TopCity Rise Nov/Dec 2021

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Nov/Dec Issue 2021

Featured Story Pg. 28 Food From The Heart: Jong’s Thai Kitchen


Derrick Hodam 112 SW 6th Ave Ste 202 Topeka, KS Office 785.329.5212 | Cell 785.230.1391


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Pg 4. Glamping: The Ultimate Fall & Winter Experience Pg 9. Fallelujah: 10 Must try flavors of Fall 9

Pg 14. 8 Iron Therapy: Topeka’s First Indoor Golf Range Pg 19. Grinding: What Dreams Are Made Of Pg 24. Another Local Artist Opens Shop in NOTO

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Pg 28. Food From The Heart: Jong’s Thai Kitchen

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Pg 32. Creative Pathways & Means Pg 37. Artist Spotlight: Brail Watson 19

Pg 42. 12 Joys of Christmas

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GLAMPING:

The Ultimate Fall & Winter Experience By Lesleigh Hodam

The crisp air of fall is here and it feels like the perfect time to check out From The Top Glamping! How fun would the family bundle or romantic evening for two be with smores by the campfire and a movie night or go old school and make it a game night full of laughter and friendly competition.

Photograph: From The Top Glamping

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Owners Sara Collins and Ashlee Spring have dreamed about starting an events company since they met. These two women absolutely love creating special moments for others. During the slower months of this past year’s challenges this business concept was born and has quickly grown. They began to dream and build this business out of their passion for celebrating special occasions, planning events and relaxing evenings around a campfire. “We love Topeka and we are excited to be able to offer this experience in our hometown. We hope that glamping brings people together with their loved ones to celebrate all special moments and reminds them that you can have unique experiences in the comfort of their home with their closest friends and family.” ~ Ashlee

Owners Ashlee Spring (Left) and Sara Collins (Right)

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They have several package options and can even custom the experience for you! Want to celebrate a girls night or bachelorette party? Tents can accommodate up to 6 people comfortably. Worried it will get a little chilly at night? This tent is equipped with an AC or heater to make your experience comfortable and relaxing any time of year! Another thing that is so special about this duo is that they work hard to help support other local businesses. So the add ons from their packages are locally sourced goods from the community. They offer items like Cashmere popcorn in the movie night package and Hazel Hill strawberries in their romance package. They even had their charcuterie boards and koozies locally made by the Brassy Explorer. “We try to keep the spirit of community alive even in people's backyards with their closest friends and family.” ~ Ashlee

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@mrslaneylou

@mrslaneylou

While they are just getting started and hope to continue to grow in Topeka and surrounding areas, “We want people to remember it is important to celebrate all special occasions with people you love.” They are ready to help you plan those moments that create memories that last a lifetime. Reach out to them today and book your glamping experience! www.fromthetopglamping.com



It’s Fallelujah!! Of course, we wanted to bring you a list of the must try TopCity flavors of fall!

Cashmere Popcorn 728 S Kansas Ave It is really fall if you haven’t picked up your seasonal popcorn flavors from Cashmere Popcorn? You can’t go wrong with Caramel Apple or the Pumpkin Spice.

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By Lesleigh Hodam Photo: 5 Senses Photography


TopCity Rise

Hazel Hill Chocolate 724 Kansas Ave Ahhhhh…the Caramel Sauce from Hazel Hill Chocolate is simply the best! Dip your sliced apples in it or drizzle some over your apple pie. You simply must try it! Don’t forget it would go nicely in a gift basket for the holidays! 5 Senses Photography

G’s G’sCheesecake Cheesecake&&More More 821 821SW SW21st 21stStSt This Thisplace placehas hasthe themost mostamazing amazing creamy creamypumpkin pumpkinswirl swirlcheesecake. cheesecake. One Onebite biteofofthis thisand andyou’ll you’llbe be hooked! hooked!You Youwill willbe bethe thehit hitofofyour your fall fallgatherings gatheringsififyou youbring bringone. one.Get Get your yourorder orderininsoon soonfor forthe theholidays! holidays! 5 Senses Photography

Josey JoseyBaking BakingCo. Co. 3119 3119SW SWHuntoon HuntoonStSt From Fromthe thepumpkin pumpkincinnamon cinnamonrolls rolls and andamazing amazingchili chilitotothe theBierocks Bierocksand and Apple Applekolache kolachethis thisfantastic fantasticbakery bakeryisis aamust mustfor forall allyour yourfall fallflavors. flavors.They They have havesomething somethingready readyfor foreach eachmeal mealofof the theday dayand andyou youwill willbe begreeted greetedwith with the thesweetest sweetestand andfriendliest friendliestand and kindest kindestteam teaminintown. town. 10

Photo: Josey Baking Co



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Jong’s Jong’sThai ThaiKitchen Kitchen 800 800SW SW12th 12thStSt Pumpkin PumpkinCurry CurryThe Thefood food here hereisisalways alwaysamazing amazingbut butthe the pumpkin pumpkincurry curryisisaamust musttry tryfall fall flavor. flavor.You’ll You’llnot notonly onlyleave leavehere here with withaafull fullstomach stomachbut butfeeling feelinglike like part partofoftheir theirfamily. family. 5 Senses Photography

Moburts Moburts 829 829SSKansas KansasAve Ave This Thisquaint quaintshop shopbrings bringsthe thespecialty specialty seasonings seasoningsand andspices spicesfor forany anybaked baked goods goodsor orsoups soupsyou youwant wanttotowhip whipup upthis this season. season.It’s It’salso alsothe theplace placetotoget getyour your specialty specialtyitems itemsand andspices spiceslike likevanilla vanilla beans beansand andMulling MullingSpices. Spices.

5 Senses Photography

Norsemen NorsemenBrewing BrewingCompany Company 830 830NNKansas KansasAve Ave The Theseasonal seasonalcocktail cocktailmenu menuhas hasbeen been released releasedand andthis thisPumpkin PumpkinPie Pie White WhiteRussian Russianlooks looksdelicious! delicious! Rumor Rumorhas hasititthe theRosemary RosemaryApple Apple Butter ButterOld OldFashioned Fashionedisisone onetotoadd add totoyour yourlist listas aswell. well.Don’t Don’tworry worry margarita margaritaloving lovingfriends, friends,they theyhave have an anapple appleCider CiderMargarita Margaritawaiting waitingfor for you! you! Photo: Norsemen

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Paradise ParadiseDonuts Donuts 1620 1620SW SW66ththAve Ave

Mike MikeBabb, Babb,isisbringing bringingthe theflavors flavorsofof fall fallinto intoaadonut. donut.He Hemixes mixesup upaa delicious deliciousapple applespice spicedonut donutwith withaa caramel caramelfrosting, frosting,but buthe hedidn’t didn’tstop stop the thefall fallflavor flavorthere! there!You’ve You’vegot gottoto check checkout outthe thepumpkin pumpkinspice spicedonut donut with withcream creamcheese cheesefrosting. frosting.Little Littlebite bite ofofheaven heavenright righthere hereon onearth. earth. Photo: Paradise Donuts

Amanda’s Amanda’sBakery BakeryCreations Creations 5331 5331SW SW22 22ndndPlPl This Thisplace placejust justopened openedtheir their storefront storefrontSept Sept30! 30!Amanda Amandahas hasbeen been baking bakingseveral severalyears yearsand andhas hasaa delicious deliciouscreation creationfor forfall…a fall…apumpkin pumpkin muffin muffinstuffed stuffedwith withpumpkin pumpkinpie! pie!

Photo: Amanda’s Bakery Creations

Rees ReesFruit FruitFarm Farm 2476 2476Hwy HwyK4 K4 There Thereare areso somany manyfavorites favoriteshere. here. The TheApple AppleCider, Cider,Apple Applebutter butterand and Pumpkin Pumpkinbutter butterand andsome some delicious deliciousapple applecider ciderdonuts donutswill will get getyou youright rightinto intothe thespirit spiritofoffall. fall.

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5 Senses Photography


8 Iron Therapy: Topeka's First Indoor Golf Range!!

Written By Lesleigh Hodam Photo: 5 Senses Photography

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TopCity Rise

Golf year round at 8 Iron Therapy, Topeka’s first indoor golf range! You can play on a virtual driving range or choose from one of their 100's of courses. You can be sure that once the weather turns for the season this place will be hopping. They have league nights, Whiskey & Bourbon Clubs, Monthly tournaments and so much more.

Since Matt Vanderpool was a little boy he has always dreamed of being an entrepreneur. This fall his dream of being a business owner finally came to fruition. Matt and his wife Sarah took the plunge of entrepreneurship after months of research and the building of a business plan. “Once I realized that not one person told me this was a bad idea, I knew it was a great concept for a business in Topeka.” This is a superb venue to consider for birthday parties for all ages, bachelor parties, office parties and so much more! 1 5

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One of the benefits that we thought was awesome is their cloud account service that stores all the data and launch monitor measures. Customers get a free cloud account through e6 Connect where the data can be analyzed from anywhere at any time. This also allows customers to resume rounds at a later time! Through this software, there are many ranges to choose from like exotic places around the world to Prairie Dunes in Hutchinson, Ks! However, Torrey Pines and Pinehurst #2 are the most common requests.

Matt and Sarah are not only building a business they are building a legacy of community and small business support. “We are all together better when we can come together for community events and to support one another.” They work to promote and partner with the businesses in SE Topeka. For example, they use places like Senor Burrito, Milk & Honey and Thunderbird Grill as food options for catering at events in their facility. They also offer discounts to Great Clips customers when they come in to play. They are also looking forward to some upcoming opportunities to support the local schools in USD 450. 16


They are not only building a legacy in their community but one in their family. They are showing their children what hard work, determination, generosity and team work can build. “We hope our kids see what running a business is like, from the struggles to the challenges, to the rewards of being a business owner. Our kids will know that we run our business with integrity and with an emphasis on outstanding customer service and experience.”


They Theydon’t don’tjust justoffer offerindoor indoorgolf, golf,they theyhave havecorn cornhole holeand andbatting batting cages cagesas aswell. well.The TheBatter's Batter'sBox Boxoffers offersaa50' 50'tunnel tunneland andfour fourhitting hitting stations, stations,available availablefor foryour yourathlete athleteor ortheir theirwhole wholeteam. team.There Thereare are monthly monthlydiscounted discountedhours hoursavailable availablefor forseniors, seniors,youth, youth,veterans, veterans, and andfirst firstresponders. responders.Reach Reachout outto toMatt Mattor orSarah Sarahtoday todayfor for additional additionaldetails. details. Check Checkout outwww.8irontherapy.com www.8irontherapy.comor orcall call785-730-2462. 785-730-2462.

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TopCity Rise

GRINDING What Dreams Are Made Of

Elevation Coffee & Roastery 2120 SW Bradywine Ln, Topeka, KS 66614

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Is there a better smell than a fresh pot of coffee on a brisk fall morning? Where are all the coffee lovers? A new locally owned coffeehouse, Elevation Coffee & Roastery is opening just in time for all the pumpkin spice connoisseurs to have an excuse to try another PSL in town! Casey Campbell, local entrepreneur, business owner of Midwest Float, devoted husband, loving father and proud veteran is embarking on another adventure. Casey was born and raised in Virginia and moved around a bit due to his service in the military before planting his roots here in Topeka in 2014. He has always wanted to be an entrepreneur but after his service in the army he was lost for a bit of time before discovering Floatation Therapy. “It helped me so much I wanted to bring it to our community. I finally opened my first business and that has led to more opportunities and aspirations.”

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TopCity Rise

One of those new opportunities is opening up right next door to Midwest Float! There you will find Casey and his wife Chelsea’s new coffeehouse expected to open mid November. They will be serving up fresh organic coffee to fuel your dreams and ignite your passion. They can’t wait to see you at their coffee house. When you visit their new place, bring some friends and surround yourself with like-minded people who help fuel your passion and grow your own empire. Their hope is that when you come and enjoy time with a friend you will be left with a sense of togetherness and encouragement. This power couple is working hard to build a solid foundation for growth and generational wealth and health for their children; not only for their children but for our community. They give back so much to our community already with Midwest Float like their fundraisers for nonprofits, their annual coat drive and many donations to support local nonprofits. That being said, it is no surprise they plan to donate a portion of proceeds back into the community from Elevation Coffee & Roastery.

Every entrepreneur knows that owning and building a small business takes grit, determination and resilience and Casey and Chelsea definitely have that. “Grow together. Heal together. Build an empire together.” Chelsea 2 1


The last couple years have been difficult for this couple but they are full of perseverance, passion and determination. “We keep doing everything we can to press on. It’s all finally happening and it’s JUST the beginning! If you find yourself at your breaking point, please don’t give up. Most people give up just before their peak and if they would’ve pushed a little harder, things would’ve boomed.” What inspires you? Casey: My spouse, children, the naysayers, helping people, giving back. What drives you during the difficult days? Casey: Knowing how far I’ve come. I’ve gotten through all of the obstacles and challenges and just keep pushing, knowing I’ll get there eventually. I want to serve my community and give back. What legacy do you hope to leave? Casey: I hope to inspire others to follow their dreams and never give up. Make sure you give their Facebook page a follow so you don’t miss out on their grand opening! I already have an eye on their Lavender Latte!

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TopCity Rise

Another Local Artist Opens Up Shop In NOTO As the leaves begin to fall and flowers take cover for winter, new growth and businesses continue to blossom.

Written By Lesleigh Hodam Photo: 5 Senses Photography

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Document Title

Photos sent in.

Ariel Unselt, entrepreneur and owner of Chinell's By Ariel and The Rogue Florist didn't just survive the setbacks 2020 and 2021 brought, she thrived. She pushed herself beyond what she thought was possible, grinded with every drop of strength and energy she had….and flourished. While Ariel never dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur, she found herself in a place 4 years ago where she needed to find a way to balance home, family and work. Her 8 to 5pm job didn't allow for the flexibility she needed for her daughter's pick-up times at school. She came upon the opportunity of owning Chinell’s and it all just fell into place. "Although it was never something I had hopes and dreams about, being an entrepreneur has truly filled my heart and soul and has allowed me to accomplish so much more than I ever thought possible."

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TopCity Rise

Her clients, team and children were what gave her the drive to push through those difficult days of last couple years. "My hope is that my determination can inspire others when they have hard days. That having someone in their lives that pushes boundaries and expectations makes them dream bigger." She has grown so much in fact that her dream of owning and operating a store front is coming to life faster than she had planned. On September 24 she signed the paperwork and became the proud owner of her new storefront in NOTO. Ariel said, "Delivering flowers is hands down one of the best parts of being a floral designer. I love the smiles and the happy tears and the excitement. We're in an emotional industry, and flowers can brighten someone's day over and over. And it truly means the world to me when clients tell us that we made their wedding dreams come true and that working with us took the stress out of planning the decor.” 26


TopCity Rise

Ariel Arielisisbeyond beyondthrilled thrilledto tojoin join the theamazing amazingbusiness business community communityin inNorth NorthTopeka TopekaArt Art District. District."They "Theyare aremore morethan than just justfellow fellowbusiness businessowners, owners, they theybelieve believein inme melike likefamily. family. They Theyaren't aren'tabout aboutwhat whatmy my business businesscan canoffer offerNOTO NOTObut but how howwe wecan canall allgrow grow individually individuallyand andprofessionally professionally together" together" There Thereisisaaquote quotefrom fromthe the Disney Disneymovie movieMulan Mulanthat thatcomes comes to tomind mindwhen whenIIthink thinkabout about businesses businesseslike likeAriel’s.... Ariel’s...."The "The flower flowerthat thatblooms bloomsin inadversity adversity isisthe themost mostrare rareand andbeautiful beautifulof of all." all."This Thislast lastyear, year,IIdon't don'tthink think there thereisisaasingle singlebusiness businessowner owner who whohasn't hasn'tbeen beenliving livingin in adversity. adversity.ItIthas hasbeen beenaayear yearof of hoping, hoping,praying prayingand andworking working late latelate latenights nightsto tonot notonly only figure figureout outstay stayalive alivebut but strategizing strategizinghow howto topivot pivotwhile while still stillproviding providingtop topnotch notch service. service. Make Makesure sureyou youfollow followChinell's Chinell's By ByAriel Arielon onsocial socialmedia mediaand and watch watchthe thetransformation transformationof ofher her new newlocation! location! 27


Food From The Heart Written By Lesleigh Hodam Photo: 5 Senses Photography

“Everything we do from our heart. And we feel that the people feel that.” ~ Nimm Ragsdale

Owners: Left -Derek Ragsdale Middle - Nimm Ragsdale Right - Banjong Winters

When the timing of opening happens to fall in the midst of a pandemic you have no idea what to expect but really, the quality and ambiance of this place just draws you to it. Jong’s Thai Kitchen just celebrated their one-year birthday and anyone who has tried their food is wishing them many many more years to come. This trio has always wanted to be entrepreneurs and that is evident in the passion they put into their food and as they forge relationships with individuals who walk into their establishment.

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Document Title

This sweet place will take you back in time, not only with the brick paved roads but the kindness and courtesy of the owners that was once common but now seems like a lost moment in time. They go above and beyond your expectations and provide a wonderful dining experience. It is like the old diners where you would gather and the conversations would inspire and ignite passion for those in your community. Speaking of community, they do so much for our local nonprofits and work hard to partner with so many amazing organizations who are pouring back in as well. 29


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Right now with the fall rolling in they have pumpkin curry and all I can say is you better get you some! Their money bags are the perfect bite with thin crispy wraps and creamy filling. Don't even get me started on their heavenly sticky rice smothered in sweet creamy coconut milk paired with ripe mango slices or the mango ice cream! Absolutely delicious!

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Document Title

Grabbing lunch or dining in on a date night isn’t just a meal but a dining experience. You might want to take a minute to make a reservation, they aren't required but if you want to dine in you’d better have them hold you a spot.

What inspires you? Nimm: We inspire each other. We are a family. We only hope others can enjoy what comes from that inspiration. What is your favorite dish on the menu? Nimm: Favorites change, like everything else. Our favorites now are not the same as last week and will not be the same next month. But, we love and eat everything on the menu. What is your best selling must try item? Nimm: Khao Man Gai (Thai Chicken and Rice) 31


Creative Pathways & Means

Founders SJ Hazim and Connor England have created an opportunity for community members and business owners to build creative partnerships. They have services and products that will allow others to dive deep, skill up, and generate a new creative capacity that allows for growth. Also, their Creators’ Network is a group that makes collaboration easier and more effective than ever before. This network has helped hundreds of regional businesses and individuals source and obtain creative help for a wide range of purposes. 32


Left: Connor England, Managing Partner

Right: SJ Hazim, Managing Partner

Creative Pathways & Means offers products and services designed to harness, develop, and deploy human creativity in individuals and organizations in a methodical, reliable way. This is done through the provision of educational products that can be used to hone one’s own creative skills and mindsets. From NOTO to Wheatfield Village to developments in Downtown and beyond, this team invests significant time and resources to help assist in various community projects. CPM has also partnered with Jobs for America’s Graduates to give Kansas students the mindset and skill sets of creativity for today’s quickly changing world. They have developed a curriculum to assist Kansas students in honing their skills in the art and science of creative expression and production. “It is our hope that the fruits of their efforts will ripple out into the Topeka community and beyond.” 33


What drives you? Connor: Creativity allows for you to interface directly with the world around you. You can think something up, and go through a series of steps that will turn that thought into a living, breathing reality. There’s a freedom in that - and also, a deep responsibility to make sure that we’re creating good and meaningful things for the right reasons. I’ve seen countless examples of people wanting to engage with the world in this sacred way, but they struggle to know how. And it affects them profoundly in their mental and spiritual health. More than anything, I am driven by the prospect that CPM can help demystify the creative process in such a way that we can give that gift to people in a massive way. What place do you go to get inspiration? Connor: I draw inspiration from other creative individuals who are tapped into their arts, businesses, and communities. Seeing the incredible things that people produce on the power of their creativity alone is enough to keep my tank full and my engine going. I also draw inspiration from the other side of the coin - from seeing those individuals going through the depths of darkness and depression because they live in stark, static realities and have no clue how to create a better world for themselves. 34


There is a deep catalog of research that demonstrates the link between creativity and mental health, and we’ve seen firsthand how reconnecting people with their creative gifts can spark a massive change in their overall constitution. Whenever I get tired, or challenged by the work, I simply remember the depths of my own experience with depression, and just how profoundly creative works helped pull me out... and it’s enough to keep me going. What legacy do you hope to leave? Connor: Above all else, I wish to look back on the work we did decades from now and say to myself that in all the lives we touched, we helped people deeply reconnect with their human creative spirit. I hope to see a world where inspiration increasingly replaces depression. I hope to see people everywhere creating incredible things, for the right reasons. And I hope to see the fruits of those creative labors empower and lift up more people than we could possibly imagine right now. Creativity is all about helping people envision and generate realities which are new, different, and valuable. The more businesses like CPM that get involved with the community - the more individuals are equipped with the tools they need to successfully bring their vision to life. Reach out to CPM today and see how they can help you take your business and community to the next level. 35



TopCity Rise

Brail WATSON Our Featured TopCity Rise Artist

Follow Brail Watson on: Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Spotify, Apple Music or visit him at www.braillionaire.com! 37 37


TopCity Rise

Local music artist, Brail Watson grew up in East Topeka which is a big part of why he is passionate about being a catalyst for growth and change in the community. He is ardent about his relationship with his heavenly Father, his family, music and cultural and racial reconciliation. In his latest release, Everybody Eats, you will hear him talk about the hard stuff.


This new album uses hip-hop, R&B and tints of gospel music to shine light on concepts like acceptance, togetherness and community development. Combined with elements of his personal story of overcoming depression, poverty and hate. Brail paints a picture of leaving the famine of dark days for the promised land where Everybody Eats. We recently got to ask Brail some personal questions to shine a little more light into his album:

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What drives you? My goal is to be a part of Cultural and Racial reconciliation first within the Church and then to the world at large. I believe that the way God has shaped me is to help others be able to fully engage with the world around them. Sometimes that means being able to use their gifts more fluently or understanding the music industry or seeing the world differently. What place do you go to get inspiration? The shower. I creatively execute well when I’m able to bounce ideas off others, but I tend to do my best thinking and dreaming when I’m alone on a walk or in a quiet space with my thoughts. What is your hope for our community? My hope is that Topeka becomes a place where people are able, to gain the necessary skills to use their musical gifts to change their realities, whether that be poverty, needed community development, or social justice and world change. What legacy do you hope to leave? I want to change the world through music. That may sound like a lofty goal, but as a Christian, I believe that the life of one man undeniably transformed the entire world forever. That means that transforming the life of one person has immense value. That also means that if I can’t change the life of anyone, then I can’t really change the world. That’s why I’m starting at home. What do you hope will happen to the hearts of those who hear your music? I hope that people will be able to experience the love of Christ. A real love that pursues them, that reminds them of their value when they can’t see it. What are you working on next? I’m currently raising missionary support to become a full-time employee of Fellowship HiCrest. As a full-time member on staff I would be able to continue serving my community in my worship pastor role, but it would also include the work that I do with our local schools and as a mentor to those in the music industry. 40


TopCiTy SCouT Make sure you follow TopCity Scout on Arise Kansas Community Support on Facebook or Instagram! He will be visiting local businesses this holiday season to make sure you know about the must shop small businesses. He will be telling you about businesses that supply everything from Christmas décor to stocking stuffers! Scout’s Small business sponsors this year are: * Derrick Hodam, Farm Bureau Financial Services * 5 Senses Photography * TopCity Rise Interested in being a sponsor? Email AriseKansas@gmail.com


TopCity Rise

12 JoyS of ChriSTmaS

Written by Lesleigh Hodam Photos by 5 Senses Photography

1. 1.Elm ElmCreek CreekBeef Beef AAlegacy legacyof ofquality qualitybeef beefgrown grownfor for generations. generations.Whether Whetheryou youare arelooking looking for forsummer summersausage, sausage,Prime PrimeRib Ribor oraa Christmas Christmasroast roastfor foryour yourfamily familyand and holiday holidaygatherings, gatherings,this thisisisthe theplace placeto to check checkout. out.www.elmchreekbeef.com www.elmchreekbeef.com

7. 7.Zoo ZooLights Lights This Thismagical magicaldisplay displayisiscoming comingto tolife lifeagain again at atthe theTopeka TopekaZoo. Zoo.This Thisquickly quicklybecame becameaa must mustvisit visitevent eventof ofthe theyear yearfor forfamilies familiesand and friends friendsininour ourcommunity. community.Make Makesure sureyou you check checktheir theirwebsite websitefor forinformation informationon on reserving reservingan anigloo! igloo!

2. 2.Ballet BalletMidwest: Midwest:The TheNutcracker Nutcracker Ballet BalletMidwest Midwesthas hasbeen beenbringing bringingthe the enchanting enchantingstory storyof ofThe TheNutcracker Nutcrackerto to Topeka Topekafor forover over40 40years. years.You Youdo donot not want wantto tomiss missthis thismagical magicaltradition! tradition!

8. 8.Shana ShanaCake Cake This Thisfantastic fantasticbakery bakerylocated locatedinindowntown downtown Topeka Topekaisisaawonderful wonderfulplace placeto tograb grabthose those treats treatsor orbaked bakedgoods goodsfor forthose thoseininyour yourfamily family with withfood foodallergies. allergies.Get Getyour yourorders ordersininsoon soonfor for delicious deliciouscinnamon cinnamonrolls rollsor oryour yourfavorite favoritepies! pies!

3. 3.Blooms Bloomson onBoswell Boswell This Thisquaint quaintshop shopisismore morethat thatjust just flowers. flowers.There Thereisisaalarge largeselection selectionof of seasonal seasonaldecorations, decorations,gifts giftsfor for everyday everydayand anddon’t don’tforget forgetto tocall callthem them for foryour yourholiday holidayfruit fruitbaskets! baskets!

9. 9.Miracle Miracleon onKansas KansasAve AveParade Parade This Thisfun funfamily familyevent eventgets getsyou youright rightinto intothe the spirit spiritof ofChristmas Christmasand andisisaawonderful wonderfulway wayto to kick kickoff offthe theseason. season.Floats Floatsand andclassic classicautos autos follow followSanta Santadown downKansas KansasAve Aveas ashe hegreets greets you youwith withaaHo! Ho!Ho! Ho!Ho! Ho!and andMerry MerryChristmas! Christmas!

4. 4.Topeka TopekaVendors VendorsMarket Market Shop Shophundreds hundredsof ofsmall smallbusinesses businesses all allat atonce! once!You Youcan canfind findeverything everything from fromcharcuterie charcuterieboards boardsand andcheese cheeseto to candles candlesand andgnomes! gnomes!Don’t Don’tforget forgetto to visit visitZach Zachat atOleander OleanderCafé Caféand andcheck check out outthe thedelicious deliciousstreusel streuselwith withhot hot cherry cherrytoppings. toppings.

10. 10.Cashmere CashmerePopcorn Popcorn There Thereare areso somany manyflavors flavorsof ofpopcorn popcornhere here that thatyou youare aresure sureto tofind findsomething somethinganyone anyoneon on your yourChristmas Christmaslist listwould wouldlove. love.Cinnamon, Cinnamon, cheese cheeseor oreven evenaaspicy spicyjalapeño. jalapeño. Don’t Don’tforget forget they theycan canput puttogether togetherbaskets basketsand andship shipthem them for foryou! you!

5. 5.Stumpy’s Stumpy’sSmoked SmokedCheese Cheese Looking Lookingto toput puttogether togetherunique unique Christmas Christmasbaskets basketswith withKansas Kansasmade made products? products?Check Checkout outStumpy’s Stumpy’sSmoked Smoked Cheese Cheesefor forall allyour yourholiday holidaysnack snackand and cheese cheesetray trayneeds. needs.

11. 11. TARC’s TARC’sWinter WinterWonderland Wonderland This Thisbeautiful beautifullightshow lightshowhas hasbeen beenaa tradition traditionininour ourcommunity communityfor for24 24years! years!This This isistheir theirlargest largestannual annualfundraiser fundraiserthat thatsupports supports children, children,adults adults&&families familieswith withintellectual intellectualand and developmental developmentaldisabilities disabilitiesininout outcommunity. community.

6. 6.Vern’s Vern’sLiquor Liquor IfIfyou youare areplanning planningto tohave havemulled mulled wines winesor orspiked spikedciders cidersat atyour your gatherings gatheringsVern’s Vern’shas hasan anexcellent excellent selection selectionof ofKansas Kansaswines winesand andfantastic fantastic bourbons. bourbons.Of Ofcourse, course,the thetraditional traditional Bailey’s Bailey’sIrish IrishCream Creamor orchocolate chocolateliquor liquor for forcoffee coffeeisisaanice nicechoice choiceas aswell. well.

12. 12.Hazel HazelHill HillChocolate Chocolate IsIsititreally reallyChristmas Christmaswithout withoutfudge fudgeand and divinity? divinity?IfIfyou youhave haveaachocolate chocolatelover loveron onyour your Christmas Christmasshopping shoppinglist, list,you youcan’t can’tmiss missout outon on this thisplace! place!They Theyhave haveaasweet sweetfor for everyone….even everyone….evenyour yourketo ketofriends friendsand andyour your dog! dog! 42


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Image: Topeka Performing Arts Center



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