TopCity Rise March/April 2022

A WORD FROM THE TOPCITY RISE TEAM:

It is becoming more and more important to our community to support small locally owned businesses.

If you are a business owner, source as many supplies locally as you can. If you own a restaurant, use our local farmers as often as you can.

If you are a local consumer and you are dining, shopping and spending local…You. Are. Making. A. Difference.

This is how we strengthen and grow. This is how we safeguard the local economy. Our community is growing and strengthening because of the willingness of people like YOU to link arms and grow.

THANK YOU!!!

Pg 5. TopCity Dinosaur Trail

Pg 11. We Rise

Pg 15. Topeka Yoga Network

Pg 20. ProCopy Inc. Topeka’s Newest Option for Digital Solutions

Pg 26. Food Truck is Here!

Pg 32. Aspen’s Allies

Pg 34. Artist Spotlight: Spacin’ Jason

TopCity Dinosaur Trail

Small Businesses on The Dino Wagon

Visit Topeka has been working very hard the last several months to bring our community an exhibit that will not soon be forgotten. Spread throughout TopCity are four different interactive stations that you don’t want to miss!

The Great Overland Station has been transformed into a gorgeous exhibit hall for Sue: The T.REX Experience. This beautiful beast of a fossil has a multi-sensory show that will captivate the attention of people of all ages! She will be on display now through May 1.

Story Sponsor: Derrick Hodam, Agent, Farm Bureau Financial Services

Photo: 5 Senses Photography

Tiny Titans: Dinosaur Eggs and Babies opened at the Kansas Children's Discovery Center February 24 and will be there until May 30. Visitors of all ages will love this interactive exhibit and an unforgettable moment when you gaze at an actual dinosaur egg fossil!.

Topeka Dino Days Base Camp is taking place in the Visit Topeka office in Downtown Topeka now through May 30. If the Allosaurus is your favorite, you will want to check out this free viewings.

Dinosaurs Alive! These life-size dinosaur animatronics are taking over the Topeka Zoo and making you travel back in time! Mark your calendar for the opening date of March 10, but don’t worry you can go back for several visits as this exhibit will be here until June 30.

But don’t think our community stops there! Businesses all over Topeka are hopping on the dinosaur wagon and helping our community and those visiting have an unforgettable experience. It’s fantastic to see so many businesses supporting this exhibit to truly make Topeka a destination spot for family vacations this spring and summer.

Pinkadilly: 824 N Kansas Ave

This sweet boutique in NOTO is loving the dinosaur buzz & is here for it! They have socks, de?cor, knickknacks & much more!

Paper June: 927 N Kansas Ave

This sweet shop is completely prepared for your dinosaur loving children! It’s full of countless dinosaur items! From 3D puzzles and fossil excavation kits to stuffed animals and books. Don’t forget their craft creating space!

Onyx Wellness Café: 922 N Kansas Ave

Need a sweet treat or coffee after checking out Sue’s exhibit? Head over to Onyx for an allergy friendly treat!

Amused Gallery: This NOTO business is holding a coloring contest through March 26. Follow their Facebook page for all the details.

The Norsemen Brewery: 830 N Kansas Ave

Dino eggs - Our take on scotch eggs served with a side of Shield Maiden Mustard. Prehistoric Pretzels - Our pretzels are back! This time shaped like dinosaur feet and served with house-made beer cheese or Shield Maiden Mustard. Also, Dino eggs!

Dino Leg - A smoked turkey leg with roasted carrots and our own mashed potatoes. Dino Dirt Cup - Full of vanilla and chocolate pudding, cookie bits, and gummy dino feet. Get it before it goes extinct!

Pennant: 915 S Kansas Ave

Dino Dig Shake: Chocolate shake with chocolate syrup topped with Oreo crumbles and white chocolate fossils –Vodka, gin, rum, sweet & sour mix, Sprite and Black Raspberry Schnapps -

Derrick Hodam, Farm Bureau

Financial Services: 112 SW 6th Ave #202 This business is giving out a copy of Dinosaurs Before Dark to the first 60 individual families that stop by their office for a picture at their selfie station.

The Tee Box: 906 S Kansas Ave Have you ever imagined playing a round of golf during the Jurassic times? If so, you are going to want to run over to The Tee Box and play Bullseye or Capture the Flag with the Jurassic screen!

Iron Rail: 705 S Kansas Ave

Kids Meal w/Dino Cookie: Any kids meal comes with a dino-sized sugar cookie!

Silvisaurus IPAs: Silvisaurus Plum Spiced IPA & Silvisaurus Apricot Spiced IPA – Our Crystal Copper NEIPA set on fruity purees and a spicy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice. Boom boom acka-lacka boom boom!

Hazel Hill 724 S Kansas Ave

Swing by Hazel Hill and grab some delicious chocolate dinosaur eggs with a surprise inside!

Creations of Hope Gallery: 727 S Kansas Ave Head over to this gallery and check out their selection of different mediums dinosaur art!

Our Community is here for it!!

We

by lifting others.”

~ Robert Ingersoll

Good News Story Sponsor:

Shamrock Shake Supporters

Through March 21, $.25 of each Shamrock Shake purchased at any NE KS McDonalds will be donated to OUR TOPEKA Ronald McDonald House. Last year your support raised over $9,000!

Register Here:

Nonprofit Sponsor: Derrick Hodam, Farm Bureau Financial Services

Topeka Yoga Network

This mother-daughter team will get you moving! Evelyn Spangler and her mother, Mary Boland, recently opened their new downtown location of Topeka Yoga Network.

Mary grew up in the Topeka area and built a family with her husband here. Both Mary and Evelyn branched out to live in different cities or states but they both knew Topeka was the place to plant roots with family and eventually made their way home. So, building a business in this community with each other felt like the next step in their path. Mary’s various positions throughout the corporate world and Evelyn’s work in the medical field make them a great team with a business mindset and a client care being top of mind.

Their journey has in a large part been about taking it one step at a time. During their yoga classes they often talk about moving with purpose and intention. Their yoga journey has been the same. Any step taken to get them to this point has been thought through and discussed at length.

In 2014 Mary had the idea to begin the adventure as an entrepreneur. As an employee in the corporate world who found her love for yoga, she started reaching out to corporate clients to let them know about this opportunity. "We have found that yoga not only helps prevent repetitive stress injuries like most jobs have, but yoga can also assist to improve productivity and decrease fatigue around the office." So, when businesses like CoreFirst and FHLB heard how they could help, they became their first corporate yoga clients.

Since then, they have worked with other corporate clients like Washburn University, Stormont Vail Hospital and Medical Center, Topeka Shawnee County Public Library, and Brewster Place.

They pride themselves on being able to serve a wide range of the community from pediatrics to residents at Brewster Place. Evelyn and Mary both have 400 hours of certified yoga training, as well as 500 hours of yoga therapy training. Evelyn also has training as a children's yoga instructor. When you walk through their doors, they are prepared to make it their top priority to keep you moving in a safe way on the mat.

When you go to one of their classes, they work hard to make sure that you feel you can participate—not just watch—even if it’s your first time. Their primary goal is to make the practice safe and accessible to everyone. They also offer private yoga glasses for those who may have more specific needs which helps ensure they receive the attention and instruction needed to have a fun and safe experience while gaining strength and mobility.

We LOVE that Topeka Yoga Network is working hard to be able to offer classes that are more accessible to the community. They are working to team up with Evergy Plaza to offer free classes open to the community. They also donate one class a month to Omni Circle to their MOVE (Mobility Opportunities in Various Environments) Bootcamps.

“We understand that yoga can sometimes feel like it is only for certain groups. Whenever possible we want to help inspire everyone to try it. We believe in yoga's many benefits both physically and mentally.” ~ Evelyn

They hope to leave a legacy that equips our community with the knowledge and belief that we are all strong and capable of great things. Yoga is not just about physical fitness it is also about mental wellness.

If you are looking for a way to unwind you can visit them in their studio or you can even hire them for events like children's yoga camps, classes for your women's groups or even private events for family yoga workshops.

Mary Boland Left, Evelyn Spangler Right

ProCopy Inc.

Topeka’s Newest Option for Digital Solutions

TopCity business owners you have another option for digital solutions and document management services! ProCopy Inc has been serving the Manhattan area for more than 30 years and is now expanding to the Topeka area! ProCopy is not only a silver HP dealer but a Platinum Xerox solution provider.

Chris Martin, Branch Manager

When Rocky Popejoy and Chris Martin connected, the idea of bringing ProCopy Inc to the Topeka community was really a nobrainer. They are excited to bring their combined experience and knowledge of over 100 years to Topeka businesses of all shapes and sizes from small desk top units to fleets for large enterprise accounts.

While Digital Solutions and Document Management have been around with the same model for almost 50 years, Chris believes it can be changed to make it better for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“I have always said, if you are not growing, you're dying, and I stand firm on that to this day. Taking chances on myself and my ideas is not considered a risk to me, it’s an opportunity. I would rather go down swinging than to not swing at all.” ~

Chris Martin

Chris has known since finishing up college that he wanted to be an entrepreneur. Since then, he has had the opportunity to be on several business ventures, some with partners and others without.

Having that true entrepreneurial spirit is what he thrives on. You have the opportunity, to have a solutions specialist with that mindset there to help you with digital solutions and document management services, who knows how important it is to keep all your business and client’s information safe and secure.

ProCopy Inc has deep roots with community involvement in Manhattan and Chris is looking forward to keeping that tradition here in Topeka. He is a proud Topekan that has lived here since 2000 with a strong track record of building relationships in our neighborhoods. Chris not only serves our local businesses, but he also delivers in a number of other ways like, VP on the board of the Northeast Animal Welfare Foundation, the Board of Directors for Topeka Independent Business Association and other incredible organizations.

What legacy do you hope to leave?

Chris: “The legacy I hope to leave is simple: God-fearing, hardworking, honest man who served others.”

What does this business mean for you and your family?

Chris: “Family is everything to me and ProCopy Inc has allowed me to focus on that quality time with my wife and kids while still being able to grow our brand and serve this community! It is not always easy to find a place that cares about you as an individual and allows you the time to pursue your goals.”

Reach out to Chris today and see what digital solutions and document management services he has available to help you and your business get set up for success.

New Business Story Sponsor: Derrick Hodam, Agent, Farm

785.329.4095

FOOD TRUCK SEASON IS HERE!

It’s Every Foodie’s Favorite Time Of Year!

If you are a foodie, then you know what time of year it is…. FOOD TRUCK SEASON! While some serve year-round others are preparing for the upcoming season now. We wanted to share about a few who not only whip up some delicious eats but also pour back into our community nonprofits and link arms with other businesses to help each other grow.

BEHR PAWS

Exciting news!! Behr Paws will be opening back up in the Spring and will be featuring some new menu items, so stay tuned!

This food truck is one of the few in TopCity that serves up breakfast! Their Big Behrritos and The Grizzly Behr are two of our community's favorite breakfast items to order. But don’t miss out on their Loaded Nachos or Street Tacos for lunch or Cajun Tamales for dinner!

You'll often see Behr Paws pouring back into our community, like dine to donate nights for Helping Hands Humane Society and The Topeka Zoo's Steins and Vines events. Some cold days you might catch them helping warm up the hands and stomachs of paramedics and some firefighters at local fire stations. They love our community and are for linking up to help other businesses grow.

BOBBY’S FOOD CO.

The aroma of this food truck will draw you in from blocks away! The Philly will melt in your mouth and those signature tacos will have you following his food truck the rest of the week craving more. Their food is extra fresh because he sources a lot of his supplies here locally.

Bobby doesn't just dish up food in our community, but he serves the community. He has spoken at organizations like Jr Achievement, and the Culinary Program and Advisory Board for The Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers. He even wrote the business plan for Food trucks at Evergy Plaza!

You can check out his new permanent truck location at 1809 SW Gage. Don't forget he also offers full-service catering and bar packages so if you have big summer events or a wedding coming up soon you better book him today!

BOXER Q BBQ

This food truck might be newer to the game but they have participated in BBQ competitions around the region for several years. Their love of BBQ continued to grow so naturally they couldn't wait to share with others!

This food truck uses high quality meat that makes their BBQ delicious. With several different meats to choose from you are sure to find something you love like brisket, pork, ribs, and chicken. If brisket or ribs is what you are craving, you better get there quick because you aren't the only one lining up for that favorite! Of course, they have the classic sides like cheesy potatoes, baked beans, crack green beans, slaw, and potato salad that are made fresh daily!

THE BURGER BUS

Oh my goodness, The Farmhouse at Burger Bus needs to be on your list to try ASAP. This burger is topped with pulled pork, an egg and the tastiest BBQ sauce. Not craving a burger, their Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese is also another favorite you should check out!

The Burger Bus just celebrated their one year anniversary of being in business! Although they are just getting started that hasn’t stopped them from pouring into our community! This last year alone, they assisted several school fundraisers, supported our local zoo and several individuals in need and they can’t wait to do more in 2022.

Chef Lamona

Wow we really can’t say enough about the flavors this food truck brings. If you haven’t tried their food yet, think Southern comfort food meets fine dining with gourmet flavors.

Fried catfish with red beans and rice, collard greens and Jambalaya, and her rice dishes are just a few of the favorites—every dish will have you craving more. Give her page a follow and decide what dishes you want to try!

You also don’t want to miss out on her classes! We love how she teams up with other local businesses to help others grow.

FLAVOR WAGON 785

This food truck opened its window for the first time in October 2020, but the dream started years ago. They have brought fresh, healthy, global eats to TopCity and customers are throwing out raving reviews! Some people even return twice in one day! Their signature dish is a build your own power bowl, which offers options for meat lovers, vegans or vegetarians. The bowl includes your choice of 1 protein and 2 veggies on a bed of grains. These Power Bowls are sold as a meal prep option too! Their Street tacos to Da Mac - you gotta try it!

We love how this food truck pours back into our community. From serving on boards to serving the less fortunate. They even have a program called Breaking Bread that allows customers to donate to pay for the meals for under-served individuals in our community.

SMOKEY DUNKS

We have been lucky to have Smokey Dunks filling the air with the aroma of delicious smoked meat for almost two years. Of course, burnt ends, brisket, and pulled pork are some of the top favorites but that catfish YUM. Also make sure you grab some of those cheesy potatoes, smoked baked beans. If you are in the mood for dessert, you better grab one of those cheesecakes in a jar.

We love how Duncan gives back to community organizations like Helping Hands Humane Society, Topeka Police Department, Shawnee Heights School District and Highland Park High School. We even recently read a story about how someone watched him prepare a meal for an under-resourced individual and give it to them so he wouldn't be without a meal that day.

PINEAPPLE DREAM

You don’t have to go to the Dole Plantation or one of the Disney Parks to get these tasty treats because Pineapple Dream serves up the exact same soft serve right here in Topeka! While pineapple is a huge favorite, they also serve strawberry, raspberry, mango, cherry, orange, lime, lemon and watermelon. You can order the Dole Whip in a cone, cup, sundae or in a float.

What is unique about these treats is that they are dairy-free!

In addition to the Dole Whips, they also have a few other lactose-free flavors: coconut, vanilla, chocolate & some seasonal offerings. You can find their trailer around town at many different fundraising events like school fundraisers, nonprofit fundraisers but they also have a permanent store at 29th & Urish.

Stumpy’s Smoked Cheese

This food truck is always bringing that warm gooey smoked cheese flavors. Whether you like your grilled sandwiches with some spicy heat or with the gourmet flavors of gouda, they’ve got you.

They love giving back to the community just as much as you’d love their French Vanilla Blueberry Cobbler waffle cone. They often help with dine to donate nights for local schools and for Helping Hands Humane Shelter. Don’t forget, if you want to bring their flavors home you can check out their store location at 2104 NW Topeka Blvd.

Small Business Story Sponsor: Derrick Hodam, Farm Bureau Financial Services

ASPENS ALLIES

This sweet one year old named Aspen, was born with a rare cranial birth defect, craniosynostosis. Because of this, she’s in need of a cranial surgery to correct the defect, which could cause seizures, visual impairment or blindness and several other complications, if not corrected soon in the near future.

If you have met this sweet girl, you know she is one created with something unique. Maybe it's the joy you see dancing in her sparkling eyes or her sweet little spirit, but you know that she is made for great things.

"I know the significance of her name. It wasn’t just a tree. It’s a deeply rooted tree that stands tall and strong. It’s leaves quiver in the wind, appearing to sparkle. There’s a peaceful sound as the leaves dance around. Almost like rain. It’s breathtakingly beautiful."

-Aspen's momma Chelsea Fisher

Her mom, Chelsea, is running full steam ahead with fundraising efforts and has almost reached 40,000 of the $60,000 that they need. From bake sales to auctions and garage sales, they are raising money as fast as they can. As you can imagine running businesses and caring for all of their children was already a couple fulltime jobs but throwing on fundraising has to be completely wearing on one's soul. This is where you, our community, comes in.

"I was depressed my entire pregnancy with Aspen. I didn’t know how I was going to survive another child. I knew I’d love her, but I knew I was already fraying. The second I laid eyes on her, I understood it all. I know she’s here to move mountains. March Forth."

- Chelsea Fisher

This couple has poured into our community countless times, from helping provide coats for under-served children in Topeka, to making sure veterans float free, to strengthen and improve mental health at their small business, Midwest Float. It’s time for our community to rally and help lift this burden off their shoulders.

If you’re able to show them some support, there are several ways:

 Donate and help take the weight off this family's shoulder, you can donate here: Go Fund me: https://gofund.me/f7e902fc (fees)

Venmo: Aspens-Allies (no fees)

Cashapp: AspensAllies (no fees)

Cash/Check: 2120 SW Brandywine Ln Ste 120 ,Topeka, KS 66614 c/o Aspen

Campbell

 Share. SHARE. SHARE!

 You can follow the Facebook group: Aspen's Allies

Jason Riedel

Local artist Jason Riedel, better known as Spacin’ Jason, was born in Independence, Missouri but moved to our community when he was about three. At age six, his grandparents created statues which began to influence his creative mind as he watched them design the statues of the lions that were originally at Gage Park on 6th Street.

Follow Made Maker on: Facebook & Instagram

Since then, his passion for creativity has grown. Just last week Jason created another mural near Highland Park High School at mirrors building number three. With this mural he hopes to help inspire people to hope, to believe in themselves, and to get back up if you’re down.

Our Featured TopCity Rise Artist

You can find his work all around Topeka on murals like the Topeka Police Department downtown, the wall of remembrance at Thorton Place and the artists live forever mural at the Noto headquarters. Jason shared that the idea behind the artists live forever mural was a Bob Marley interview. During the interview, the reporter asked him if he had gotten rich from his music. Bob Marley questioned what he meant by “rich”. The reporter rephrased and asked, if he made a lot of money off his music. Bob Marley’s reply was that he didn't have that kind of richness, but that his richness was that he would live forever. “To me what it meant was the energy that someone puts into a creation can far outlive the Creator.” ~Jason

Jason and his studio, Soul Space Studio, have joined Forest Park and their upcoming efforts to train young adults and teens different trades, who may not have the funding or support needed for college. They will have several opportunities for vital trades to be taught and education given to give these underserved individuals a step up into a brighter and more successful future.

Jason’s concept behind Soul Space Studios is that every room in your house should reflect your soul. They will be taking different household items like coffee tables, bookshelves and other items that someone put out to the curb and give the pieces new life and restoration. “I want them to realize we've all been that coffee table before. But that doesn't mean that it's the last step.”

Where do you get your source of inspiration from?

Jason: I go back to every positive interaction I've had with someone involving my art I try to bring those people in the room with me metaphorically while I paint.

What is your hope for our community?

Jason: I would love to see more small businesses and places that our community can go, where we are supporting someone in our own community instead of a corporation.

What legacy do you hope to leave?

Jason: I think the main reason I work is so that when people find out I'm two types of color blind and have flat-lined for 43 minutes, I hope it gives them inspiration to go to work themselves. Art's one of the most powerful forces in the universe.

Tell us about your thoughts and feelings and the process of creating pieces.

Jason: When I start out, I kind of see what I want the canvas to look like and it's just a process of getting there and you have to be willing to make mistakes. A lot of mistakes. And remember, wherever the line or a circle has an imperfection, it’s my opinion that that's where the true beauty is.

Make sure you follow Spacin’ Jason on Facebook you can be one of the first to see a work of art go up for sale. Of course, he is for hire and can custom motorcycles, helmets, wall murals and just about any surface or size of painting you are hoping for. You can also reach him at 785-730-6510 if you want a custom art piece.

“Life without passion is just death with breath.”

~Spacin’ Jason