East Wichita News March 2020

March 2020 - 2

I INSIDE

Volume 37 • Issue 3 March 2020

ON THE COVER Getting comfortable in her own skin | 16

East Wichitan Tina Smith turns to photography and modeling to educate others about her condition.

Contributed photo

Features

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People & Places................................. 7

Wichita 150: How some Wichita streets got their names | 4 East Wichita News’ Spring Home & Garden Guide | 20

From the Publisher’s Files.............. 8 Focus On Business..........................12 Letter to the Editor Save Century II.................................15 Performing Arts Calendar............30 Dateline..............................................31

East Wichita News Editorial

Publisher Paul Rhodes Managing Editor Travis Mounts Production Hilary Eash

Sales & Billing

Sales Valorie Castor, Shelby Riedel Billing/Circulation Michelle Leidy-Franklin A Division of Times-Sentinel Newspapers 125 N. Main • P.O. Box 544 Cheney, KS 67025 Phone: (316) 540-0500 Fax: (316) 540-3283 © 2020 Times-Sentinel Newspapers LLC

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Chiefs’ win brings lifetime of relief to fans To say that Kansas City Chiefs fans are long-suffering is an understatement.

Last month’s Super Bowl victory brought joy to millions, and to most of those fans, the win also brought a sense of relief.

It’s been a long road.

The last time Kansas City won the Super Bowl, the game was nothing like it is today. The last Chiefs’ heyday came in the late 1960s. There was not Sunday Night Football or Monday Night Football, no ESPN, no fantasy leagues.

Super Bowl television ads cost less than what tickets for Sunday’s game cost.

One of the iconic images of Super Bowl I, which also featured the Chiefs, was of quarterback Len Dawson having a smoke on the sideline.

It was a different world.

I’m the same age as the Chiefs’ span between Super Bowl wins and appearances. Growing up, my rooting interest changed season to season because the Chiefs were so awful.

Then in the late 1980s they began to give us something that we didn’t really need...hope.

That hope, the belief that the Chiefs could be great, led to many playoff disappointments. The quarterbacks and other players changed, as did the coaches and general managers.

And there were years of abject failure. But since about 1989, the Chiefs have been good more than they’ve been bad.

The lone constant, however, was playoff failure. If there was a way to lose a playoff game, the Chiefs found it and executed it flawlessly.

Even under Andy Reid, the Chiefs found ways to give us hope and then our souls were crushed in the playoffs, much like a quarterback underneath the late, great Derrick Thomas.

As the fourth quarter began on Sunday, I was mentally preparing

Travis Mounts | Managing Editor

myself for a long drive home from a friend’s house in Newton. The Chiefs had already dug themselves out of deeper holes in the playoffs, but they also dug those holes and climbed out of them by halftime. On Sunday, time was working against us, and we hadn’t seen much from our defense or our quarterback and his high-flying circus of an offense.

And then, they did it. They did it quickly. We had hope.

Then came the win and the joy. And for many of us, relief from years and years (and decades) of frustration.

On Tuesday, I saw many of Kansas City’s fountains were filled with Chiefsred water. I assumed they were filled with the blood of our vanquished foes, but it turns out it’s just dye. Whatever, it’s still cool.

And the Chiefs’ future looks very bright. Our franchise quarterback is just 24 years old. He’s already accomplished things that Hall-of-Famers had yet to do at this point of their careers.

This franchise is poised for a decade or more of success.

I can only imagine what it’s going to be like for today’s kids to grow up as Chiefs fans, knowing nothing but success. They’ll hope, as we did, but with a firm belief that their team will deliver more often than it won’t.

That’s a strange feeling to me. But I think I’ll get used to it.

March 2020 - 4

How some Wichita streets got their names

Editor’s note: The year 2020 marks the 150th birthday of Wichita and Sedgwick County. Each month of this year, WestSide Story will have a story relating to the history and growth of our community.

Story by Sam Jack

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Why is Kellogg called Kellogg? Why is Hydraulic called Hydraulic? The WestSide Story set out to learn the history behind the names of some of the Air Capital’s thoroughfares.

Hydraulic According to the Historic Preservation Alliance of Wichita and Sedgwick County, what is now Hydraulic was formerly known as “Mill Street.” The street ran past the water-powered Hydraulic Mills at the intersection of Hydraulic and First.

Built in the 1870s, the original mill ran on power from the Chisholm Creek, but it failed due to insufficient water flow and had to be rebuilt. The mill reopened in October 1881.

A few months later, the Wichita Eagle recounted that the redesigned mill could draw 80 horsepowers of water power. It used four sets of millstones and could store 12,000 bushels of grain. A corn mill was added in 1886.

A 1901 report in the Wichita Beacon states that Hydraulic Mills was the first mill in southwest Kansas with a capacity of 250 barrels a day, and the largest mill in the state at the time.

By 1891, according to the Preservation Alliance, the city was “growing very unhappy with the mill pond and its effect on the Little Arkansas River.” A resolution was passed condemning the pond, and in September 1891, the city destroyed the dam that had created the pond.

The mill converted to steam and continued to operate, but was torn down in 1901.

William Street William Street is an east-west street, seven blocks long, capped by Century II on the west end and Spaghetti Works Apartments on the east. The short street could have easily had a longer name: “Greiffenstein.”

William “Dutch Bill” Greiffenstein was mayor of Wichita in 1878 and from 1880 to 1884. According to F5 Magazine, Greiffenstein was honored to have the street that ran to his front doorstep named for him, but thought his surname would be too difficult to spell. He suggested William instead.

In Orsemus Hills Bentley’s “History of Wichita and Sedgwick County, Kansas: Past and Present,” Bentley described Greiffenstein as a “warm-hearted, generous man,” with many friends. “Time will do his memory justice, and posterity will perpetuate his many virtues.”

Milo Kellogg is pictured in 1918 at age 75, when he was living in California.

Kellogg was Wichita’s first postmaster.

Greiffenstein was born in Prussia in 1829 and settled in St. Louis after immigrating to the United States.

He spent much of the 1850s and 1860s trading with Native Americans in Kansas and Indian Territory.

One of his trading posts was on the present-day site of Eberly Farms, near Via Christi St. Teresa Hospital.

In 1869, General Philip Sheridan accused him of selling guns to the Indians and had him expelled from Indian Territory. Greiffenstein appealed to Washington, D.C., and obtained a ruling that he had in fact been authorized to sell the guns. The government paid him compensation for his financial loss.

Greiffenstein gave away alternating lots along Wichita’s Main Street to businessmen who promised to build commercial developments, and his efforts to boost the city go a long way toward explaining why he was so well-regarded.

Unfortunately, his personal fortunes took a turn for the worse when Wichita’s real estate market crashed in the mid-1880s. Greiffenstein and his second wife, Catherine, moved back to Indian Territory, raising cattle and organizing the Oklahoma town of Burnett. He died in 1899.

Kellogg Avenue Now also known as U.S. Highway 54, Kellogg is one of the busiest transit corridors in the city. The avenue is

named for Milo Kellogg: a Civil War veteran, Wichita’s first postmaster, a major town builder, and manager of Durfee’s Trading Post in the early 1870s.

Kellogg was the Republican candidate for Wichita Register of Deeds in 1873.

“He is from New York and served four years in the 17th and 144th infantry, laid in a rebel prison eleven months,” the Wichita Eagle stated on Oct. 9, 1873. “His discharge papers show that he participated in 14 battles. He is one of the oldest residents in the county, is an accommodating, pleasant and honorable gentleman in every particular.”

According to Jay M. Price’s book “Wichita, 18601930,” Darius Munger delivered mail in earlier years, but Kellogg was the community’s first full-time postmaster. Kellogg became a partner in one of Wichita’s first grocery stores during the 1870s, and 10 years later moved away to California.

Harry Street Harry Street, like William, commemorates a first instead of a last name. According to “Cowtown Wichita and the Wild, Wicked West,” by Stan Hoig, Harry Hill was a stagecoach driver who operated a livery stable, and later organized a popular Wild West show in Wichita.

Bleckley Drive Running north and south off Lincoln Street, midway between Oliver and Edgemoor, Bleckley Drive was built in the early 1930s and was set to be named for U.S. President Warren G. Harding, who died in 1923 after a whistle-stop

tour of America that included a stop in Hutchinson.

A local war hero took Harding’s spot on the map. Lt. Erwin R. Bleckley was a member of the Air Service, serving in France during World War I. In October 1918, Bleckley was stationed at Remicourt, flying missions in support of the 77th Infantry. Hundreds of men from the 308th Infantry were surrounded by German troops, unable to accurately communicate their location to commanders.

Bleckley and pilot Lt. Harold Goettler flew an Oct. 6 mission to find the missing men, returning to base with an airplane full of bullet holes. Despite the damage, the two men decided to make another run on a different plane, according to an article in F5.

The second mission was disastrous: Goettler was shot and died at his controls. Bleckley died on the way to a French hospital, aged 23. Both Bleckley and Goettler were awarded posthumous Medals of Honor.

The occasion for the naming of Bleckley Drive was the death of Bleckley’s father, Wichita pioneer Col. E.E. Bleckley, in 1931. The local American Legion made the naming request in December 1932, according to the Wichita Eagle.

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“When the show pulled into the depot at Wichita, 25 Indians in full regalia were perched atop the boxcars while cowboys, roustabouts and other members of the entourage waved and cheered from car windows,” Hoig wrote.

The show included fancy shooting and riding and “a melee of bucking horses and riders.” Hill wore a flowing blonde wig.

“His son shot glass balls out of a girl’s hand and then from her mouth; howling Indians charged a trapper’s cabin; a horse thief was hanged; warriors attacked a Pony Express rider; and masked highwaymen held up an overland mail stage. Finally, an Indian group conducted a religious ceremony so the crowd could see how they worshiped at home,” according to Hoig.

According to a memoir by Victor Murdock, the traveling show disbanded after being struck by a tornado and then a railroad wreck in quick succession.

Hill died in 1898, aged 69.

Bread. The way it ought to be.

William “Dutch Bill” Greiffenstein is the namesake of William Street, a seven-block street that runs from Century II to the Spaghetti Works Apartments.

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Bread. The way it ought to be.

March 2020 - 6

Helping hands

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Members of the FFA club at Wichita Southeast High School participated in this year’s Sedgwick County Soil Conservation District’s 75th annual meeting and banquet, held Feb. 20 at Sedgwick County Extension. The club members assisted in the celebration, including serving drinks and assisting with clean-up. Even though the agricultural club is at an urban school, it is active with 99 members and one teacher.

Contributed photo

• Governor Laura Kelly has appointed Wichitan Danielle Vequist to the Physical Therapy Advisory Council. Vequist is a graduate of Wichita State University and is a licensed physical therapist. She works at the Sedgwick County Area Educational Cooperative, based in Goddard. The purpose of the Council is to advise the Board of Healing Arts on examination and registration of physical therapists. The governor appoints three licensed physical therapists who have at least three years of experience and are actively engaged in physical therapy in Kansas.

• A group of young producers from across the state met in Topeka Feb. 1819 for the first installment of the 2020 Kansas Livestock Association’s Young Stockmen’s Academy. Audrey Schultz of Andover is among 20 students who will participate in four seminars throughout the year, which will be held in various locations across the state.

Nathan Hammar, Madi Hearne, Anthony Hoang, Giang Hoang, Sarah Johnson, Chase Kauffman, Sabina Kelly, Elizabeth Kirk, Katlyn Loper, Lindsey Loveland, Kevin Mattar, Brayden Niessen, Reilly Peare, Hung Pham, Vivian Pham, Kacquelyn Rech, Kursten Regehr, Fernanda Reyes, Cooper Root, Natalie Samuelson, Hannah Steinert, Luke Torgerson, Wil Ullmann, Jacob Wagner, Lacey Wellemeyer, Abby Wenninger, Anna Wenninger, Dylan Whiddon, Anna Wilson, Andrew Windish, Sean Witt, Lauren Wolf, Colin Wreath and Austin Zellers of Wichita; and Peter Ercolani, Sarah Brooks, Dylan Crane, Susana Hobbs, Dylan Jensen and Leanne Tang of Bel Aire.

• Polly Schroeder of Wichita is the recipient of the National Federation Officials Association (NFOA) Section 5 Distinguished Active Official Award.

Section 5 includes the states of Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Schroeder has been registered as a basketball and volleyball official for 21 years. She has umpired softball for 16 years. Schroeder was the first female official in Kansas to officiate a state tournament in three different sports, earning the right to officiate state volleyball, basketball and softball in the same school year. The NFHS also recognized twelve other active officials as 2019 State Officials of the Year. The list includes several officials from the area, including: Neal Jeffery (baseball) of Wichita; Cody Stucky (boys basketball) of Maize; Mark Edwards (boys soccer) of Wichita; and Donna Lee

(volleyball) of Wichita.

• The Wichita Area Builders Association has installed new officers and board members for 2020. The executive committee includes: Chairman of the board, Steve Hund, All Seasons Construction, Inc.; first vice chairman, Tom Baalmann, B&B Lumber Company; second vice chairman, Kevin Goebel, Star Lumber Truss; third vice chairman, Miles Millspaugh, Tri-M Construction Company; secretary-treasurer Eric Purkey, Drywall Systems, Inc.; past chairman of the board, Will Engel, Honey Do Homes, LLC; past second vice chairman, Tina Williams, Security 1st Title; president-CEO, Wess Galyon, Wichita Area Builders Association. The board of directors includes: Bob Aldrich, Wichita Railway Systems, LLC; Chris Anderson, Vintage Bank Kansas; Katherine Archibald, Archibald Homes, LLC; Susan Armstrong, Armstrong Chamberlin; Mike Bell, Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc.; Benjamin Cook, Bob Cook Homes, LLC; Kathy Baker, Don Klausmeyer Construction, LLC; Christopher Bohm, Garver LLC; Chris Highfill, Frederick Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning; Wesley Klausmeyer, Don Klausmeyer Construction, LLC; Miles Millspaugh, Tri-M Construction Company; Shane Moeder, M&M Custom Construction, LLC; Ryan Nett, Netco Companies; Andy Robl, Robl Construction, Inc.; Brandon Salisbury, Craig Sharp Homes, Inc.; and Taylor Zimbelman, Zimbelman Construction, LLC.

See PEOPLE, Page 11

www.eastwichitanews.com

• More than 6,100 undergraduate students at the University of Kansas earned honor roll distinction for the fall 2019 semester, representing 84 of 105 Kansas counties, 46 other states and territories, and 43 other countries. The honored students are Mary McCoy, Annie Urban, Jack Urban, Ava Defrain, Madchen DeFrain, William Devore, Ben Hane and Liana Tauke of Eastborough; Wichitans Robert Ahern, Harper Amend, Kendall Anaya, Sterling Anderson, Tyler Anderson, Audrey Arterburn, Mia Baker, Paymon Behzadpour, Cameron Christian, Ben Davis, Gabriel Fisher, Carly

Flake, Hunter Glass, Amber Hanney, Colin Harmon, Grant Heiman, Grant Henry, Stuart Jenkins, Anna Jenney, Caleb Johnson, Alex Jones, Andrew Klimiuk, Harrison Level, Elise Lindemann, Ally Lowden, Lindsey Luong, Joey Maksoud, Michael McGreevy, Samantha Mitra, Brian Moore, Kristina Nguyen, Natalie Nichols, Nathan Nichols, Riley Sherwood, Madeleine Steven, Remington Tee, Abby Waddell, Rachael Watson, Christian Wead, Madeline Bird, Dhanushki Abeykoon, Nia Bishop, Kara Clough, Vi Dang, Grant Geschwentner, Terry Giang, Lilian Huynh, Ian Krummel, Kim Lan Nguyen, Lauren Page, Brooke Shuey, Luke Smith, Kyle Ta, Peter Tso, Matheu Wakefield, Ella Galbraith, Anna Tracy, Abbey Wald, Reggie Winfield, Conrad Chavey, Emma Gunderson, Sabita Keeny, Ian Phares, Madison Robinson, Tarik Aginar, Stephanie Pham, Duncan Bauserman, Emme Bina, Madison Cornwell, Erin Courington, Zara Hassan, Madison Huynh, Zane Issa, Sura Jaradat, Mia Kealey, Zoe Lai, Stephen Le, Catherine Magana, Emma Miller, Rylan Minar, Christian Nassif, Alexis O’Malley, Tumi Osunsanmi, Taylor Powell, Kyeisha Ross, Tiger Ruan, Abigail Wagle, Hanif Ashraf, Umar Ashraf, Skylar Craft, Surika Dennill, Mia Estivo, Jenny Nguyen, Shelby Schrock, Emma Starks, Gia Bao “Jen” Tran, Cooper Anderson, Natalie Anderson, Michael Bell, Nicole Bledsoe, Hannah Brock, Lydia Brown, Megan Bruey, Patrick Chan, Nathan Do, Julia Elson, Brooke Flucke, Grace Flynn, Andrew Gagnon, Julia Graves, Megan Grayli, Connor Guthridge, Samara Haenggi,

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East Wichita News People and Places

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An unexpected find during an adventure on St. Martin

Kim and I love it when we literally stumble across something fantastic during our travels.

It happened again recently when we were on a cruise that stopped at the island of St. Martin. We had not planned any excursions on the island, and instead figured we would just do some exploring on our own.

The island in the Caribbean has a Dutch side and a French side, and our ship had docked on the Dutch side.

After we disembarked, we decided on the spot to venture over to the other side of the island.

Getting to Marigot, the French capital, was easy. There were well-marked taxi stands, and the transportation system seemed to be up front and well organized. We shared a minivan ride across the island (about 20 minutes) with some other passengers from our ship, and the cost was only a few dollars per person.

The drive was beautiful and educational as our driver took us over a small mountain range to get to the other side of the island, and she talked about some of the history of St. Martin as she knew it.

From the Publisher’s Files

Paul Rhodes | Publisher

Once in Marigot, everyone was on their own. Kim and I had heard there was an art scene in Marigot, as well as galleries, so we just took off walking to see what we could find. First, we stumbled across a French pharmacy, where Kim stocked up on some beauty supplies, and just down the street we could see there was an art gallery.

What we quickly learned was that the gallery was a St. Martin landmark. It was the family home of Sir Roland Richardson, a prolific artist who was born there in 1944. Today, the home – built in the 1840s – also doubles as a gallery for Richardson’s extensive works of art,

which literally span his lifetime.

Richardson, we learned from the gallery manager, has traveled the world with art shows, always returning to his home on St. Martin to continue his vibrant work with oil on canvas, creating scenes with a distinctive island flair. He is commonly referred to as the “Father of Caribbean Impressionism.”

As we delved into the art of Sir Roland, we learned that he had been knighted for his artistic career by the Netherlands, and had received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the French government. The

more we asked and learned, the more we guessed that the gallery manager had a unique connection with the artist – and indeed, she did. She was Laura Richardson, the artist’s wife.

Kim and I picked out two pieces of art to take home with us – a print of a recent oil painting featuring an explosion of colors from a flower native to St. Martin, and an etching that Roland had made 22 years ago, which was a portrait of a woman.

See RHODES, Page 10

Painter Sir Roland Richardson works in his studio. The studio is part of a historic family home on the island of St. Martin.

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New podcast series marks 100 years of women’s suffrage

Baseball team seeks singers for national anthem

KMUW 89.1-FM will debut a six-episode podcast series in March 2020 in recognition of 100 years of women’s suffrage. Hindsight: Looking Back at 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage examines the history of women’s suffrage, political involvement, and social activism in the United States from the middle of the 19th century through today. Historian and host Dr. Robin Henry blends historical context and conversations with scholars, politicians, and activists. Hindsight aims to educate, entertain, and provide listeners a better understanding of women’s diverse voices and roles in U.S. history.

The first episode of Hindsight will premiere Monday, March 2, at KMUW.org/programs/hindsight and wherever podcasts can be found. The subsequent five episodes will premiere every other month through December 2020.

KMUW’s event series Engage ICT: Democracy on Tap will partner with Hindsight to co-present “Women in Politics: 100 Years of Progress.” This community conversation will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Roxy’s Downtown, 412-1/2 E. Douglas.

A diverse panel of experts will join Dr. Henry in a community discussion on the evolution from women’s suffrage to women in elected offices, and the challenges they face today. More information about Engage ICT be found at kmuw.org/topic/engage-ict.

The Wichita Wind Surge will be holding auditions for National Anthem performers to perform at the new Wichita baseball stadium during its 2020 Inaugural Season.

Anthem auditions will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Sebits Auditorium in the Riney Fine Arts Center at Friends University. Parking will be available on the south and east sides of the Fine Arts Center.

Solo performers (a cappella) and instrumental performances are welcome to audition as are choirs, bands and other types of groups who do not exceed 8 people. All who tryout are required to keep their auditions to no more than 90 seconds in length.

Performer auditions will take place on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no fee to audition and the general public is invited to audition.

Performers will audition in front of a panel of judges. All participants will be notified via email over the next 3-4 weeks if they qualify to perform the anthem before a Wind Surge game. Qualifying to perform the anthem for the Wind Surge does not guarantee the performer an actual Wind Surge National Anthem performance.

For additional information, visit the team’s website at www.windsurge.com or call 316-221-8000.

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Rhodes Continued from Page 8

“Would you like to watch Roland paint?”

Laura asked us. “He’s upstairs in his studio.”

What an invitation! We made our way through the garden behind the gallery and up a flight of stairs to the artist’s studio. As we watched him work, Sir Roland talked about how light impacts the subjects he paints, and how he recreates those fantastic images with his paintbrush. He even graciously allowed me to photograph him at work.

As we left, I thanked Sir Richard for letting us intrude on his day, and he countered with a smile.

“No, thank you,” he said. “People like you are my inspiration.”

Back downstairs, Laura also greeted us with a smile.

“The woman in the etching,” she said.

“That’s me.”

Kim and I will treasure our artwork by Sir Roland Richardson. But more importantly, we’ll treasure our memories from our day on St. Martin.

Continued from Page 7

• Elizabeth Dixon of East Wichita was among 1,759 students named to Samford University’s 2019 fall semester dean’s list. To qualify for the dean’s list, a student must have earned a minimum 3.5 grade-point average out of a possible 4.0 while attempting at least 12 credit hours of coursework.

• Five Eastsiders were named to the fall 2019 dean’s list at Wheaton College in Illinois. The students were Paul Amstutz, Ella Curry, Grant Alexander, Jameson Logan and Emily Smith. To be eligible, students had to carry 12 or more credit hours and achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

• Gold Omotor of Wichita was named to the dean’s list for the fall 2019 semester at Georgia State University. Dean’s list students must complete nine hours, achieve a 3.5 GPA for the semester and have a 2.0 GPA overall.

• More than 5,700 University of Nebraska-Lincoln students have been named to the deans’ list for the fall semester of the 2019-20 academic year.

Grant Bell of Andover was among the students honored.

• Emporia State conferred degrees on more than 500 students in December.

Eastside students receiving diplomas included Megan Duggins and Amanda Rochelle Maiden of Andover, Megan Carney and Janice Heather Smith of Bel Aire, and Wichitans Daniel Agbaji Agbaji, Krista Marie Campbell, Emma Marie Dixon, Eugene Jay Garrison, Tyler Palmer and Scott C. Truman.

• Nearly 500 University of Dallas undergraduate students were named to the fall 2019 dean’s list for earning a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher. The list includes John Duong and Nicole Zurita of East Wichita.

• Mitchell List of Andover was one of nearly 600 cadets and students recognized for academic achievement during the fall 2019 semester at The Citadel.

List was awarded a gold star, presented to students who achieve a 3.7 GPA or

higher. Gold star students also are on The Citadel’s dean’s list.

• The Emporia State University honor roll and dean’s lists include a number of Eastside students. Students named to the university honor roll and the teachers college dean’s list are Victoria Bankson, Cheira Combs and Andrew Wurzer of Andover; and Hailey Browning, Krista Campbell, Rikki Cook, Emma Kusmaul, Lindsay Laub, Devyn Porter and Ryan Smith of Wichita. Students named to the university honor roll and school of business dean’ls list are Brooke Jamison of Andover, Crayton Bina of Bel Aire, and Emma Dixon and Jordan Plank of Wichita. Students named to the university honor roll and college of liberal arts and sciences dean’s list are Elia Brown, Jessica Reth and Monica Verkinderen of Wichita. Students named to the university honor roll are Kate Fast and Tyler Rudisill of Andover, and Jenna Porterfield and Camille Sowa of Wichita.

Do you have an item for People and Places? Send your submission by March 20 to be considered for the April edition. Email news@tsnews.com.

Faces wanted.

At East Wichita News, we’re already working on feature stories for upcoming editions. If you know of someone whose face (and story) should appear on these pages, please let us know! ewn@eastwichitanews.com 316-540-0500 www.facebook.com/ EastWichitaNews

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People

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March 2020 - 12 www.eastwichitanews.com

FOCUS ON BUSINESS

Featured this month Focus On Business is a monthly feature offered to area advertisers. If you would like your business featured here, please contact our sales office at (316) 540-0500.

KPTS........................................................Page 12 Sydney’s Pet Resort..................................Page 13 First Presbyterian Church.......................Page 14

‘Wichita: The Air Capital’ to Premiere at The Orpheum on March 6

“Wichita: The Air Capital” is a new, locally-produced documentary that takes viewers back to the beginning of aviation in our community when the dreams of dare-devil pilots and the dreams of community boosters worked together to make Wichita the place to build airplanes, and make dreams of flying come true for the world. This film, written and produced

by KPTS – Channel 8, looks at the history of aviation; what’s happening now in our city; and explores what the future holds for Wichita.

“At KPTS, we are always looking for good stories to tell, and nobody does it better than local, public television,” said KPTS President and CEO Victor Hogstrom.

“With Wichita’s rich aviation roots, it just made sense to explore the city’s history and what the future holds for the ‘Air Capital of the World!’”

This film will have a debut screening at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) on Friday, March 6 at the Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway, Wichita, Kan. Tickets are $10 each, and will benefit KPTS as a co-promotion with the Orpheum Theatre. Tickets are now on sale through Select-A-Seat. Advanced tickets can be purchased online at selectaseat.com, by phone at 855-755SEAT (7328), and in person at the Select-A-Seat Box

Office at INTRUST Bank Arena.

If people are unable to attend the premiere at the Orpheum Theatre, they can watch “Wichita: The Air Capital” on KPTS during the station’s Springfest membership drive on Thursday, March 12 at 7 p.m. or Monday, March 16 at 7 p.m.

At this screening and during the on-air pledge drive, KPTS supporters will be able to make a contribution to the station, and help make it possible for KPTS to

continue to bring the community quality programs like this unique film. With a pledge of $84 ($7 per month), people will receive a copy of “Wichita: The Air Capital” as a thank you gift. At the $108 ($9 per month) pledge level, supporters will receive a copy of the Greteman Group’s new book “Wichita: Where Aviation Took Wing.” And, for a pledge of $156 ($13 per month), supporters will receive both the DVD and book – what a great way to celebrate Wichita’s rich aviation history, and support KPTS at the same time. Anyone who becomes a member of KPTS at the screening event on March 6, at the $40 level, will receive six vouchers to the Orpheum’s 2020 Anniversary Film Series.

In addition to airing this ground-breaking documentary, KPTS plans to provide copies of the DVD to schools and libraries across Kansas, as well as providing the DVD to the Kansas Aviation Museum for educational purposes.

Kansas Public Telecommunication Services (KPTS) - Channel 8 is our community-owned public media organization whose mission is to educate, engage, entertain and enrich Kansans. KPTS’ vision is to be a primary influence for a thriving, engaged community.

Learn more at kpts.org.

Sydeny’s Pet Resort owner Erin Dean began her business in Kansas City and expanded into the Wichita area five years ago, with their location near K96 and Greenwich, as (pictured below). Sydney’s Pet Resort is named after Erin’s dog (pictured above together) who passed away October 1, 2019. Sydney would have been sixteen years old on October 7, 2019.

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Offering Dog & Cat Lodging, Dog & Cat Grooming, Dog Daycare & Training

11024 E. 28th Street N. | Wichita, KS 67226

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there to provide a full range of specialized care options.

“If there’s anything extra you want for your pet, we’re here to provide it,” said Dean. Additional services include extra walks, treats, vacation and text photos, and even ice cream.

“For many of our clients, these are their children,” said Dean. “And we can relate to that. We’re here to cater to your pet’s needs…whatever they may be.”

She said the new training services have been very popular, and include six-week sessions for puppies and Lodge and Learn training – five days and 15 days – for older dogs. Trainers work with dogs on general areas of training, as well as specific problems.

Sydney’s Pet Resort includes a full-service grooming salon, and the staff groomer has extensive experience.

There’s also a special cat resort area.

The Wichita facility is managed by Ashley McGrew, who was an original employee at Sydney’s Pet Resort. She was an attendant, then assistant manager, and now is general manager for the facility.

Throughout the facility, pets are separated by size, providing the safest and best accommodations possible.

A beautiful, fenced-in outdoor area including a water feature also is part of the resort’s amenities.

“Our guests get outside multiple times a day,” said Dean. “This is the kind of facility where clients know their pets will receive plenty of attention and play during the day, whether it’s as a resort guest or a daycare visitor.”

Sydney’s Pet Resort is open seven days a week. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays; and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. on Sundays.

For more information, call 316-9282400, visit www.SydneysPetResort. com, or stop by the facility at 11024 E. 28th St. North, near 96 Highway and Greenwich Road.

The first day of daycare or the first night of boarding is free for firsttime clients. Sydney’s Pet Resort also offers pickup and drop off services for clients.

FOCUS ON BUSINESS

When you choose Sydney’s Pet Resort for your overnight accommodations, grooming and daycare services, it’s like giving your pet a day at the spa.

In March, Sydney’s Pet Resort will mark its 5th anniversary in East Wichita at 96 Highway and Greenwich Road.

The facility was custom built for Sydney’s Pet Resort, and owner Erin Dean said time has flown by since she brought her distinctive brand of full service pet resort to the Wichita market.

Thirteen years ago, Dean opened Sydney’s Pet Spa in the Leawood area of Kansas City. The idea of doggie daycare was new at the time, and her concept – multiple services under one roof and a true focus on pet needs – was a huge success. Her next logical step was to launch a location in her hometown of Wichita.

“That was always my goal,” said Dean, who attended Maize schools and has family in Wichita. “And the response from our customers has been amazing.”

Before opening her facility in the Kansas City area, Dean was traveling a lot for work, and often had to board her dog Sydney.

“There weren’t a lot of options, and I always wondered about something better,” said Dean. In her travels for work, she came across pet spas in other cities, and decided to launch a facility in Leawood.

“It was wonderful to see how people warmed up to the idea,” said Dean. “We give pets a lot of attention, and their owners a lot of options for their care.”

Sydney’s Pet Resort in East Wichita features resort-style overnight accommodations, grooming services, doggie daycare and training. The facility is themed throughout the building, and visitors are immediately greeted in the lobby with a look down “Rodeo Drive.”

Other themed areas throughout the building include New York City, Asia, Egypt, Hawaii, Australia and Mexico.

“We wanted this to be a fun experience for both our clients and their pets,” said Dean. Accommodations range from regular boarding to luxury and vacation suites, including television. Webcams monitor activities 24 hours a day, and staff members are

13 - March 2020

Sydney’s Pet Resort marks 5th anniversary in Wichita

March 2020 - 14 FOCUS ON BUSINESS www.eastwichitanews.com

First Presbyterian Church to celebrate 150th Anniversary

Wichita’s First Presbyterian Church will be celebrating its 150th anniversary with several events over the next few months.

The celebration will launch with a brief ceremony at the site of the first church on Friday, March 13, at 2 p.m. On that day in March of 1870, 13 original members joined together to officially organize the Presbyterian Church in Wichita.

The members had been worshipping during the previous winter in one of the abandoned dugouts of a former Army post, and the commemorative ceremony will be held at the approximate site of the first service at the corner of 12th and Jackson, just west of Waco.

Several of the charter members will be portrayed in costume by current church members.

Then on Sunday, March 15, there will be an expanded worship service at the present church site, 525 North Broadway, at 10:45 a.m. City and county officials have been invited to attend, and the service will feature special music and also the premiere of a 20-minute commissioned documentary entitled “The Center of it All, First Presbyterian Church 150th Anniversary.”

“The military dugout was what they (the church’s first members) had to work with,” said church archivist Gary Huffman. “Luckily it was just for a few months.”

Huffman said historians believe the official organization of the church took place in a log house on Waco Street. Later that same year, construction was started on a frame church that is now located at Cowtown.

As chairman of the church’s anniversary committee, Huffman is excited about the documentary that is being produced by Jason Opat. That documentary will be the main part of the Sunday service on March 15.

“We’re all filled with pride,” Huffman said of the church’s anniversary events. “We’ve grown together with Wichita over the years.”

Other important anniversary events include: • April 19 – The Angulo Memorial Concert, 3 p.m.

Member Betty Angulo left a memorial for organ concerts, and this event will feature Damin Spritzer in concert.

• May 17 – Music Recognition Sunday, 10:45 a.m.

Cecil Riney, who spent 40 years with Friends Univer-

First Presbyterian Church at 525 N. Broadway has several 150th anniversary events planned this year.

sity and was the church’s choir director from 1960 to 1977, will lead an alumni choir. Former choir members can contact the church for more information.

• June 7 – Cowtown Worship Services, 8 and 9 a.m. The spotlight will be on the original frame church, which was one of the first buildings reconstructed at Cowtown.

• June 14 – Ice Cream Social and Antique Car Show.

With other events planned through the rest of the year, the church’s 150th anniversary will be marked in many ways. The church’s history is a rich one, filled with many highlights.

“This is an important year in the life of the church, the county and the city, and the church hopes to share this historical occasion with the City of Wichita, Sedgwick County and the surrounding area,” said Huffman.

Other highlights over the last century and a half in-

cluded the construction of a red brick church that was occupied in 1877, and then the current stone church that was dedicated in 1912. It was designed by architects from Cleveland, Ohio, and features a huge tower that lets light fill the entire sanctuary.

The church’s impressive stained glass windows were designed by C.J. Andrew of Kansas City. They were made of drapery glass in the style of Louis Comfort Tiffany.

A century later, the same magnificent church building stands in the heart of a vibrant and growing city – which also is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend any or all of the anniversary celebration events being planned by Wichita’s First Presbyterian Church. For more information, contact the church at 316-263-0248, or visit www.firstchurchwichita.org.

First Presbyterian Church • Celebrating 150 years in Wichita!

March 13 @ 2:00 p.m. March 15 @ 10:45 a.m.

Commemoration of Church Location: Organization at 12th & Jackson (Site of the Dugout)

Special Worship Service

Premiere of Documentary on First Presbyterian Church

April 12

Easter Celebration

April 19 @ 3:00 p.m.

May 17 @ 10:45 a.m.

Music Recognition Sunday Alumni Choir with Guest Conductor

Angulo Memorial Concert

525 N Broadway St. • Wichita • 316.263.0248 • firstchurchwichita.org

The choice is clear: Save Century II

Tune in to 107.9 FM Locally Owned • Locally Operated Locally Involved

Red Steagall & the Boys in the Bunkhouse Band

with special guest host Orin Friesen Saturday, March 21 @ 8:00 pm Doors open @ 7:00 pm

Other Upcoming Stockyards Events

March 7 • Whiskey River Band March 14 • Taria Lee March 28 • Jared Brown & the Dirt Road Misfits

Follow & like us on US 107.9 KWLS Facebook page for all of the Stockyard Events.

Country Plus Red Dirt For more info on these & future events, call 316-945-1079

www.eastwichitanews.com

After reading the editorial comments

by Travis Mounts, Managing Editor, regarding Century II, I felt no choice and, in fact, an obligation, as a citizen of the City of Wichita, to respond.

First, let’s clarify the value of Century II. It is both historically important and architecturally significant. It was not simply “built in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright,” it was, more specifically, designed by John Hickman and Roy Varenhorst, who were students of Frank Lloyd Wright. Century II is, by far, the single most iconic structure in Wichita.

It represents the branding for the city.

Think about it. Every advertising photo for Wichita features Century II in the foreground, front and center.

Secondly, let’s address the “fiscal side of things.” Populous, the primary member of the design team for the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan, is an international urban consulting group from Kansas City, Mo. It originally put forth five proposals. Only one saved Century II in its current form. The other four proposals ranged in project cost from $1 billion to $1.5 billion. The one proposal that did, in fact, save Century II, was the least expensive at $970 million. Furthermore, if the cost to repurpose Century II is corrected from the $235 million figure used by Populous to the $50 million figure confirmed by representatives of the City of Wichita, the cost is reduced to $785 million. Therefore, Scenario 3A, which saved Century II, is not just the least costly option, it is nearly half the cost of the other four proposals.

Recently, on Jan. 14, Populous presented its final recommendations for the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan. This included not only razing Century II and the adjoining public library, but also Gander Mountain and the Boathouse.

Keeping in mind this is the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan, neither the proposed new convention center, nor the proposed new performing arts center is even located on the riverfront. They are both located on or near Main Street. The tremendous opportunities presented by the riverfront are completely squandered. However, Populous provides 10

acres of green space on the riverfront at a cost of $330 million. That has got to be the most expensive lawn to mow in existence. Oh yes, did I forget to mention the “river-water swimming hole” situated in the Arkansas? Really?

To the contrary, Scenario 3A, which saved Century II, also repurposed the adjoining public library, as well as maintained both Gander Mountain and the boathouse. In addition, it placed the proposed new performing arts center on the riverfront, as it should be. Also, the proposed new convention center is placed to the east of the Hyatt and doubled in size, as it should be. This proposal, with a little tweaking, is a good start, and at almost half the cost.

Finally, let’s respond to the detractors of Century II. Does it have shortcomings or limitations? Yes, in its current condition, but most can be solved. It needs to be updated and upgraded to be brought up to industry standards. However, that should be put into perspective.

Shows like “Hamilton” and the “Phantom of the Opera” don’t come to Century II simply because of the shape of the stage and the inability to handle larger trucks, but because of the lack of attendance to support eight-performance runs for their Broadway tours. Wichita has been compared to Denver, Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Omaha.

However, these so-called “regional peer cities” range in population from nearly 1 million to over 2.8 million. Wichita, by comparison, has a metro population of 640,000. The reality is that the vast majority of both shows and conventions continue to be handled quite nicely by Century II. The final Riverfront Legacy Master Plan is composed of a collection of different sized boxes. Unlike Century II, there is nothing unique or distinctive about it. Nowhere is there anything remotely resembling an iconic structure.

This proposal is an ill-conceived vision for the East Bank.

The only alternative is for us, City of Wichita registered voters, to sign the Municipal Initiative Petition proffered by the Save Century II Committee to take the decision-making out of the hands of the City Council and place it into the hands of the public.

Greg Kite, president Historic Preservation Alliance of Wichita and Sedgwick County, Inc.

1 5 - M a r c h 2 0 2 0

Letter to the Editor

March 2020 - 16

Getting comfortable in her own skin

w w w . e a s t w i c h i t a n e w s . c o m

East Wichitan Tina Smith turns to photography and modeling to educate others about her condition

S t o ry b y Tr av i s M o u n t s Contributed photos

See SMITH, Page 18

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to have a chance.

“I want them to look at my work ethic, which never seems to happen,” she says.

Smith has to watch what she eats because her metabolism is affected. She sheds weight easily, so certain foods can dry out her skin.

At 14, Smith began taking medication that helped improve things.

“It made my skin really good. My skin would flake off differently,” she says.

At times, she looked normal. “At other times, it looked like the worst sunburn you ever had, head to toe.”

She continued on medicine into her 20s, but eventually chose to stop taking it at age 25. Treatment can cost thousands of dollars a month, and wasn’t covered by her insurance.

While the medicine improved her skin, it had serious side effects. She had to spend large amounts of time using a walker or confined to a wheelchair. It made her skin so sensitive, at times she couldn’t even touch things.

“I couldn’t take that anymore. It was time for me to figure out something completely different,” she says. “I try to do everything as naturally as possible.”

Now she eats a high-protein diet, drinks lots of water and avoids certain foods. She uses large amounts of moisturizer. Prescription lotions can run $300, so she learned to make her own. Vaseline is her main lotion, and glycerin works well. She avoids fragrances.

“It’s been trial and error,” she says.

Dealing with ichthyosis has always been difficult, but as a child and teenager it was especially hard. She was most self-conscious in high school.

“I wouldn’t get off a chair without brushing my skin off. Kids can be very cruel,” she says. “I still get that way if I go to certain people’s houses or a meeting. I hate dark surfaces.”

People talk, and she often would hear what they would say.

“It totally hurts my feelings,” she says.

“I can’t help it.”

At age 14, she went to a camp in Minnesota and met other kids like herself.

At 16 or 17, she attended an ichthyosis conference in Philadelphia with her mom.

“I met this little girl from Bermuda.

She said, ‘I hang out by myself. People run away from me.’”

1 7 - M a r c h 2 0 2 0

Tina Smith has something of a love affair with the camera. The College Hill resident enjoys both modeling and taking pictures.

She has the features for modeling, including flowing dark hair and stunning brown eyes. Smiling or with a serious look, photographs of Smith are captivating.

There’s another thing that stands out about Smith, and that’s her skin. More specifically, it is her skin condition, known as epidermolytic ichthyosis, or EI. Broadly speaking, ichthyosis is a family of more than 20 genetic skin disorders characterized by dry, thickened and scaly skin. The name comes from the Greek word meaning “fish” since scaly skin is the common symptom of the different types of the disorder.

It is a genetic condition that she was born with. Smith has only two layers of skin instead of the normal three, and her body produces skin cells at about 100 times the rate as the rest of us.

“I’m constantly dry, and flaking and peeling skin,” she says.

But her condition is more than just flaking skin. Especially in the winter, her skin can get so dry that simple motion is painful and difficult.

“It prevents me from moving around.

My body gets really stiff,” she says.

She doesn’t have sweat glands, so while the humidity of summer brings some relief, the heat can be dangerous for her. Water makes her skin even drier.

It is difficult to list all the impacts on her life. Everything is affected. Sometimes her skin is so tight that she can’t bend over far enough to put on or tie her own shoes. There can be pain and burning sensations. Clothing is frequently difficult, because many things irritate her skin.

“I can’t get a tattoo. I’m jealous. I want a tattoo,” she says with a laugh.

She’d like to go camping, but generally can’t because of Kansas’ weather extremes.

“It affects everything,” Smith says. “If my body gets overwhelmed, it shuts down.

“Sometimes I can’t cook or feed myself.”

She’s been fired from multiple jobs because of her health issues.

“It’s happened in almost every job I’ve had. Relationships can be really hard, too,” she says. “The limitations make it hard.”

When it comes to work, she just wants

March 2020 - 18

East Wichita News Church Directory Christian Science Services - Second Church of Christ, Scientist -

4501 E. Douglas, (316) 684-3121, christiansciencewichita.com. Sunday service, including a Bible based sermon, prayer and singing: 10:30 am; Sunday School, helping children and teens apply Bible lessons to their lives and our world: 10:30 am; Wednesday testimony meeting, with Bible readings and a time for sharing how the teachings of Christ Jesus are practical today: 6:30 pm; Child care available for all services. You are also welcome to call or visit the spiritual resource center we maintain for the public for individual Bible study, prayer and inspiration at the Christian Science Reading Room, 702 W. Douglas, (316) 262-7864, Mon.-Sat., 11-5:30.

College Hill UMC - 2930 E. 1st St. N. -

Wichita, KS 67214; (316) 683-4643; 9:00 a.m.

Traditional Service in the sanctuary, includes Chancel Choir and monthly communion; 10:15 a.m.

Contemporary Service with monthly communion; First Sunday of each month our children attend this service with their family; Nursery is available during both services; Sunday School classes for all ages from 10:15 - 11:15 a.m., this includes adults, youth and children; for more information visit www. collegehillumc.org.

w w w . e a s t w i c h i t a n e w s . c o m

East Heights United Methodist Church - 4407 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67218;

(316) 682-6518; www.ehumc.org; Rev. Steve Spencer, Senior Pastor; We are called to love God and our neighbor, trusting that Jesus Christ will use our efforts to transform the world. Three styles of Sunday worship: Chapel 8:45 a.m., Spirit Alive 9:45 a.m., Sanctuary 11 a.m.; Facebook: East Heights UMC; Twitter: @EastHeightsUMC.

Hillside Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) - 8330 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67206;

316-683-6577; Fax 316-682-8302; Dr. William H. McConnell, Sr. Minister; Rev. Rob Tulloch, Associate Minister; Etienna Mertel, Director of Spiritual Formation & Outreach Development.

Worship Services-8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.; Church School-9:30 a.m.; Nursery provided; Wednesday Night Programming 6:30 p.m. Youth–9:30 a.m. Sunday School; 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday evening; Weekend fun activities; onchurch@hillsidecc.org; hillsidecc.org; FB: hillsidecc.org; Connecting People To Jesus And To Each Other.

Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church -

3700 E. Mt. Vernon; (316) 734-4447; We offer a biblically grounded worship service at 10:30 am each Sunday. Serving the southeast area of Wichita for over 60 years. A Food Pantry is open on the 3rd Monday of each month from 9-10am. Kid’s and Youth Club, Wed. evening during the school year.

Facebook: Mt. Vernon Church.

Pine Valley Christian Church -

5620 East 21st Street N; 316-685-2421; www.

ALLchurch.info or find us on Facebook; We are a safe place to question traditional church teachings.

Our vision is to be a progressive faith community practicing unconditional love and seeking justice in an interfaith world so that all people may experience abundant life. Join us for worship at 10:15 a.m. Sundays with Rev. Kara Courtney. We are ALL about…thinking Christians…living Diversity…seeking Justice.

Smith Continued from Page 17

Plymouth Congregational Church –

202 N. Clifton, Wichita, KS 67208; (316) 684-0221; www.plymouth-church.net; Rev. Dr. Donald Olsen, Senior Minister; Rev. Karen Robu, Associate Minister; Sunday Worship Service 10:30, followed by refreshments in Fellowship Hall. Children’s Sunday School, using “Godly Play” curriculum, after Children’s message during worship service, Nursery provided. Adult Sunday School 9:00 in the Chapel. Wednesday Night family dinner 6:00PM, followed by adult education class along with activities for children and youth. Vacation Bible School June 10-14. Follow us on Facebook @plymouthchurchwichita. Where progressive Christianity and traditional worship meet.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church -

7404 East Killarney Place, Wichita, KS 67206; (316) 634-2513; The Rev. Dr. Mary J. Korte, Rector; www.ststephensec.org; Facebook at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Wichita, KS; Sunday Services: 8:30 am, Traditional Service (No Music);10:30 am, Contemporary Service (Music & Choir) followed by “Coffee, Tea and Thee” Fellowship; Nursery provided for both services; 10:15 am Children’s Sunday School, 3 yrs - 4th grade. 10:15 am St. Stephen’s Sensational Youth Group (5th – 12th grades).

First Wednesday of each month an IONA Service followed by a potluck dinner. We offer a variety of classes, groups and outreach opportunities through the year and summer Vacation Bible School (VBS).

Check our website! We are a Christ centered caring community, living out the Gospel for all people.

Smith is grateful for the friends she has. If people ask questions, her friends will often step in with answers.

“It makes me smile and makes me happy. The people in my life have been so good,” she says.

Smith, now 36, has learned to accept her condition. More than that, she wants to do what she can to raise awareness for others with ichthyosis, as well as for the public at large.

“I’ve learned in the last few years to not give a crap,” she says.

That doesn’t mean she doesn’t have bad days.

“Sometimes I don’t want the world to see my skin,” she says.

Laugher helps. She makes jokes at her own expense to disarm others.

“Having a skin disorder or a disability,

you have to laugh at the big and little things that get thrown at you. I feel that’s how I made all my friends,” she says.

There is strength in sharing her story, and modeling and photography is another way to do that. She started modeling at 23, and her former husband helped her get into it. She sought out photographers on the MySpace social media site. ”I started modeling because I wanted people to know about ichthyosis. It was extremely unheard of,” she says.

Then she took a long break, not modeling for several years primarily because of a lack of confidence. But eventually, that love of modeling and photography was rekindled.

“I wanted to jump back in,” she says.

Several photographers have put pictures of her into their shows. She likes being on both sides of the camera.

“I love taking photographs, I love modeling and I want to educate people.

See MODEL, Page 32

University Friends Church –

840 W. University Ave., Wichita • (316) 262-0471 • universityfriends.quaker.org • We embrace both the contemplative and active sides of faith, seeking to build bridges of peace and understanding and show Christ to the world by living out the Quaker testimonies: simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and service. • Meeting for Worship, Sundays at 10 a.m. • Sunday School for all ages, 11:20 a.m.

University Congregational Church –

9209 E. 29th St. North, Wichita • (316) 634-0430 • ucchurch.org • Sunday Morning @ 10:30am • Wednesday Night Alive @ 6:00pm

University United Methodist Church -

2220 N. Yale, Wichita, KS 67220 (across from WSU). Pastor Jo Mead, Worship is at 10:30 am.

Sunday School for all ages 9:15 am (adult, college, youth, children). Nursery provided. Small groups are involved in learning, service, and outreach throughout the year including Vacation Bible School and both youth and adult mission trips in the summer. Contact us at 316-686-6765 or uumc2220@uumc.net or on Facebook @universityunitedmethodistchurch. We are called to share our faith and give hope by sharing God’s love.

Worship at the Church of Your Choice Contact Shelby at the East Wichita News for more information on how to have a Church Directory listing.

316-540-0500

Tina Smith shares fashion photos and everyday images on her Instagram page, documenting her life and the challenges of her skin condition, ichthyosis.

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Ichthyosis is a family of skin conditions, with more than 20 different types. College Hill resident Tina Smith has dealt with the disorder her entire life.

She uses modeling and photography to educate others.

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March 2020 - 20

Spring Home & Garden

www.eastwichitanews.com

HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE

Repair bare spots in the lawn

Caring for a lawn to keep it lush and green can require equal measures of patience and hard work. Various invaders can attack grass or contribute to its demise. One problem many homeowners face is bare spots.

Bare spots can occur for various reasons. Heavy foot traffic, grubs or other pests, fungi, pet urine, or too much or too little water can contribute to bare spots. The how-to resource The Spruce says that correcting the source of bare spots can prevent new issues, particularly if grubs or other pests are damaging the grass. Then homeowners can address existing bare areas.

It is unlikely that bare spots will just fill back in on their own. Reseeding spots or using sod to fill in bare areas can help lawns look lush.

• Begin by raking and removing any dead grass and other debris from the lawn. Check to make sure that grubs or insects are not attacking the lawn. If they are, use targeted treatment options for those pests.

• Break up and aerate any soil that is compacted in the bare spot.

• Amend the soil in the bare area with loamy soil or compost to improve on the nutritional makeup and texture so that it is amenable to grass-growing. If you notice that the entire lawn is looking a little sparse, top-dressing the rest of the lawn at this point also can help improve its vitality.

• Sprinkle seeds in the bare spot (disperse seeds over the rest of the lawn if you want to over-seed and improve the thickness of the lawn). If you prefer sod, cut a portion of the sod to fit the bare area and place on the amended soil.

• The Scotts company says to lightly water newly seeded or sodded areas daily for at least two weeks to keep the top inch of soil consistently moist but not soggy. Gradually water more as the seedlings develop and the grass begins to fill in. Deep water at least once or twice a week after the new grass reaches mowing height.

• The grass should grow slightly longer than the rest of the lawn, and wait until the color of the patched area begins to blend in with the rest of the lawn before mowing. This could take a few weeks, and the area should be avoided until then.

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March 2020 - 22 HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE www.eastwichitanews.com

Small kitchen, big results from Kitchen Tune-Up

The experts at Kitchen Tune-Up have done it again, taking a small space and producing huge results during a recent renovation project.

East Wichita homeowners Darin and Kathy Headrick had been in their home for six years, and they were looking for some changes in their kitchen.

“As we lived there, we realized the kitchen wasn’t as functional as we wanted it to be,” said Kathy. “We had a walkin pantry with some cabinetry around it, and a peninsula that divided the kitchen from the living room.”

Those were elements that the homeowners wanted to change. As they met with Kitchen Tune-Up franchise owners and operators Rachel and Adam Phillips, they loved the ideas Rachel had for their kitchen.

With the pantry gone, Rachel added more cabinets in the kitchen that makes the space much more functional. And with the peninsula removed, the open feel from the kitchen into the living room is much more desirable.

This East Wichita kitchen renovation produced big results in a small space, and gave the homeowners a much more functional kitchen.

“And, we were able to add an island in the kitchen, which I love,” said Kathy.

The new kitchen space features all new Shaker cabinets with a white finish. A contrasting dark finish was used on the island cabinets.

The new granite countertops feature a marble look that is beautiful with the new cabinets. A subway tile backsplash provides a timeless look that the homeowners wanted, and a glass and ceramic tile accent wall behind the new gas range

provides a striking contrast that Kathy says looks like water flowing down the wall.

Completing the new look are all new appliances, new lighting and luxury vinyl plank flooring in the kitchen. And, in the living room, Kitchen Tune-Up created a perfect tie-in with matching cabinets and countertop running the length of a short wall creating the stairwell to the basement.

“The cabinets in the living room are

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perfect,” said Kathy. “It provided us with much-needed additional storage, and we can use it when we entertain.”

If you’re ready for the perfect kitchen remodeling experience, it’s time to call the experts at Kitchen Tune-Up or visit their new showroom inside Metro Appliances at 3545 N. Hillside.

Kitchen Tune-Up has remodeled hundreds of kitchens since the local franchise was launched in 2005 by Adam’s parents, and happy customers are the cornerstone of their business. The company’s services range from One-Day Restoration or “Tune-Up” of cabinets or any interior wood surfaces, to cabinet refacing projects to complete custom kitchens.

For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call Kitchen Tune-Up at 316-558-8888. You also can find more information at www.kitchentuneup.com.

Be sure to check out the company’s extensive BEFORE/AFTER portfolio on Facebook! When you visit the local Kitchen Tune-Up Facebook page, be sure to ‘LIKE’ Kitchen Tune-Up, Wichita.

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Before

HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE

Renovating a home to improve its value can be a smart investment. Interior improvements, such as updating kitchens and baths, offer good return on investment, but there are plenty of exterior renovations that can add value to a home and give it that coveted “wow” factor.

Abundant and well-planned landscaping can instantly boost curb appeal. According to the landscaping company Lawn Starter, 71 percent of prospective home buyers say a home’s curb appeal is an important factor in their buying decisions. As buyers use the internet to look for their dream homes, there’s no denying a beautifully landscaped, nicely photographed property can entice buyers to click and read more about a house.

Improving home value may come down to fixing areas of the home that can negatively affect its appeal to buyers. Hire an inspector to look at key components of the house and recommend what needs to be fixed. This way it is discovered before home buyers come in and do their own inspections. Termite infestations, deteriorating roofs and hidden water leaks are some things that might need fixing.

The front door is the focal point of a home’s exterior. Invest in a new door or paint it a striking color to add appeal. Remodeling magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report 2019” indicates changing an entry door to a steel replacement can offer 74.9 percent ROI. Such a door provides visual appeal and added security – things buyers look for.

In addition to the front door, make sure that the entryway has a level walkway, steps that are in good repair, accents that are free from rust or tarnish, and decorative plants.

Outdoor lighting can add to the ambiance of a property and serve as a security feature. Utilize different lights, such as a bright light by the entry, uplighting in trees and shrubs for drama, a light-lined path to the door to improve visibility, and motion-detection lights to improve the security of the property.

A fresh coat of paint or new (or cleaned) siding can instantly give homes a facelift.

Neutral, warm and inviting colors tend to have the widest appeal. Adding manufactured stone veneer to the home can offer a 94.9 percent ROI, says Remodeling. And after doing the front door and siding, investing in a garage door replacement offers the highest ROI of all exterior projects listed on the “Cost vs. Value Report 2019.”

This improvement returns 97.5 percent when selling.

23 - March 2020

Exterior renovations that can improve home value

March 2020 - 24 HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE www.eastwichitanews.com

Tips to successfully grow tomatoes

Slicing into the first tomato of the season is a much anticipated moment for gardeners. Tomatoes are among the most popular fruit or vegetable plants grown in home gardens. Much of that popularity may be credited to the fact that red, ripe tomatoes have a delicious, juicy flavor that serves as the basis for all sorts of recipes.

And since tomatoes can just as easily be grown in a full backyard garden or in a container on a patio or balcony, tomatoes appeal to gardeners regardless of their living situations.

While tomatoes are relatively easy to grow, they are prone to certain problems and pests. Knowledge of what to expect when planting tomatoes and how to start off on the right footing can help produce a season’s worth of delicious bounty.

• Wait until after the last average frost date. Tomatoes can be grown from seeds outdoors in warm areas, but tomato gardeners often find success starting seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Gradually introduce seedlings to the elements for a few hours each day, increasing the duration of time outside. Then they can be transplanted outdoors when temperatures are consistently over 60 F. • Choose a sunny spot. Tomatoes love to soak up sunlight, according to The Home Depot. Place the plants in a sunny spot so they can thrive.

• Space out plants. The experts at Better Homes and Gardens say to leave anywhere from 24 to 48 inches between plants to accommodate for growth and ensure the plants will not get stunted.

• Plant deeply. Tomatoes tend to root along their stems. If transplants are long and lean, dig a trench and lay the stem sideways in the dirt, and then bend the top of the plant upward. Snip off the lower branches and cover with soil up to the first set of leaves. This will produce extra root growth and stronger, more vital plants.

• Give the plants support. Tomato cages or stakes can help keep the leaves and fruit from touching the ground, which can cause rot and, eventually, death to the tomato plant.

• Lay down a layer of mulch. Tomatoes grow best when the soil is consistently moist. Mulch can help retain moisture from watering and rain. Mulch also will help prevent soil and soilborne diseases from splashing on the leaves and plants when it rains. While you amend the soil, make sure that it drains well and is slightly acidic.

• Prune away suckers. Tomatoes produce ‘suckers,’ which are leaves that shoot out from the main stem. Removing these leaves promotes air circulation and keeps the plant’s energy focused on growing fruit.

Tomatoes are a rich addition to any garden. A few simple tricks can help even novice gardeners grow delicious tomatoes.

LEFT: This luxury shower by Gross Tile and Custom Remodeling showcases the latest ideas in style and functionality.

The shower features contrasting oversized subway tile areas, set off by a band of glass tiles, and both hand-held and rain can shower systems.

When you hire Gross Tile and Custom Remodeling to complete a home improvement project, you can trust you’re in good hands: • Owners Mark and Cathy Gross are Wichita natives, and they’ve invested their lives and livelihood in this community. Mark graduated from North High and Wichita State University. Cathy graduated from West High and Newman University.

• Mark has been in the flooring and remodeling business for more than 35 years. That’s the kind of experience that allows clients to relax and let an expert get the job done. Mark is directly involved with every Gross Tile project, from start to finish.

These two recent bathroom projects show the best of what Gross Tile has to offer: New design elements that mesh well with a home’s existing style, and quality craftsmanship.

• The Gross Tile Showroom at 1528 W. Douglass features the latest in flooring and tile designs and options. Mark and Cathy are constantly bringing in cutting edge design elements and products.

www.eastwichitanews.com

• Gross Tile encourages clients to bring their ideas to the table.

Mark enjoys taking a client’s vision and turning it into a finished product.

HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE

When a homeowner comes to Gross Tile and Custom Remodeling with some unusual and different ideas for their bathroom, owner Mark Gross doesn’t even raise an eyebrow.

“Our clients often have some great ideas that turn out really cool,” said Mark. “I really enjoy taking a client’s vision and turning it into something beautiful and functional.”

Owners Mark and Cathy Gross are native Wichitans, and they are known across the city as leaders in their industry. They take great pride in every job, and work with the newest and best materials, and the latest technological advances.

“We’ve got a lot of satisfied customers, and we want to continue to focus on our remodeling work, especially with bathroom renovations and custom showers,” said Mark. “I love it when I can share my ideas with clients and give them the ‘wow’ factor they’re looking for.”

Those amenities, like heated bathroom floors and “curbless” custom showers, don’t have to be an expensive venture. That’s where Gross Tile can show clients just how to get the most out of their project budget.

With the holidays fast approaching, now’s the time to discuss your remodeling dreams with the experts at Gross Tile and Custom Remodeling. Just pick up the phone and call 316-773-1600, visit the company’s website, www.grosstileremodeling.com, or find Gross Tile on Facebook.

25 - March 2020

Your dream bathroom…for less!

March 2020 - 26 HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE www.eastwichitanews.com

What can and cannot be composted

Avid gardeners know that compost can add vital nutrients to soil used in gardens, container plants and lawns.

The fact that compost is so versatile and nutrient-dense may not even be its most admirable quality. Made from items used in and around the house, compost costs just about nothing to produce.

The raw materials that make up compost come from organic waste.

These can be disposables from the garden and kitchen, as well as other areas around the house. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, yard trimmings and food scraps add up to 20 to 30 percent of the municipal solid waste in the United States. Turning waste into compost not only helps the landscape, but also the planet.

Compost is relatively easy to make, and there are scores of materials that can be put into compost. But it is just as essential to know which ingredients cannot be used in compost.

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Compost is a winner in the garden and around the landscape. Learning which ingredients can and can’t be added to compost piles is useful for any gardener.

Okay for compost Most organic materials, or items that were once living, can be used in compost. Plant-based items used in cooking, such as potato peelings, carrot skins, banana peels, cocoa hulls, coffee grounds and filters, corn cobs, apple cores, egg shells, fruit peels, kelp, and nut shells, can be added to compost.

Other items from around the house, like unused kitty litter, hair, shredded newspapers and cardboard, leaves, flowers, paper, pine needles, ashes, and

sawdust, can be successfully added to compost. Stick to items that are not treated heavily with chemicals.

Should not be used in compost Inorganic and non-biodegradable materials cannot go into compost. These are items like plastic, glass, aluminum foil, and metal. Pressure-treated lumber, although a natural material, is treated with preservatives and often pesticides that can be harmful if they leech into the garden.

The small-gardening resource Balcony Garden Web indicates coated or glossy printed papers, such as those from catalogs, magazines, wrapping paper, marketing materials, and business cards, should not be added to compost piles because of the chemicals and inks used in these pages.

Planet Natural Research Center says to avoid pet droppings from dogs and cats. Animal products like bones, butter, milk, fish skins, and meat, may decompose and start to smell foul. Maggots, parasites, pathogens, and other microorganisms can form in the compost. These materials also may attract flies and scavenger animals. Plus, they decompose very slowly.

Any personal hygiene products should be avoided because they are tainted by human fluids and that can pose a health risk.

While weeds are not harmful in compost piles, there is the risk that seeds can germinate and then infiltrate garden beds when the compost is used. The same can be said for tomato plants and some other hardy fruits and vegetables.

March 2020 - 28 HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE

Signs your tools may need some TLC

A do-it-yourselfer is only as good as his or her tools. Without the proper tools, even the handiest men and women may struggle to complete jobs well within their abilities.

It doesn’t take a seasoned do-it-yourselfer to recognize when hammers and screwdrivers need to be replaced. And such tools are generally so affordable that replacing them, even when they still have some utility, won’t affect too many DIYers’ budgets. However, power tools are considerable investments that do not necessarily need to be discarded when the first signs of trouble pop up. In fact, sometimes power tools just need some TLC to become useful once again. The following are some common symptoms of power tool problems, and what may be behind those problems.

Difficulty starting A power tool that won’t start can delay a project. But a tool that won’t start should not be immediately written off, especially not before DIYers employ a multimeter.

Replacing worn or damaged power tool parts as opposed to the tools themselves is often the most budget-friendly way to get these musthave DIY accessories back on track.

The cost of digital multimeters varies widely, with some retailing for less than $20 while others sell for hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Serious DIYers who spend every weekend working on one project or another may find the more expensive multimeters more to their liking, but many weekend warriors can get by with less expensive alternatives. Multimeters are useful because they can measure voltage on a power tool to determine if power is effectively moving through the tool.

Dust and dirt also can compromise power tools. This may be especially likely in spring, a time synonymous with home renovations, when many home-

owners pick up their tools for the first time in months. Inspect a power tool that’s not starting to see if dust or dirt is the culprit. If so, clean the tool and then try to start it again.

Loss of power Some power tools may start but still lack the extra muscle that make power tools more beneficial than manual tools.

In such instances, the carbon brushes might need to be replaced. The online resource ereplacement.parts.com notes that heat damage to brushes can reduce the overall conductivity of the brush, resulting in less power reaching the tool’s

motor. In such instances, replace the carbon brushes. In addition, chipped or damaged brushes can result in inconsistent power output. Replacing the brushes in such instances may be all that’s necessary to restore a tool to its powerful self.

Burning smell Many a DIYer has dealt with a power tool that emits an odor of burning. The power tool experts at Grainger notes that tools like sanders contain drive belts, and these belts should be the first place to look when tools produce a burning smell.

When the drive belt is to blame, the tool will typically stop working even when the motor is running. Capacitors may be behind the burning smell when using tools without drive belts. Sometimes tools have simply overheated. Whenever DIYers get a whiff of that burning smell, turn off the tool immediately and let it sit for 30 minutes before trying to diagnose the problem. Replacing these parts can restore them to full usefulness and get rid of that unwelcome aroma.

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“We’re problem solvers,” said Jeff Boone, who divides his time between two passions – day-to-day operations with NorthStar, and coaching. He’s the head JV football coach for Wichita Collegiate, and has 14 years of experience coaching in Wichita.

“I grew up in this business, and it’s satisfying to help our customers with their problems,” said Jeff. “When your home or business is uncomfortable, we’re there to help – we can improve efficiency and comfort.”

In addition to helping with the comfort level in existing homes and businesses, NorthStar is very active with new home and commercial construction.

“The best time to make those decisions is before you break ground,” said Jeff.

“New homes are the bulk of our business, but we also have a passion for older homes and solving problems.”

The Boones recently put their problem solving into action with a shed they were building for themselves. They’ve tried all kinds of applications to see what works

best for the shed’s heating and cooling needs.

Whether it’s a new floor plan or an existing space, a walkthrough evaluation by NorthStar Comfort Services can provide a wealth of information. NorthStar experts can help determine where the right amount and type of insulation needs to be provided, and where custom window tinting can make life much more comfortable.

“We work with fiberglass batts and blown-in insulation primarily,” said Jeff.

“We also do spray foam applications, where appropriate, and we also do air sealing to help with leaks.”

With custom window tinting, NorthStar can address three key issues: fading, glare and heat.

NorthStar Comfort Services provides free evaluations for both new and existing home and business spaces, all across Wichita, and around the area. For more information about NorthStar Comfort Services, its products, and efficiency and comfort evaluations, call 316-685-2368, or visit www.northstarcomfort.com.

Jeff Boone shows off his new company motto: “Saving The World…One Warmer House at a Time.”

HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE

A name can say a lot, and that’s just what the Boone family is counting on with NorthStar Comfort Services, Inc. From its start in 1947 as Wichita Insulation, this family-owned and operated business has made a unique commitment to the comfort of homeowners and businesses in and around Wichita.

“The company was started by my grandparents, Dan and Lola Boone,” said Jeff Boone, who today heads up NorthStar Comfort Services along with his father, Jim Boone. The company spent many years also installing windows, but that’s a product of the past.

Insulation, however, has never stopped being a necessity when it comes to making homes and businesses comfortable.

Today, all types of insulation are still a mainstay for NorthStar Comfort Services, along with its custom window tinting services.

A few years ago, NorthStar completed a new facility at 800 E. Kechi Road, just off U.S. 254. The new facility has proved to be a perfect move from the company’s previous location of 48 years on East

29 - March 2020

Family-owned NorthStar puts its focus on ‘Comfort’

A family company for 70 years

Primary Services: Insulation, Air Sealing & Window Tinting

Visit our website for more information:

northstarcomfort.com

800 E. Kechi Rd. • (316) 685-2368 • northstarcomfort.com

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Other Services: Pre-build Consulting, Attic Ventilition, Insulation Removal, Air Tightness Testing, and more

March 2020 - 30

March 2 – Wichita State University Madrigal Singers Invitational, with Andover Central High School Singers, Eisenhower High School Madrigals, Rose Hill Rocketaires, Wichita Collegiate School Madrigal Singers, Wichita High School Heights Madrigals, and Wichita High School Northwest Madrigals; 7:30 p.m. in Wiedemann Recital Hall, free admission.

March 3 – WSU Madrigal Singers Invitational, with Campus High School Singers, El Dorado High School Encore, Goddard High School Madrigals, Maize High School Madrigals, Olathe North High School Northwinds and Wichita High School Northeast Magnet Madrigal Singers; 7:30 p.m. in Wiedemann Recital Hall, free admission.

March 3 – WSU Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band, 7:30 p.m. in Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Tickets $12, available at www.wichita.edu/fineartsboxoffice or 316-978-3233.

March 3-5 – “Waitress,” American Theatre Guild, Century II. The show tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. Shows at 7:30 p.m. Tickets starting at $45.50, www.wichitatix.com.

w w w . e a s t w i c h i t a n e w s . c o m

March 4 – WSU Wednesdays in Wiedemann, with Lynne Davis, 5:15 p.m. in Wiedemann Recital Hall, free admission.

March 4 – WSU Jazz Arts Ensemble I and Banda Hispanica, 7:30 p.m. in Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Tickets $12, available at www.wichita.edu/fineartsboxoffice or 316-978-3233.

March 5 – WSU Jazz Arts Ensemble II and Guitar Ensemble, 7:30 p.m. in Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Tickets $12, available at www.wichita.edu/fineartsboxoffice or 316-978-3233.

March 6 – WSU Faculty Recital, Orfeo Duo featuring Julie Bees, piano, Leonid Shukaev, and guests, 7:30 p.m. in Wiedemann Recital Hall, free admission.

March 6-8 – “Die Fledermaus,” or “The Bat,” Friends University. The Johann Strauss classic operetta will be performed in a new English translation, and is the first-ever main stage collaboration between Friends’ music and ballet departments. Shows at 7:30 p.m. March 6-7, and 2 p.m. March 8, in Sebits Auditorium in the Riney Fine Arts building. Tickets $16 adults, $12 for students and seniors. Purchase online at www.friends.edu/finearts or call 316-295-5677.

March 8 – WSU Faculty Artists Series featuring faculty composers Walter Mays, Dean Roush, Aleks Sternfeld-Dunn and David MacDonald, 7:30 p.m. in Wiedemann Recital Hall. Tickets $12, available at www.wichita. edu/fineartsboxoffice or 316-978-3233.

Performing Arts Calendar

March 2020 March 11-22 – “Rumors,” comedy by Neil Simon, Wichita Community Theatre, 258 N. Fountain. The 2019-2020 season continues with Simon’s murderous farce. Four couples arrives at the 10th anniversary celebration for New York’s deputy mayor and his wife, only to find the mayor wounded in bed and the wife missing. Through confusion and miscommunication, the evening spins into cover-ups, deceptions, mistaken identities and lots of laughs. Performances at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets $15, $13 for military/seniors/students. Special opening night price of $11 on March 11. Call for reservations 316-686-1282.

March 11-22 – “A Day in Hollywood, A Night in Ukraine,” Roxy’s Downtown. Two one-act plays provide a double feature more hilarious than any presented in Hollywood’s heyday.

The first is a salute to the golden age of film musicals. The second is a rambunctious Marx Brothers farce. Tickets $25-$30, call 316-2654400 or online at www.roxysdowntown.com.

March 19-22 – WSU Opera Theater presents “Cosi fan Tutte” by W.A. Mozart, in Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center.

Tickets $20, available at www.wichita.edu/ fineartsboxoffice or 316-978-3233. Shows at 7:30 p.m. March 19-21, and 2 p.m. March 22.

Tickets $25-$30, call 316-265-4400 or online at www.roxysdowntown.com.

Through March 28 – “Dr. Jeckyll and Prissy Hyde,” followed by “Classic Country Barn Burner” musical comedy revue, Mosley Street Melodrama. Written by Carol Hughes, directed by Steve Hitchcock. Tickets $20 plus tax for show only, $30 plus tax for dinner and show.

Premium seating available, as are senior/military discounts. Tickets at www.mosleystreet. com, or call 316-263-0222.

April 4 – “Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story,” 8 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre. “Buddy” tells the tale of the musical icon’s meteoric rise to fame and his final performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, before his untimely death at age 22. The Texas-born rockn-roller changed the face of music during an 18-month career. This show opened at Theatre Royal Plymouth in England in 1989. This is the 30th anniversary tour of the show. Tickets $39$84, www.selectaseat.com or 855-755-SEAT, or at the Intrust Bank Arena box office.

Marcy 9 – Ad Astra Film Studies Conference, 9:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Wichita State University Rhatigan Student Center, Santa Fe Room (Room 233). All are welcome, no conference fee. The conference includes keynote speaker Carol Zuegner, professor and journalist, award-winning filmmaker; Jim Grawe, executive producer, KPTS public television; Sara Harmon, award-winning filmmaker; and Rocio del Aguila Carreno and Enrique Navarro, professors, Wichita State University. There will be a speciall showing of the 22-minute film “El Deportado.” For more information, email martha.smith@wichita.edu.

March 10 – Wichita Rose Society program and meeting, at Botanica, 701 Amidon. Social time at 6:30 p.m., program at 7 p.m. “Japanese beetles: What can you do against this insect pest of roses?” will be presented by Dr. Raymond Cloyd, professor of entomology at Kansas State University. Guests are welcome, admission for attendees is free.

March 14 – Opening of “Bridging Art and Science” women in science exhibit, Exploration Place. Get inspired as you encounter this poster gallery featuring groundbreaking women scientists and their contributions to STEM. More information at www.exploration. org.

March 20 – Deadline for abstract national exhibition, Mark Arts. All North American

Upcoming events in and around Wichita artisits are invited to apply for this exhibition, which will run May 8-July 11. Online submission deadline is 11:50 p.m. Artists may submit any two-dimensional abstract, nonrepresentational works in any media including watercolor, oil, photography, acrylics, inks, prints, graphite, etching, charcoal, pastel, collage, pencil, mixed media and more. All entries must be for sale. First place will receive a $1,000 cash award, and patron purchases are anticipated. Apply online at https://markarts.secure-platform. com/a.

March 24 – “Renewable energy and land use,” Tuesday Topic presented by League and Library, 11:30 a.m. at the Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. Second. Bring a brown bag lunch, program starts at noon. Free and open to the public. Renewable energy and land use – how do they exist within the confines of public policy? Hear from the Sierra Club, Kent Rowe and Sedgwick County manager Tom Stolz.

March 24, 26 – Wichita Public Library gardening class, “Top 20 vegetable pests and problems,” 6 p.m. Rockwell branch on March 24, Evergreen branch on March 26. Free class, registration required. See more at www. wichitalibrary.org.

March 31, April 2 – Wichita Public Library gardening class, “Tree-mendous trees,” 6 p.m.

Rockwell branch on March 31, Evergreen branch on April 2. Free class, registration required. See more at www.wichitalibrary.org.

Now open – “Imaginate,” national traveling exhibit at Exploration Place. Encounter the collision of two worlds – science and art – to spark curiosity, creation and innovation. Dare to design new objects using everyday items.

Get your gears turning as you craft kinetic sculptures. Tell tales with your heartbeat, direct stop-motion animation scenes, stretch your wings and fly, plus much more. More information at www.exploration.org.

Do you have an item for Dateline or for the Performing Arts Calendar? Send your submission by March 20 for consideration in the April edition. Email news@tsnews.com.

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March 14 – National anthem auditions for the Wichita Wind Surge. Solo a cappella performers and instrumental performances are welcome, as are choir and musical groups not exceeding eight people. Auditions will be at 10 a.m. at Sebits Auditorium in Riney Fine Arts Center at Friends University. For more information, visit www.windsurge.com or call 316-221-8000.

Dateline

3 1 - M a r c h 2 0 2 0

March 6 – 2020 Art Challenge, Friends University. Approximately 500 students from public and private high schools will compete in both competitive exhibitions and handson challenges. This is Friends University’s 16th year to host Art Challenge. Students will receive prizes for first, second and third place in a variety of exhibition categories including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, ceramics, printmaking, mixed media, digital art/illustration, package design, logo design, bookmaking and more. The challenges are hands-on competitions that take place throughout the morning of the event.

Challenge categories include sculpturing, drawing, ceramic throwing, photography, logo design, motion graphics and more.

March 2020 - 32 w w w . e a s t w i c h i t a n e w s . c o m

Model Continued from Page 18

You don’t have to have certain skin or a certain look to do what you want to do,” she says.

She now shares her photographs and her story on Instagram (@tinasmith13).

That has helped her connect with many people around the world who also have one form or another of ichthyosis.

Growing up, Smith did not know much about her condition or about other people who were dealing with similar issues.

And she doesn’t mind answering questions. We all learn by asking questions, she says, and answering those questions can help build understanding.

She notes that ichthyosis is not contagious.

“You’re born with it, and both your parents have to have that same gene,” she says.

The disease is getting more publicity thanks to a young model from North Carolina and the retailer, Target, which recently signed Jeyza Gary to a contract.

She has lamellar ichthyosis. Gary will model swimwear for the chain.

Being a role model for others is something that Smith is still coming to grips with.

“I get an overwhelming feeling. I’ve had people contact me from all over the world, especially on Instagram,” she says. “I started modeling because I wanted people to know about ichthyosis.”

Others with the disorder like to see somebody willing to put themselves out there. They tell Smith how brave she is.

“I laugh because I’m really not that brave. I ask myself, ‘Should I post that?’

Sometimes I need the encouragement of my friends,” she says.

Follow Tina Smith on Instagram: @tinasmith13 Learn more about ichthyosis and help for the disorder from FIRST (Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types) online at www. firstskinfoundation.org.

Tina Smith began modeling in her early 20s, but after a few years gave it up because she lacked confidence while dealing with ichtyosis. She has taken up modeling and photography again in an effort to help others with the family of skin conditions, and to create understanding among the broader public.