired from working at the stadium in 1994, she continued volunteering at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium and the NBC World Series. She would clean skyboxes and stadium offices, and she continued taking tickets and greeting fans. Abbott credits determination and a love for sports, baseball and meeting people for keeping her around the tournament for so many years.

“I loved being at the stadium and sharing my experiences with people and greeting them with a smile,” Abbott said.

In the more than six decades

since Abbott started working with the NBC World Series, she’s made countless memories, but few compare to watching her son, David, as a bat boy during the tournament. Abbott says she loved her job, and above all, she loved sharing baseball with her family. She attended the tournament

in 2023, and hopes to do so for the 90th anniversary of the NBC in 2024 as well.

This article originally appeared on the National Baseball Congress website, nbcbaseball.com, and is used by permission here.

Courtesy photo

Betty Abbott shown at the 1986 NBC World Series.

Characters make ‘Thursday Murder Club’ series come alive

By Ted Ayres

I recently became acquainted with some interesting people and have become rather attached to them. These new friends include a former nurse, a former spy, a former union official and an occasionally still-practicing psychiatrist. They are all septuagenarian pensioners living at Coopers Chase, an upscale retirement village near Fairhaven, England. Oh, and they meet once a week to solve murders.

They are, of course, members of “The Thursday Murder Club,” the first title in a series of four books by Richard Osman, a British author, producer and television presenter. The debut came out in 2020, and Osman has been on a roll since, following with “The Man Who Lived Twice” in 2021, “The Bullet That Missed” in 2022 and “The Last Devil To Die” in 2023.

Osman’s characters are distinctive and fun. Joyce Meadowcraft is the retired nurse and a widow. Kind and seemingly a bit naive, she loves to shop and knows her way around the kitchen. And while Joyce is 78 years

of age, she has not lost her eye for the fellas. Throughout the books, Joyce’s diary entries provide commentary and context on the activities of The Thursday Murder Club and life at Coopers Chase.

The former trades union official is Ron Ritchie, who was one of the first residents at Coopers Chase. Ron, who has a West Ham football club tattoo on his neck, is left-leaning and has a difficult time with authority and/ or authoritarians. His key strength, as his colleagues see it, is that he never believes a single word anyone ever tells him.

He is also the grandfather of

This cat was gone for good

By Ted Blankenship

When I was a reporter in another town, I covered the two local hospitals and became friends with the head nurse. That is, I thought she was a friend until she gave me a Siamese cat.

When this cat grew up, he was huge. And, as any Siamese owner will tell you, even a small Siamese cat can be intimidating.

When I came home for lunch, he’d growl and launch himself at me from atop the refrigerator. Sometimes, he’d dig his claws in for emphasis. As far as he was concerned, there was no room in our town for another male, cat or otherwise.

Soon, he was spending several days and nights away from home. In a week or two, a neighbor phoned and said he thought our cat was in his attic. I thought that was a good place for him, but Dorothy said we should bring him home. We tricked him into leaving with some canned sardines.

The cat was a mess. He obviously had been in several fights. His fur was missing in places, he could barely walk, both ears were shredded and he had scratches all over his body.

We took him to the vet, who prescribed some antiseptic soap.

“Take him home and give him a bath with this soap and put some iodine on the scratches and cuts,” the vet said.

“Give a cranky cat a BATH?” “Put IODINE on his cuts?”

Well, he was the veterinarian. So, we put him in the bathroom sink and filled it with warm water. He looked unhappy but put up with it. Then we wrapped him in a heavy towel, leaving his head and shredded ears out. I sat on the floor holding him and Dorothy gingerly applied a bit of iodine. The

Kendrick, an eight-year-old boy who sometimes help with the mysteries.

The psychiatrist is Ibrahim Arif. He is Egyptian, detail-oriented, comfortable around technology and concerned about the environment. He also finds himself providing psychiatric therapy to a cocaine dealer, currently in a prison cell complete with an espresso machine where she continues to run her drug empire.

Finally, the former spy is Elizabeth Best, who spent her career with England’s security and intelligence services. She has traveled the world protecting England and battling bad people, including KGB agents in Moscow. Elizabeth has been married three times; her current husband, Stephen, is battling senility, which becomes a key part of the series.

The “Murder Club” books are best read in the order of their publication as they build upon what has happened previously with continuing references to past action and characters.

I am loathe to be a plot-spoiler, so allow me to offer just a few teasers.

cat howled, jumped out of my hands — scratching me in the process — and took off at lightning speed. He rounded the corner of the living room, vaulted over a coffee table and flew through the locked screen door. We

In “The Thursday Murder Club,” the foursome moves on from cold cases to two new murders connected with Coopers Chase. “The Man Who Lived Twice” revolves around the theft of a fortune in diamonds. In “The Bullet That Missed,” the mysterious murder of a young television producer garners their attention. In “The Last Devil To Die,” an old friend has been killed and a dangerous package he was protecting has gone missing, putting our heroes in touch with drug dealers, art forgers and online fraudsters.

Osman’s books have broken sales records in the United Kingdom, and the first is being developed into a movie by Stephen Spielberg’s company.

Happily, Osman promises that more books are on the way, writing in the most recent that “Joyce, Elizabeth, Ibrahim and Ron will also be sticking around for a long time to come.”

Contact Ted Ayre at tdamsa76@ yahoo.com

watched him disappear — towel still attached — into traffic on the main road into town. We never saw him again.

Contact Ted at tblankenship218@ gmail.com

Divide your personal possessions without dividing the family

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior,

Do you have any suggestions on divvying up my personal possessions to my kids after I’m gone without causing hard feelings or conflict? I have a lot of jewelry, art, family heirlooms and antique furniture, and four grown kids that don’t always see eye-to-eye on things.

Conflicted Parent Dear Conflicted,

Divvying up personal possessions among adult children or other loved ones can often be a tricky task. Deciding who should get what without showing favoritism, hurting someone’s feelings or causing a feud can be difficult, even for close-knit families who enter the process with the best of intentions. Here are a few tips to consider that can help you divide your stuff with minimal conflict.

Sweating the Small Stuff

For starters, you need to be aware that it’s usually the small, simple items of little monetary value that aren’t mentioned in your will that cause the most conflicts. This is because the value we attach to the small personal possessions is usually sentimental or

April Briefs

Tea party brewing

St. James Episcopal Church, 3750 E. Douglas, will hold its 93rd annual Olde English Tea party on Saturday, May 4. Known as Kansas’ largest tea party, the event features tea, pastries, musical entertainment, mimosa, a raffle and marketplace offering baked goods, flowers, clothing and more.

Two seatings are available: from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults, $10 for

emotional, and because the simple items are the things that most families fail to talk about.

Family battles can also escalate over whether things are being divided fairly by monetary value. So, for items of higher value like your jewelry, antiques and art, consider getting an appraisal to assure fair distribution. To locate an appraiser in your area, try ISA-appraisers.org, Appraisers.org or AppraisersAssociation.org.

Dividing Fairly

The best solution for passing along your personal possessions is for you to go through your house with your kids or other heirs either separately or all at once to find out which items they would like to inherit and why. They may have some emotional attachment to something you’re not aware of. If more than one child wants the same thing, you’ll have to make the ultimate decision.

Then you need to sit down and

children ages 5-12. Advance tickets may be purchased at stjameswichita. org or by calling 316-683-5686.

Bike swap set

HAYSVILLE — The 15th Midwest Bicycle Swapmeet will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 21 at the Haysville Hometown Market, 100 S. Main St. The event gives enthusiasts a chance to buy, sell or trade bicycles and related items. The vendor fee is $5. For more information, visit Midwest Bicycle Swapmeet on Facebook.

make a list of who gets what on paper, signed, dated and referenced in your will. You can revise it anytime you want. You may also want to consider writing an additional letter or create an audio or video recording that further explains your intentions.

You can also specify a strategy for divvying up the rest of your property. Here are some popular methods that are fair and reasonable:

Take turns choosing: Use a round-robin process where your kids take turns choosing the items they would like to have. If who goes first becomes an issue, they can always flip a coin or draw straws. Also, to help simplify things, break down the dividing process room-by-room, versus tackling the entire house. To keep track of who gets what, either make a list or use adhesive dots with a color assigned to each person to tag the item.

Have a family auction: Give each person involved the same amount of play money or use virtual points or poker chips to bid on the items they want.

Dig in at Garden Fair

Learn ways to improve your garden at the 2024 Spring Garden Fair, hosted by the Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardeners from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, at the Extension Education Center, 7001 W. 21st St. Admission is free.

The event includes educational booths, plant sales and tours of the center’s gardens. Youth activities and food prepared by the Herb Society of South Central Kansas will also be offered. The first 500 visitors will receive free Zinnia plants to take home. For more information, contact Matthew McKernan at 316-660-0140, or mckernan@ksu.edu

Free colon screening kits

Ascension Via Christi is again offering colorectal screening kits, while supplies last at no cost to anyone 45 and older. Those whose stool samples test positive for blood are followed up by a nurse navigator and, if they need and cannot afford a colonoscopy, funding is available through a grant from the Colon Cancer Coalition.

Call 316-268-5890 for a kit to be mailed to you. The sample can be returned in the self-addressed envelope provided with the kit. If the sample tests negative, the results will be sent by mail within a few weeks. Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death for men and women combined, but treatment is generally

Use online resources: For families who want help or live far apart, there are web-based resources like FairSplit. com that can assist with the dividing process.

For more tips, see “Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate?” at YellowPiePlate.umn.edu. This is a resource created by the University of Minnesota Extension Service that offers a free video and detailed workbook for $12.50 that gives pointers to help families discuss property distribution issues and lists important factors to keep in mind that can help you avoid or manage conflict.

It’s also very important that you discuss your plans in advance with your kids so they can know ahead what to expect. Or you may even want to start distributing some of your items now, while you are still alive.

Get more savvy

Find more Savvy Senior at theactiveage.com. This month’s topics include:

1. How to tap underutilized burial benefits for veterans

2. Who should be screened for lung cancer?

successful if found early.

Vaccinations offered

The Wichita Black Nurses Association is hosting two vaccination and wellness clinics this month. The April 6 clinic will be held from noon to 3 pm at the Oaklawn Activity Center, 4904 S. Clifton Ave. The April 20 clinic will be held from noon to 3 p.m. at Iasis Christian Center, 1914 E. 11th St.

The walk-in clinics will offer influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations and blood pressure and blood glucose checks to people aged 18 and older. Free gasoline cards will be given away to all who attend while supplies last. An identification card is required for admission. Health insurance is not required.

Spring into cleaning

The next free Empowered Senior Series program, “April Showers Bring Spring Sprucing,” will be held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Botanica.

Dockum sitter honored

Galyn Vesey will tell the story of the 1958 Dockum Drug-Store Sit-In as he experienced it as a high schooler in a talk at the Mennonite Church of the Servant, 2401 N. Woodland, on Friday, April 5. Vesey will also be presented with the Church Women United Human Rights Award for 2024. The event begins at 1 p.m.

Dream machine is clean machine

It’s hard to miss Antoine Brown when he’s out in his 2007 Cadillac Biarritz, which he is quite a bit.

The fuchsia paint job and goldstriped Vogue tires see to that.

Brown says he acquired the car about a decade ago. It’s not unusual to see it parked outside Mort’s in Old Town, where Brown enjoys listening to music, on in the car wash next to The

Hospice helps with in-home nurse visits, personal care,

Active Age’s office on West Street. “I clean it every other day,” he said.

He takes it to area car shows, but only as a spectator. Brown said he guesses it was the paint job that drew him to the vehicle, one of many he’s owned.

“I’ve been loving them all my life, really.”

April Theatre

By Diana Morton

CPT (Christian Performance Theatre), 5256 N. Woodlawn, Isley Elementary. Peter Pan. Timeless tale told in musical form. 7 pm Th, Fri; 2 pm & 7 pm Sat, April 25-27. Tickets, go to our website www.cptheatre.org or call 316-682-1688.

Forum Theatre, at the Wilke Center,

1st United Methodist Church, 330

N. Broadway. Harvey. Pulitzer Prizewinning comedy about the friendship between Elwood P. Dowd and his imaginary, furry best friend. Th-Sat, 8 pm, Sun 2 pm, April 25 – May 12. Tickets $23-$25. Opening night ticket $18. 316-618-0444

Guild Hall Players, St. James Episcopal Church, 3750 E. Douglas. Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward, directed

by Mary Newman. A novelist invites an eccentric clairvoyant to conduct a séance, hoping to gather material for his next book. 8 pm April 4-6 and 7 pm April 7. Tickets $12; Students $10. 316-683-5686

Roxy’s Downtown, 412 E. Douglas, cabaret-style theatre. Cabaret. In a 1920s Berlin nightclub, the tumultuous lives of Berlin’s natives and expats slowly yield to the emerging Third

Reich. 8pm Thu-Sat, 2:00 pm matinee Sat, April 4 - 27. Tickets $40. 316265-4400

Wichita Community Theatre, 258 N. Fountain. Bad Seed by Maxwell Anderson, directed by Mary Tush Green. A child’s mysterious drowning at a picnic is at the center of this drama. 8 pm Thu-Sat, 2 pm Sun, April 25 – May 5. Tickets $16-18. 316-6861282

GET YOUR TAXES DONE FOR FREE!

• IRS-certified volunteers prepare your taxes and identify tax credits you’re eligible for.

• Locations across Wichita and Sedgwick, Butler, Cowley, Geary and Marion counties.

• Last year, we filed 5,894 returns that generated $7.1 million in refunds.

• Questions? Dial 2-1-1.

www.theactiveage.com

Pr opert y Tax Relie f

Eligible taxpayers reporting less than $50,000 in taxable income could be eligible for property tax relief. Scan the QR code to learn more and fill out the application or call 211 to have a tax expert help you apply.