TopCity Rise Summer 2022

Summer Fun | We Rise | New Business Alerts | Artist Spotlight

Summer Issue 2022

Featured Story Pg. 17

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A WORD FROM THE TOPCITY RISE TEAM: Have you ever noticed how some of the larger birds fly together in formation?

The birds in front are expending twice as much energy whereas the ones behind use about half the energy as they ride the updraft of the birds ahead.

Each bird in the lead creates an updraft to lighten the pressure off the ones behind them, enabling all of them to go further and longer together in their community.

Of course, birds can fly alone but they know that doing so would limit the distance they could fly each day; making the journey take longer and increasing the risk of fatigue and loss.

That is what the sponsors of this publication do for the new businesses and nonprofits in our community. They blaze a trail so our business community can push longer, grow stronger and unite as one force.

We can’t thank our sponsors enough for helping us safeguard our local economy by strengthening our new small businesses and nonprofits and for keeping your marketing money local!

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Register TODAY!! www.dartingbasketball.com

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Pg 5. Summer Kids Kindness Challenge Pg 7. Hunter & Laine Pg 10. Taste of Summer At Home Pg 13. We Rise 77

Pg 17. Once Upon A Party Pg 21. NOTO Summer

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Pg 25. Artist Spotlight: V Heiland Pg 30. Summer. Family. Fun.

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TopCity Kids Kindness Challenge 2022 Your kids can start a ripple effect of kindness in TopCity! You are never too young or too old to spread kindness and positively impact those around you. Get your children involved in pouring into their community this summer by encouraging them to do acts of kindness in their neighborhood or community!

Here’s how to play along:  Print off our Challenge Chart from our Facebook event.  Fill in a smile for each act of kindness your child performs in June and July.  When your chart is full, return it to Derrick Hodam, Farm Bureau Financial Services office in July on Thursdays or Fridays in July from 9am to 3pm at 112 SW 6th Ave Suite 202 for a small prize(While Supplies last) AND enter the drawing for an Amazon Fire Tablet.

We’ve compiled a list of challenges on our Facebook event to get your creativity flowing BUT we really want to hear what you come up with! We know that every age has different abilities so please modify as needed! We’d also love to see what you are up to so please tag us on Facebook or Instagram with each act of kindness. We’ll also feature some of those pictures in an upcoming issue of TopCity Rise!

Huge thank you to our sponsors: Platinum Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors: o Once Upon A Party KS

Bronze Sponsor: o Milk & Honey Coffee Co.

Interested in becoming a sponsor and cheering these kids on with prizes? Email us at topcityrise@gmail.com 5

Download Challenge Chart HERE:

RSVP for this free event HERE:

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Hunter & Laine Boutique & Chandlery

There is a new business coming mid-June to 826 South Kansas Ave and we can’t wait! Hunter & Laine Boutique & Chandlery will not only be selling their wooden laser cut and engraved products but items from several other makers in and around our community like Boho Babe Creative, Thick Stitches and Capper Foundation.

Sarah Caleb, a Kansas gal originally from Maple Hill but has been in our city over 20 years and has since married her husband Matt and has grown a family. Just like Sarah, her business partner Brendan Jensen, has also been in Topeka 20 years.

When Sara and Brendan began to brainstorm business names it only made sense to them, to name their new shop after each of their children; Brendan’s son Hunter and Sarah’s daughter is Laine. Their fathers who were also a part of branding and brainstorming sessions both thought the name needed a little more which is where Boutique & Chandlery came into play.

The original plan was for Sarah to continue her salon career and open a downtown space that would also sell laser cut items, but life had other plans which has led to Sarah stepping out of that industry due to medical issues.

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Owners: Brendan Jensen & Sarah Caleb

Now the vision is even bigger with collaborations to assist several small businesses to grow and strengthen together. Shop manager Amanda Turner is lining up some fantastic local makers to fill the space with creations made by individuals, right here in and around our community.

Over the last few months this space has had new life breathed into it and it has been revived to a space of growth and opportunity. These business partners are proud of their blood sweat and tears poured into this space and are thrilled to be a part of the downtown business community. They are here to serve you and our community so don’t hesitate to let them know if you would like specific classes, pop-ups or other suggestions.

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TopCity Rise When you see what this business can do, the opportunities for personalized gifts are endless. Think wedding favors, birthday gifts, Father's Day items, memorial pieces that can become heirloom pieces passed down for generations and much more. You’ll be able to put baskets together for any occasion, with hand crafted items like candles, clay earrings and so much more.

What has the journey looked like for you?

Sarah ~ “It has been exciting to watch the building evolve into a beautiful restored, breathtaking building. Freshening up the building and watching the transformation was amazing.”

How will your business support our community?

Sarah ~ “We have a booth in the store that we have donated to the Capper Foundation. They will be able to sell items in their booth to help them raise money. Shawnee County suicide prevention will also be receiving a portion of our sales every month in memory of loved ones lost.”

What legacy do you hope to leave?

Sarah ~ “Encouraging people to shop local and support local businesses.”

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Taste of Summer at Home Written by: Lesleigh Hodam

Summer is upon us and you need to know about all the awesome local businesses to get fresh products to make your summer meals fresh and tasty right at home.

Butchers: • Herman’s Meat & Smokehouse, 4211 SW Huntoon - This shop is full of a variety of beef, sausage, cheese, spices, BBQ rubs and fixings and don’t forget their hot pickles are fantastic diced in deviled eggs!

• Leonard Meat, 105 NE Quincy St - This is the place for your variety of meats like elk, bison, boar and wagyu. They also have several marinated meats like beef and chicken as well as beef and pork bratwurst ready to hit the grill. Their large selection of other Kansas made items like Alma Creamery cheese, seasonings and several other Shop Kansas Farms products are great accessories to your meals.

Specialty Shops: • Moburt’s, 820 S Kansas Ave This is the place for fresh seasonings! Grab some Al’s Top shelf for your steaks or Bill’s Burger for your hamburgers. Their fajita blend and taco seasonings make for some flavorful dished and don’t forget their oils perfect for your summer pasta dishes.

• Café Barnabas, 1801 SW Wanamaker Rd Can we even call it summer without iced tea? This tea shop has all the flavors of summer you could ask for! Jasmine, Blooming June, Green Tea Mango and so many more delicious teas perfect on a warm summer day!

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Stumpy’s Smoked Cheese, 2104 NW Topeka Blvd. This place has a little of everything! Pickled eggs to slice over your salads, a large variety of smoked cheese, delicious salsas and my family’s favorite Sauerkraut from Hoganville Family Farms!

Don’t forget their Pecan Pie in a Jar! Drizzle that over some homemade ice cream and it’s screams summer at grandmas!

The Tasteful Olive, 2900 A SW Oakley Ave. This shop has a very large selection of unique flavors of vinegar and oils. If you love fresh salad dressings and pasta salads in the summer, you will love this shop!

Local Farms: • Arkenburg Farms If you are looking for fresh delicious greens for salads or cold cut sandwiches this is the farm to follow.

• Hidden Hill Farms of Kansas,7320 SW Indian Hills Rd. You can often catch this farm at a local market but if you miss them their farm fresh eggs and produce are available for pick up at their farm!

• Rees Fruit Farm, 2476 Hwy K4. This shop has a fantastic selection of fruit, pies, salsa, jams and if you don’t grab a frozen cider or cider donuts you are missing out!

Farmer’s Market: Don’t forget to grab your fresh produce, breads, jams, spices and so much more at a local farmer’s market.

• Breadbasket Farmer’s Market, 1901 SW Wanamaker, Saturdays 7:30am- 1pm • Downtown Topeka Farmer’s Market, 301 SW 10th Saturdays from 7:30am to noon.

• Monday Market at the Library, 1515 SW 10th each Monday 7:30-11:30am • Topeka Vendor’s Market, 520 Adams Every 3rd Saturday 10am – 4pm 11

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by lifting others.”

~ Robert Ingersoll

Good News Story Sponsor:

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Once Upon A Party For years princesses have had the stigma that they have to be dainty, gentle and quiet but Mulan broke that mold and so did this modern-day princess. By day, this woman is in uniform as a Kansas Army National Guard Soldier and when she is off duty, a princess teaching virtues and bringing magic alive. Jeri Billings-Carpenter has lived in and around Topeka her whole life and like most princesses she has Dustin Carpenter, her prince charming and a few sidekicks, their Pitbull Marley, their Saint Bernard Rori, and their black cat Ghost.

Her whole life, Jeri has been enamored with all the animated princesses on screen. So much so that visiting the Disney World theme park in Florida has become a tradition for her and Dustin.

There is something about the joy and happiness that is in the air at Disney World that just brings magic to life, and that feeling is exactly what Jeri is working hard to create for children in and around our community. Jeri is capturing that magic and bringing it back to create unforgettable moments for our children. “I know going there isn't feasible for everyone, and I don't want that to stop families or kids from being able to experience the magic that is getting to interact with some of their very favorite storybook characters. So, I figured why can't I bring the magic home and share it?”

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Photo Uriah Photography

TopCity Rise Many children wish they could meet the beloved fairytale characters that they look up to and that’s exactly what Jeri is offering, unforgettable moments that they will cherish for years to come. From tea parties and photoshoots in the park and birthday parties at home, to visiting children in the hospital for that extra needed pick me up Jeri is here to bring a little magic to the world. “You're never too old for a little bit of magic.”

Jeri never had plans or hopes and dreams of being an entrepreneur but when the passion of her idea grew she knew that she wanted to bring this idea to life, and of course becoming an entrepreneur comes with the territory. She is so committed to bringing magic to life that she trains and takes classes from a retired park princess so she brings the characters to life as accurately as possible.

There is a lot more to it than throwing on a pretty dress and showing up to the party. In fact, she works so hard to stay in character as the princess she is representing that if you ask her how she got involved in the military she may just explain that you may have her confused with her friend Mulan!

Photo: 5 Senses Photography

Photo: Hazim Happenings

Jeri is looking forward to more and more community events and volunteering her time for some upcoming nonprofit events. She has been working hard to collaborate and team up with local businesses like Paper June for Princess Story Time and Hazim Happenings for Tea Time at the Lake. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, TopCity has some of the most amazing business owners willing to link arms and grow together. Jeri is so thankful and appreciative of the support and help from fellow entrepreneurs to live her dream!

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TopCity Rise What legacy do you hope to leave?

Jeri - “I will never forget when my mom & dad took me to meet my first princess. I was 5 years old, and it is an experience that is forever etched into my memory. To have one of your favorites standing right there in front of you making you feel special and reminding you how important it is to be kind, brave, and honest is just amazing for a kid. Even as I got older and realized that the princess wasn't "real", it doesn't taint the memory or make me feel any less special. That particular human made a small, magical impact on my life. You know life can be rough, especially these days, so if I can positively impact anyone's life, child or adult, by making them smile, making them feel special, or making them believe in magic for even a small moment then I've accomplished what I've set out to do. I'm not going to change the whole world by doing what I do, but I hope that I can at least make a difference in someone's world.”

What does this business mean for you and your family?

Jeri - “This business allows me to tap into my creativity which oftentimes has to take a back seat during the week when I'm just trying to accomplish my usual, everyday tasks. It allows me to do something I truly care about and brings me so much joy. My husband generously drives me to all of my events for safety reasons, & in some ways that time in the car also allows for us to spend time together we don't normally get during the work week.

Financially, this business allows us a little extra income to prepare for hopefully someday being more financially independent & getting to spend more time together doing the things that bring us joy.”

Ready to book for your upcoming event? onceuponapartyks@gmail.com Website https://onceuponapartyks.square.site Follow here on Facebook at Once Upon A Party KS 19

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Nonprofit Sponsor:

TopCity Rise

Summer Happenings in NOTO Arts & Entertainment District

By: Staci Ogle

For over 12 years now the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District has been a vibrant part of the Topeka community, and now with nearly 60 yearly scheduled events there is more to NOTO than just First Friday’s.

Since navigating through COVID and with the addition of Redbud Park, in the last two years NOTO has evolved into a bustling arts community with multiple outdoor arts spaces, over 50 public art locations, outdoor festivals, live music in the park, Saturday Markets, and so much more!

NOTO Summer Concert Series Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas The NOTO Summer Concert Series presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas takes place on 3rd Friday's June, July, and August, inside of Redbud park from 5 to 9PM. The concerts will feature regional musicians as well as local emerging musicians, highlighting some of the best talent in the area. The event includes family friendly activities, vendors, food truck and a beer garden. The opening acts take the stage at 5pm, headliners start at 6pm with music ending at 9pm. Bring your lawn chairs and bring some friends, these concerts are FREE to the public and is THE thing to do this summer!

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June 17 5:00-5:45 Flow, this local high school group will JAZZ us with their talent as they open the concert series.

5:30-6 VIP Backstage Meet & Greet 6:00-9 UNIFIED, this local Rhythm and Blues 8-piece band will kick off the Summer Concert Series with their sweet beats until 9pm!

UNIFIED

July 15 5:00-5:45 local emerging musicians TBA 5:30-6 VIP Backstage Meet & Greet 6:00-9 Maria the Mexican, a Mexicana/Americana/indie blues rock/funk/soul fusion - a true hybrid of Mexican folklore and rock ’n roll delivered in both English and Spanish!

Maria The Mexican

August 19 5:00-5:45 local emerging musicians TBA 5:30-6 VIP Backstage Meet & Greet 6:00-9 Hector Anchondo, 2020 International Blues Challenge winner. This prestigious Memphis Cigar Box Guitar Award winner for best guitarist takes the audience on an emotional and personal journey through his powerful brand of blues music. Hector is traveling from Nebraska to join us!

Hector Anchondo

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NOTO Saturday Markets Held on Saturdays 10-3 through the month of September, the NOTO Saturday market gives artists and vendors an opportunity to showcase their wares at NOTO Redbud Park.

Participating vendors are welcome to join any time during the season and can pick and choose the market dates that meet their needs. Vendor fee’s to participate start at $25.

For more information about upcoming events and programming in NOTO visit their website at Explorenoto.org, or visit the NOTO Arts Center, 935 N. Kansa Ave., during regular business hours Thursday & Friday 11-5, Saturday 10-3, and later for special events.

Sponsored by:

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TopCity Artist Spotlight

V Heiland Essential Henna

Follow here: v@essentialhenna.com www.essentialhenna.com www.instagram.com/essentialhenna www.facebook.com/essentialhenna 25

TopCity Rise Local Henna Artist, V Heiland was born in Mumbai, India but moved to the States in 2001. She has always been drawn to many different art forms and has tried her hand at several, like painting, drawing, ceramics, and jewelry making, but henna is where her passion lies. “My mom used to do henna on me when I was younger, it was something that was a part of my culture from the very beginning.” V recalled. “I would ask my mom to do henna on me, but one day she said she was too busy, and she encouraged me to give it a try myself. From there, I began my journey.” She has been doing henna professionally for a very long time, and estimates having had the opportunity to design her artwork on over 10,000 people in the last eight years.

Henna has been used for centuries and traditionally used for joyous celebrations like weddings and birthdays and is often created with well wishes, hopes of prosperity and protection.

Can you imagine a gorgeous simple white wedding gown with ornate henna designs adorning a bride's skin? How gorgeous would that be?

With artists like V, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to have henna designs applied more often. You can find V at several events throughout our community like, First Friday Art Walk in NOTO, the Downtown Topeka Farmer’s Market and Breadbasket Farmer’s Market off Wanamaker. This month you will also be able to find her at Chingawassa Days, KC Price, and KC Chick Events!

If you don’t want to wait for an event and would like a private session in her studio, you can book online!

We also love seeing the collaborative work she does with local artists like Diane Horn of Made Maker that you may remember our feature on a few months back.

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TopCity Rise V makes her own henna mixture with lawsonia inermis, water, sugar, lemon juice and eucalyptus oil. Due to the calming properties of eucalyptus oil, you will find yourself relaxing as soon as you smell the henna. You will also feel a cooling sensation as the henna is applied. Because she makes her own ingredients, she knows the mixtures are safe and non-toxin. All her ingredients are natural so if you are visiting another artist or ordering products online be careful you are getting quality and safe products.

Do a quick google search about “Black Henna” and you will see why ingredients are extremely important and how you can avoid boils, cancer and other ailments toxins can cause. If you are wanting to give the art of henna a try and are looking for a safe option, make sure you give Essential Henna a follow on Facebook or Instagram because V will be selling some mixtures soon and they are sure to sell out quickly.

In addition to the beautiful Henna, V also occasionally mixes Jagua. Jagua is derived from a fruit, whereas henna is derived from a plant.

Jagua stains your skin a beautiful navy blue/ dark blue and henna stains reddish/maroon. Both are all-natural, but jagua does have a tendency to irritate sensitive skin or anyone allergic to fruits or berries so it’s best to avoid if you have either of those.

When visiting with V you can see that her heart and compassion for others is evident and absolutely beautiful. For example, she donates henna crowns to anyone who has lost their hair due to cancer treatments so they can feel more empowered, confident and like the beautiful warriors that they are. We loved her replies for a few other questions asked and wanted to share them with you: 27

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Where do you get your source of inspiration from?

V ~ “A lot of my inspiration for my designs comes from within. I sometimes dream of it, but most of the time I just close my eyes, and a design will just flow and dance around! This is how I can just “freestyle” any design when someone asks for some henna.”

What is your hope for our community?

V ~ “Our community has grown in the past few years, and it feels amazing to see people actually fall in love with Topeka. We don’t have it all, and can’t have it all, especially in one night. However, seeing everyone do their small part in being involved in the community makes me very proud to be a Topekan. I hope to hear more positivity about Topeka and can’t wait for this city to become the next best thing!”

What legacy do you hope to leave?

V - “I want to be good and kind to everyone around me. It costs little to nothing, and I hope to teach my kids the same things one day. It’s a wonderful thing to leave behind.”

As her schedule begins to fill, she is working to create new ways to serve her clients even faster so keep an eye out for her online booking and website updates. This artist books up fast for events so if you are needing her creations reach out ASAP.

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YOUR AD HERE Be a part of safeguarding our local economy!

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Summer. Family. Fun. By: Lesleigh Hodam

Let’s face it, by week two of summer break some of our kids are going to say the dreaded words, “I’m board!” They will be eating everything in the house and stretching your budget so thin you may have to cut back on vacation plans.

But we’re here to help! We have compiled a list of some free or low-cost opportunities for your kids to have some fun that’s easy on the budget!

Get out in nature!

Spray Parks

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Azura Trails located on Burnett’s Mound in Skyline Park 4841 SW Skyline Pkwy.

Clarion Woods has a trail through the wooded area and a fishing pond with a dock.

Echo Cliff is just a short drive to Dover but has some gorgeous scenery with cliffs, creeks and picnic areas located on Echo Cliff Road, Dover, KS. Iliff Commons nature park has trails and fishing pond at NE 31st and Kincaid.

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Dornwood Spray Park is located at 2500 SE Highland and includes spray cannons and a tower.

Jackson Spray Park at 8th and Lake. This splash park has a jellyfish tower and hydro tunnel great for cooling off on those hot summer days.

TopCity Rise Evergy Plaza Splash Pad Cool off at Evergy Splash Pad this summer! Please give their Facebook page a follow so you don’t miss any updates.

Sunday: 12pm|5pm Monday: 10am|1pm Tuesday: 11am|2pm Wednesday: 4pm|9pm Thursday: 12pm|3pm

Friday Flicks at Evergy Plaza Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a free movie outdoors. Food trucks and vendors will be present with items for purchase.

June 10 | 8pm | The Goonies July 8 | 8pm | TBD August 12 | 8pm | TBD

Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library It’s time for Friday Flicks! Enjoy watching seafaring family movies each Friday in June & July from 1-3pm at Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library!

June 3 | Spongebob Squarepants (en Español) June 10 | Finding Nemo June 17 | Dolphin Tale June 24 | Nim’s Island July 1 | Luca July 8 | Soul Surfer July 15 | Shark Tale July 22 | Finding Dory July 29 | Moana (en Español) 31

TopCity Rise Summer Reading with Agent Derrick Hodam Help prevent summer slide and meet at the Plaza! Each Thursday in July at 10am Derrick Hodam be reading a short stories. Bring a blanket and sunglasses, heck you might even want to make a day of it at the splash pad and with the food trucks that are regularly scheduled there!

Additional details: • He will be giving away one copy of the book read for the day, per family, while supplies last.

• Rain contingency Farm Bureau Financial Services office at 112 SW 6th Ave Suite 202 Add the events to your calendar here: https://fb.me/e/1Sinvs1ld Kansas Children’s Discovery Center Every third Thursday of the month from 5-8pm the Kansas Discovery Center offers a Free Family Fun Night at 4400 SW 10th Ave.

Paper June During the month of June, children who participate the Paper June reading program will receive a gift certificate for one free cone or cup of authentic dole whip. 20 minutes of reading/20 days of the month.

Download reading log HERE:

All Ages Jam/Open Mic with Kyler Carpenter Every Sunday 5-9 pm at Doughboyz Pizzeria, 1312 N Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS. These events reoccur each Sunday, Memorial Day thru Labor Day. It’s a fun time and a great opportunity for children of all ages to build confidence in the spotlight.

Great atmosphere, staff, food and Newdrinks Business Story Sponsor: Derrick Hodam, Agent, Farm Bureau Financial Services

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