Issuu

D E C E M B E R 2 02 1

We Are The Golden City!

TOPEKA ER & HOSPITAL

Happy Holidays Thank you for allowing our Family to care for your Family! We wish you all good health, happiness and prosperity this holiday season and throughout 2022. Topeka ER & Hospital is here for you when you need us!

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER

Brian Rodehorst | brian.rodehorst@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Winter Magic

Kathy Graham | kathy.graham@lifestylepubs.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Alison Beebe | topcityflavorista@gmail.com

CAN YOU BELIEVE WE’RE WRAPPING UP 2021?! Time really flies when you’re

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

having this much fun telling all the wonderful stories about the people that make up

Thomas Hall | thomas.hall@eagleaerialworld.com Kristol Kumar | kristol@kristolkumar.com Miranda Chavez-Hazim | hazimhappenings@gmail.com

our Golden City community. So, grab some hot chocolate (recipe enclosed) and let's get our "winter magic" on!!

AD DESIGNER

We hope to warm your heart by sharing the holiday traditions of a local family.

Rachel Chrisman

Maybe you’ll be inspired to start your own family tradition this year. And if this crazy

L AYO UT DESIGNER

real estate market has you on the move, we’ve got expert advice from local realtors

Sara Minor

on how to stage your home if you’re selling during the holidays. The holiday season, of course, is delightful but can be hectic, and the task of shopping and giving great gifts can be daunting, so we’ve compiled a gift guide with creative gift-giving ideas that are sure to please everyone on your list and the gifts are all found locally!

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Linda Ditch, Kelsey Huber CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Janie Jones

Visit with the founders of Top Teer to learn how this wonderful organization is impacting Topeka by offering volunteer opportunities to everyone who wants to be involved. If you know someone in our community who is struggling, nominate them to be a recipient of our parent company City Lifestyle’s $300,000 giveaway. Help us be a blessing to someone in need. See story and nomination details on page 32.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

In this, the season of giving, don’t forget to "take" something as well - take some

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

time to reflect and be thankful that we live in such a warm and wonderful city with

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

amazing people, businesses, and organizations. What would our magazine be with-

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

out our community? As this year comes to a close, we’d like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for you, dear reader. We wouldn’t be here without you, and our faithful advertisers. We look forward to bringing you more stories, and creating a stronger, better, more connected Topeka in the year ahead. 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Blessings to you and yours,

Kathy Graham, Editorial Coordinator

ON THE COVER Britt Swanson Trier co-owner of Native Stone Company with her children Ally, Ben, and twin girls Reese and Harper.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTOL KUMAR 4

Topeka Lifestyle | December 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

Proverbs 3:5-6 Topeka Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Topeka area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Topeka Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2021

FEATURES 18 Old and New, for Many or Few, Holiday Traditions Abound Start a Tradition of Your Own This Year!

24 Be a Top Volunteer Fun and exciting opportunities that money can’t buy

28 Staged to Sell This holiday season, present your home in its most beautiful light

28 24

38 Decadent Hot Chocolate It will bring Santa back for more!

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Local’s Choice

24 Locally Owned 28 Open House 32 Giving Back 37 Realty Report 38 Culinary Creations

BE INVOLVED TOPEKA

Winter Wonderland is a beautiful two mile drive-thru holiday light display that benef its TARC. The funds raised f rom the event help TARC to continue to provide excellent service, support and advocacy to 2,500 children, families and adults in Topeka & Shawnee County with developmental, intellectual and related disabilities and delays.

The gate entrance is at Lake Shawnee Campground, 3435 SE East Edge Rd

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SPONSORED BY

Local Non -Profit Stories Here

GOOD TIMES

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Topeka Lifestyle | December 2021

The Pennant's - Battle of the Burgers The winner of the Top City Food Fight is Amanda Barnwell with her Hot Hawaiian Burger. Amanda's burger will be on the menu this Spring. This spicy creation included a beef patty topped with shaved ham, melted pepper jack cheese, and bacon. Then she added jalapeño buttons, spicy pineapple chutney and a cream cheese spread for a fiery finish. thepennanttopeka.com

1. Hot Hawaiian Burger | 2. Amanda Barnwell | 3. Contestants & Judges | 4. Amanda’s cheering section | 5. The Judges!

Happy

Holidays

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Topeka Lifestyle | December 2021

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LOCAL’S CHOICE

G gift guide

SHOP LOCAL SUPPORT LOCAL

M E R RY

ARTICLE BY KATHY GRAHAM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS HALL & KRISTOL KUMAR

Topeka Lifestyle | December 2021

BRIGHT

4. 5.

WOMEN

gifts for

6. 8. 1. KANSAS CHARCUTERIE/CUTTING BOARDS $50, Dish $50 and Coasters $12 by Pete Hodge @ Leaping Llamas 725 S Kansas Ave | 2. TEA INFUSER MUGS BY CHRISTIE BECKER $45, JusTea $19 @ Leaping Llamas 725 S Kansas Ave

| 3. LAB CREATED DIAMOND STUD EAR-

RINGS 0.50ct total $495 and matching pendants 0.25ct $395 @ Calhoun’s Jewelers 1801 SW Gage Blvd | 4. THE SHACKET $48 @ The Pink Suitcase 5411 SW 21st St | 5. DELUXE BAMBOO BATH CADDY $44 @ The Linen Tree 2841 SW 29th St | 6. OLIVE OIL 6 PACK BEST OF ALL $34.95 @ Tastefully Olive 2900 SW Oakley Ave | 7. LOUIS VUITTON VINTAGE LV MONOGRAM EVA POCHETTE $1495 @ MBAddis & Co 923 S Kansas Ave | 8. PLUSH SLIPPERS $38 @ Madison Avenue 2831 S.W. 29th St CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED) 2.

M EN 1.

gifts for

4. 5.

6. 7. 1. JORD DOVER II MEN’S WATCH $319 @ Donaldson’s Jewelers 902 N Kansas Ave | 2. BBQ ULTIMATE GIFT BASKET $148.86 @ Topeka BBQ Shop 5331 SW 22nd Place | 3. 1920 OLD FORRESTER $59.95 @ Brookwood Retail Liquor Store 2900 SW Oakley Ave # D | 4. YETI HOPPER M30 SOFT COOLER $299.99 and Yeti Rambler 30oz Tumbler $39 @ Patio Pool & Fireside 3109 SW Huntoon St | 5. MINI BIG GREEN EGG $530 @ Patio Pool & Fireside 3109 SW Huntoon St | 6. TOPEKA COUNTRY CLUB LOGOED SULLY PULLOVER $128 @ The Topeka Country Club Pro Shop 2700 SW Buchanan St | 7. STETSON OPEN ROAD HAT $200 @ Distingue’ Gentleman 117 SW 6th Ave

Topeka Lifestyle | December 2021

gifts for 3.

1. WOODEN GAMES $17 - $45 @ Leaping Llamas 725 S Kansas Ave | 2. TREK BIKE $290 (includes trade up program) @ Capps Bike Shop 2917 SW Topeka Blvd | 3. TWO BROS BOW SET $34.99 @ The Toy Store 5300 SW 21st St | 4. CRAZY FORTS $59.99 @ The Toy Store 5300 SW 21st St

| 5. GIRLS COWL NECK

TUNIC RED BUFFALO PLAID (XS-SL) $32 @ Lilly Grace/Ash Boutique 921 S Kansas Ave | 6. THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH BOOK SERIES $13.99-$14.99

K I D S

each @ Paper June 927 N Kansas Ave | 7. TEGU MAGNETIC WOODEN BLOCKS $36.99 @ Paper June 927 N Kansas Ave | 8. NGW ELECTRIC GUITAR $230 (lessons available) @ Manning Music 3400 SW 6th Ave

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

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Topeka Lifestyle | December 2021

A Social Awareness Activity đŢŀǽ Topeka Collegiate

A Social Skills Activity Topeka Collegiate

Social awareness is the ability to take other people’s perspective and empathize with others. In this activity, students learn about fairness. Fair does not mean equal, it means everyone gets what they need in order to from succeed. The supplies you will need are latex free band-aids and injury cards that range skinned knees toother broken bones. Socialfrom awareness is the ability to take people’s perspective and empathize ůüȥ Ϟϳ

with others. In this activity, children learn about the concept of fairness. Fair does not mean equal, rather it means everyone gets what they need in order to succeed. GatherTheyour supplies. supplies you will need are latex free band-aids and injury cards that range from skinned knees to broken bones.

Stepan 1: Gather supplies. ůüȥ ϟϳ Handout injuryyour card to each student. Step 2: Hand out an injury card to each family member. Step 3: Askup each family member to walk up to you, one at a time, to tell you about ůüȥ Ϡϳ Call students one at a time to tell you their injury. No matter what

their injury. No matter what injury they tell you, apply a Band-Aid on their wrist. When questionaorBand-Aid complain, reply, “I’mtheir sorry itwrists. wouldn’t be fair injury they tell you, give thatthey student on When they to give you something different than everyone else.” Repeat this step until question or complain, reply, “I’m sorry, it wouldn’t be fair to give you you reach the last person. To that person, say, “I am sorry, but I do not have something different any than everyone else”. Repeat this step with all students more Band-Aids.”

but the last one. When your last student arrives you will say “I am sorry, but Step 4: Discuss what happened during the activity, using the following I have no more Band-Aids”. critical thinking prompts: -Was it equal or fair that everyone was given a Band-Aid? Why?

This activity was shared by Mrs. Bammes, a second grade teacher at Topeka Collegiate. Teachers integrate social emotional learning into their curriculum to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world. Learn more at www.topekacollegiate.org

-How did the person who didn’t get the Band-Aid feel? Critical thinking questions: left out, or confused? ● Was it equalSad, or fair that everyone got a band-aid? Why? -Is fairness about getting the same thing or getting what is needed? ● How did the student who didn’t get a band-aid feel? Sad, left out, confused? ● Is fairness about getting the same thing but or getting what they need?

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“For Ch r istmas is trad ition ti me T rad itions that reca l l T he precious memo r ies dow n the yea rs, T he sa meness of them a l l.” — Helen L ow r ie Ma rsha l l

ARTICLE BY KELSEY HUBER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTOL KUMAR

START A TRADITION OF YOUR OWN THIS YEAR!

Topeka Lifestyle | December 2021

Old and New, for Many or Few, Holiday Traditions Abound

“Noth i ng is ever q u iet a rou nd here. I’m not a st r ict mom. It ’s a lways chaot ic, but f u n.”

FAMILY TRADITIONS, HANDED DOWN FROM YEAR TO

Britt Swanson Trier and her husband Ben are multi-gener-

YEAR, WEAVE A DELICATE STRAND OF MEMORIES AND

ational Topekans. “My husband, our parents, and our grand-

FEELINGS THAT CONNECT OUR HEARTS OVER GENER-

parents on both sides have always lived in Topeka,” she said.

ATIONS, MAKING THOSE WE LOVED AND LOST SEEM

The Triers have four children - Ally -16, Ben - 14, and twin girls,

CLOSER AND ENSURING THAT THEY WILL NOT BE FOR-

Reese and Harper - 8. The holiday festivities always start the

GOTTEN. They connect past and present and we take comfort in

day after Thanksgiving when they decorate the tree and the

their familiarity knowing that this life is a sweet, but short journey

house. “We may start earlier this year,” Britt laughs. “They’re

and we should savor it all. And at no time are family traditions

already begging me.”

more treasured than during the holidays.

One of their favorite traditions is baking Grandma

We wanted to share a little of that holiday magic with you, so

Swanson’s Swedish sugar cookies. “I grew up making them

we took a peek inside a local family’s holiday traditions. Hopefully,

with my family and I’m so happy I can share the fun with my

some of their traditions will warm your heart and even inspire you

kids too.” As you can tell from the photo, the kids really got

to start a few of your own.

into it this year. “They just went for it,” Britt said. “Nothing is CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

OLD AND NEW (CONTINUED)

Grandma Swanson’s Sugar Cookies

+ 1 cup g ra nu lated suga r + 1 cup powdered suga r + 1 cup ma rga r i ne

+ 1 cup vegeta ble oi l + 2 eg gs

+ 4 ¼ cups f lou r

+ 1 tsp. ba k i ng soda

+ 1 tsp. crea m of ta r ta r

M i x i ng red ients. R ol l i nto ba l ls a nd f lat ten w ith a

suga r or spr i n k le- covered g lass bot tom (d r i n k i ng

g lass). Ba ke at 3 50 deg rees for 8 - 9 m i nutes.

ever quiet around here. I’m not a strict mom. It’s always chaotic, but fun.”

Some holiday traditions include the whole family. Every year her parents, her family and her sister’s fam-

Not all of the holiday traditions are for the kids,

ily cut a tree down on the family farm (also home to the

however. Grandma Swanson also passed down her

family business Native Stone Company), take it back

recipe for Swedish Glogg. “It’s a super potent spiced

to her parents home and decorate it with homemade

wine,” Britt shared. “We make it every year.” Ingredients

ornaments. “We’ve done it since we were kids. They’re

include sugar, port wine and grain alcohol, plus fruits

the tackiest ornaments imaginable. The kids love to

and spices. Britt has the recipe cards for both the sugar

look back at gangly pics of us from the 80s in macaroni

cookies and the glogg written in her grandmother’s

frames and laugh,” Britt said. “My mom is the best. She

handwriting. “She’s been gone for 30+ years,” she rem-

just loves that stuff. It means so much to the kids to hang

inisced. “But it’s like she’s still here in spirit.”

their ornaments on the tree.”

Topeka Lifestyle | December 2021

Holiday lights around Topeka are another part of the

“Oh, I almost forgot my favorite tradition,” Britt said

Trier family traditions. Every year they visit the Potwin area

excitedly. “Party with a Purpose!” The first weekend in

and take a horse-drawn carriage ride to see the Potwin

December a huge group of families and friends gets

light display. Then they also pick one night to don their PJs,

together and adopts Topeka families in need. The Triers

grab a cup of hot cocoa and some sweets and watch the

have participated for nine years, but the event has been

Topeka Bible Church drive-in Christmas light show. Last

happening for much longer. It has grown over the years

year, they added one more to the list (you can’t have too

and is now so big that it is held in the North Topeka

many lights, right?). “We went to Zoo Lights at the Topeka

Optimist Club. “Hundreds of families are adopted,” Britt

Zoo,” Britt said. “It was our favorite thing last year and it

said. “We wrap the gifts and deliver them to the families.

was so nice coming off of Coronavirus. I guess it’s our

It’s so awesome. It reminds us that the spirit of the season

brand new tradition!”

is not all about getting, but giving.”

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

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Topeka Lifestyle | December 2021

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ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIRANDA CHAVEZ-HAZIM

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Topeka Lifestyle | December 2021

FUN AND EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES THAT MONEY CAN’T BUY

WHEN TOPEKANS CONNOR ENGLAND

SJ Hazim & Connor England

AND SAWAB “SJ” HAZIM MET IN 2019, IT WASN’T ONLY THE BEGINNING OF A CLOSE FRIENDSHIP, BUT ALSO OF A PARTNERSHIP WITH A STRONG VISION. In 2020, this vision became reality with the founding of Top Teer. Its mission: To support community service efforts by, one, helping volunteers and organizations make the most of every volunteer experience, and two, helping to build the capacity for service within community organizations. Top Teer actually evolved from a project that SJ had already started. “SJ had gone really deep into community work and started a series of events called Project Forward,” says Connor, the executive director. Together, they rebranded and made it even stronger. Top Teer’s plans had to be put on hold in 2020 because of COVID, but in June of 2021, they were off and running. “We went from having no events to running virtually all of the volunteer staff for the biggest music festival in Kansas - the Country Stampede,” he says. “It was a smash hit! We were able to create a volunteer experience that, quite frankly, you don’t see that often anywhere. All of our volunteers had the best seats in the entire festival – right up front.” Some even had the opportunity to bring needed items to artists’ tents.

Commitment, Contribution and Celebration. You

Adds SJ, the president of Top Teer, “So much

communicate clearly about what the task is,

has snowballed from that event. We also ended

everybody commits to their part and contributes,

up doing the NHRA Drag Racing Nationals due

then there’s the celebration of a job well done.

to how well we handled the Stampede.”

Top Teer is in the process of growing and the

At the race, volunteers were able to hang

support of the community will be an important

out with the racers’ families and meet some of

factor in its success. “We’re always looking for

the biggest names in drag racing. “It was an

volunteers,” says Connor. “Also, we’re getting

opportunity that money couldn’t buy,” says

ready to go into our first capital campaign in

Connor. “In an industry where pay isn’t a factor,

2022, and we would encourage people to learn

how you treat your people is the only currency

more about what we do.”

you have. So, we work tirelessly to find every

“We want to raise the bar for volunteerism,

single way we can treat the volunteers the way

because at the end of the day,volunteers are what

we want to be treated.”

makes community service happen,” says SJ.

Connor and SJ have developed what they call the 4 C’s for volunteer success: Communication,

To help support Top Teer’s mission, go to https://topteertopeka.org/top-teer. CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

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Topeka Lifestyle | December 2021

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OPEN HOUSE

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS HALL

S TAGE D TO SELL

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, PRESENT YOUR HOME IN ITS MOST BEAUTIFUL LIGHT GETTING READY TO SELL YOUR HOME DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON CAN BE A LITTLE MORE COMPLICATED THAN IT IS DURING THE REST OF THE YEAR. Homeowners are always advised to declutter to make rooms look bigger and brighter, but December is when we are more likely to add more to give our home that festive feel. Here to help sellers balance the desire to decorate with their wish to sell are three experts from Stone & Story Real Estate Group in Topeka: Darin Stephens, CEO and broker; his business and life partner, Brian Laird, Realtor® and director of creative services; and Kelli Higgins, marketing director and home stager. “You have to be in the house, you might have kids, so yes you can celebrate and decorate for Christmas, but you don’t want to unpack everything when you’re about to move,” says Brian. “Keep it simple.” He suggests leaving the trains and holiday villages packed up. He also believes it’s best to stick to the same holiday color theme throughout the home, and have that theme be a little more neutral. For example, hues of gold, silver and deep green blend together beautifully and are tasteful and less distracting than, say, bright reds and greens. Darin and Brian actually used their own beautiful house to showcase the smartest ways to decorate a home to its best advantage and garner the most premium selling price. 28

Topeka Lifestyle | December 2021

Upon arriving, visitors will first notice their

adorned with large glass candle holders that

deep red front door which is the perfect back-

are filled with pinecones and ornaments and

drop for a variety of evergreens, gold jingle

topped by fat white candles.

bells, and large silver lanterns filled with silver ornaments. It’s the perfect first impression.

Another thing for sellers to remember, says Darin, is that they may have a lot of people

Once inside, you’ll see a mantle covered in

coming into their house who have different

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

green and white tipped garland and artfully

faiths. “You have to keep the holiday décor as

TO AVOID:

arranged silver ornaments and rustic pine-

neutral as you can so that it will appeal to the

+ Large Christmas trees with lots

cones. Small white lights and candles add a

broadest number of people. Tone down the

bit of sparkle and the stockings hang from

religious symbols such as crosses.” Buyers

+ Floor decorations

whimsical gold reindeer heads.

need to be able to see themselves living in

+ Personalized ornaments

The sofa is adorned with fun holiday throw pillows, while various sized silver and gold

the home, so keep the focus on the structure and the features of the house.

Christmas trees are grouped on a small round

Kelli also advises to be mindful of scents.

table. If sellers have children and feel that a tra-

“A lot of people have sensitivities to smells,

ditional Christmas tree is needed, they should

especially cinnamon.”

choose one that is narrow and keep ornaments

“Use a professional,” says Darin. “Consult

to a minimum. You don’t want a tree that’s

with the Realtor you hired to get the best look.

going to detract from the size of the room.

This is what we do for a living.”

“I would also recommend not using any

With these tips, selling your home this

decorations that sit on the floor since that will

holiday season just got a little easier. And

also make the room feel smaller,” says Kelli.

although there may be fewer buyers during

In the kitchen, the large bay window show-

this time, the people who are looking are

cases a simple battery-operated wreath

serious buyers. So, make your home its most

with gold accents, and the countertops are

attractive, and receive the gift of a fast sale.

of ornaments

or decorations + Blinking lights, bright colors, too many colors, or anything that distracts from the home + Scents, especially cinnamon + Christmas Village houses and trains + Overly religious symbols + Inflatable lawn decorations

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

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GIVING BACK

Gratefully

ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

GIVING AWAY AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR, LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS IS GIVING $300,000 TO RECIPIENTS IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND BEYOND... AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!

ABOUT SIX YEARS AGO ANNA SAROL, THE DAUGHTER OF A SINGLE MOTHER, WAS PARALYZED IN A GYMNASTICS ACCIDENT WHEN SHE WAS A FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL, BUT UNTIL LAST YEAR SHE DID NOT HAVE A STAIRLIFT IN HER HOME. The stairlift was made possible when Lifestyle Publications gave her family $10,000. Anna Sarol

“I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my family and I are,” Anna says. The money for Anna’s stairlift was part of a giveaway campaign from the company during the 2020 Christmas season that benefited more than 80 recipients across the country with a final distribution of $250,000 throughout the year. When the company opened nominations, they were flooded with submissions. Community leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you nominated people that were in need of assistance. As the eyes and ears of the community, these readers were able to help identify people who might have otherwise gone unnoticed or unrecognized. One such nominee was Kathy*, an aunt who is raising her three young relatives. The children came from an abusive situation, and Kathy, a single guardian, works tirelessly to provide for them. Nevertheless, the family was already living in poverty despite her working seven days a week when Kathy lost her job during the pandemic. She resorted to selling tamales to help pay the rent.

Topeka Lifestyle | December 2021

When a case manager with a Big Brothers Big Sisters foster youth mentoring program heard about Lifestyle’s campaign and call for nominations, she quickly thought of Kathy. “When I shared the news that Kathy was selected and would be receiving $3,000, she cried, screamed, and was in disbelief,” the case manager said. “She immediately wanted to give back to me and the donor by providing endless tamales. This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.”

“This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GIVE AWAY $3OO,OOO This year the company will have nominations for the giveaway open from December 1-15, 2021. To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. The leaders of Lifestyle Publications believe God has blessed them with their company’s continued success, so they in turn wish to be a blessing and encouragement to others as they increase the amount of this year’s giveaway to those in need to $300,000 for the year.

In yet another case, Emily* who worked as a janitor at a school, was a recipient and was struggling to afford simply buying groceries for her children. Before the ongoing difficulties of the pandemic even started, a tornado destroyed the school she worked at just a couple weeks before the initial shutdown in March 2020 which resulted in a loss of income for her. Emily was incredibly surprised and grateful to receive assistance from the giveaway. *Names changed for privacy 34

Topeka Lifestyle | December 2021

Nominate HERE! Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram

Lifestyle Publications - PACE Transportation - December 2021.pdf 1 11/11/2021 10:09:17 AM

GET INSPIRED

EAT + DRINK C

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) offers transportation to medical appointments and to the PACE day center. Transportation to medical appointments and the day center, are one big reason participants are able to remain independent in the community.

SHOP LOCAL

CMY

“We are able to help the participants remember their appointments and complete tasks that allow them to stay independent,” said Anissa, Midland Care Transportation Specialist.

Another benefit of PACE is the socialization aspect for seniors. PACE participants have shared without PACE, “they would be alone.” “There are participants who consider Midland Care family. People tell me just getting to talk, validates them and helps give them a sense of relief,” said Anissa.

City Lifestyle YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

If you know a senior who could use extra support to stay at home safely, call Midland Care and ask about how PACE can help.

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

W ISH ING Y OU

HAPPY HOLIDAYS F R O M A LL O F US

Darin Stephens Brittany DeBarge 785-250-7278 785-364-6205

Abby Dunford 785-608-8408

Brian Laird 785-670-0043

Susan Rhule 785-364-6928

Ian McAsey 785-851-9365

Sara Fox 785-364-0424

Lance Royer 785-845-6618

Margie Grace 785-305-1686

Annette Stahl 785-383-3157

Kelli Higgins 785-817-9255

Pam Trusdale 785-608-5117

REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

TOPEKA

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Westboro

$242,500

$255,000

105%

West View Country Club

$258,000

100%

Prairie Trace #7

$265,000

100%

Capricorn Woods #3

$278,900

100%

174

Mission Cent #1

$275,000

$280,000

102%

Westboro

$279,000

$290,000

104%

Alexander Place

$290,000

100%

Sunnyslope

$340,000

$325,000

96%

Brookfield Subd

$295,000

$332,000

113%

Sherwood Park

$335,000

100%

Sherwood Estates #59

$344,900

$350,000

101%

Woodbridge

$349,900

$350,000

100%

Shawnee County

$399,900

$350,000

88%

Misty Harbor Estates #4

$379,500

$360,000

95%

Shadywood

$363,000

$365,000

101%

Greenwood Estates #2

$379,900

$375,000

99%

Hickory Creek

$420,000

$375,000

89%

103

Shawnee Woods

$365,000

$380,000

104%

Rockfire at the Lake

$393,900

$380,000

96%

West Hills #2

$369,900

$390,000

105%

Westboro

$398,000

$402,000

101%

Colly Creek Sub #3

$459,980

$429,000

93%

Shawnee County

$575,000

$548,000

95%

Clarion Woods #2

$564,950

$565,000

100%

Wanamaker Woods

$575,000

$590,000

103%

This reflects a 30 day time period prior to our print deadline. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and not a complete list of all activity. *DOM=Days on Market

From your vision...to reality

WE BUILD MORE THAN NEW HOMES, WE BUILD NEIGHBORHOODS. Annette Stahl 785-383-3157 | annette@stoneandstory.com | www.dultmeierhomes.com CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

CULINARY CREATIONS IT WILL BRING SANTA BACK FOR MORE!

PREPARATION

WITH HOLIDAYS AND WINTER MORN-

STEP 1//

INGS. It is my favorite hot beverage and

Bring ¾ cup water to a simmer in a

here is a recipe sure to delight the whole

medium saucepan over medium-high

family and Santa too!!

heat. Whisk in 3 Tbsp. cocoa powder until no lumps remain, then add milk and

INGREDIENTS

return to a simmer. Whisk in chocolate

4 Servings

and sugar and cook, whisking frequently,

+ 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

until mixture is smooth and creamy and

+ 3 cups whole milk

chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes.

+ 6 ounces semisweet chocolate finely chopped + 3 tablespoons demerara or granulated sugar + Lightly sweetened whipped cream

Topeka Lifestyle | December 2021

(for serving)

STEP 2// Divide hot chocolate among mugs. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, and cookie.

ARTICLE BY KATHY GRAHAM

// how to: 38

HOT CHOCOLATE IS SYNONYMOUS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMIE JONES

Decadent Hot Chocolate

No mat ter your vintageeee ... New traditions never get old.

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