Issuu

M A R C H 2 02 1

Home Issue

We Are The Golden City!

NEW HOMES UNDER CONSTRUC TION IN CAPRICORN WOODS - RESERVE YOURS TODAY -

(785) 925-1939 | CathyLutz.com 2 8 5 8 S O U T H W E S T V I L L A W E S T D R , TO P E K A , K S 666 14 ( 785 ) 271 - 2888

FREE SPRAY IN BEDLINER for any New Ford Truck purchase for truck month.

WE WILL BEAT ANY DEAL & WE HAVE A BETTER WARRANTY Voted best new and used Auto Dealer in Topeka | 300 employees with a total of 2,000+ years of service

TRANSPARENT BUYING EXPERIENCE.

Buy online and we will deliver straight to your driveway.

785.235.9211 | nollerford-topeka.com 2245 Southwest Topeka Boulevard | Topeka

LIFESTYLE LETTER

MARCH 2021 PUBLISHER

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

From The Emerald City To The Golden City I WANT TO EXTEND MY SINCERE APOLOGIES TO APRIL MORRIS ESTHETICIAN AT ONYX SALON FOR MISSPELLING HER NAME ABOVE HER BEAUTIFUL PHOTO IN OUR FEBRUARY ISSUE. There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home…. If only we could click our heels...right? Since we live in Kansas, I couldn’t resist the Wizard of Oz reference

Kathy Graham | kathy.graham@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Miranda Read L AYO UT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Linda Ditch, Kelsey Huber, Sue Baldani CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Thomas Hall, John Burns

which ties into our Topeka Lifestyle “Home” issue. In this issue, we are all about the home. Maybe you’re in the market for a new home and are ready to build new memories. You’ll find some fantastic real estate agents to help you find that dream home. Perhaps your home just needs a refresh. Page through for beautiful interior designs to give you some inspiration for your renovations. Or maybe your home has gotten a little too “lived in” and you’d like to reclaim it. Read on for top tips from an organizing professional on ways to declutter and stay organized. Home is about oh, so much more than the furniture and material things. It’s your sanctuary from the rest of the world! The best thing about your home is it’s the only one exactly like it. Sure, your neighbors’ homes may have a similar style or paint color. But the way you decorate each room and the memories you create make it uniquely yours. We hope through

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

the pages of this magazine we can help make your house a little homier and you

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

(and your family) a little happier.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

With St. Patrick’s Day marking a full year since “the shutdown” and all of the

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

life-changing events COVID-19 brought, let’s count on the luck of the Irish to move

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

us into spring with a renewed sense of excitement for a year full of positivity and promise. I’ll leave you with an Irish blessing: May your troubles be less and your blessing be more and nothing but happiness come through your door. Blessings,

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Kathy Graham. Editorial Coordinator

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka ON THE COVER Thiessen Design Co. PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS HALL 4

Topeka Lifestyle | March 2021

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.

ENROLLING NOW!

2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR PRE-K THROUGH 8TH GRADE Meet the teachers, see the classrooms and explore your options. The following events are designed for rising prekindergarten and kindergarten students.

Next Play Date: March 27, 9-10 AM

Early Childhood Virtual Open House

One-on-One Assessments

Limited to five students per play date, per grade level. Masks required.

Available now at topekacollegiate.org/ admissions

Ready to apply? Contact us today to schedule your child's assessment!

CONTACT THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE: sayhello@topekacollegiate.org Brittany Crabtree, Director of Admissions 785-228-0490 sayhello@topekacollegiate.org

INSIDE THE ISSUE MARCH 2021 FEATURES 14 Declutter Your Home, Declutter Your Mind The Magical Way Organization Changes Your Mental Outlook

16 The Complete Remodel Package Thiessen Design Co.’s top priority is both a great end product and experience for homeowners

24 At Home in Aldersgate Village Learn what life is like in this neighborhood designed to fit any senior’s style

28 Not Just Another Insurance Agency We Compare Insurance Companies

16 14

to Bring You the Best Coverage and Rates

DEPARTMENTS

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Trend Setter

Inspired By

Renovate & Refine

24 Healthy Lifestyle 28 Locally Owned 30 Lifestyle Calendar 33 Realty Report 34 DIY

Designing homes from concept to completion. KITCHEN B AT H WHOLE HOME REMODELS NEW CONSTRUCTION FURNISHING D EC O R AT I N G www.tdesigncompany.com

@TDesignCompany @thiessen_designco

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

GOOD TIMES 1.

Jane Stephens Memorial Watercolor Show III The Southwind Art Gallery is the leading gallery for fine art in Northeast Kansas, this watercolor show is in honor of the owner Janet Pudah's mother, who was an accomplished watercolorist. Contestants artwork is on display and available for purchase at the gallery. Visit www.southwindartgallery.com

1. Best of Show: "Lareau Farm Wood Mill" by Richard Sneary | 2. 1st Place: "The Well House" by Hugh Greer | 3. 2nd place: "For the Cranes" by Meredith Lewis | 4. 3rd Place: "Got'r Dallied" by Don Dane | 5. Honorable Mention: "Two Old Goats" by Suzy Smith | 6. Honorable Mention: "Zebra Study" by Jake Marshall

PROFESSIONAL, RELIABLE & CLEAN CHAUFFEURED GROUND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

CONTACT US cortez@corteztc.com | 785.233.5466 | www.corteztc.com CORPORATE SERVICES • AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION • WEDDINGS & EVENTS 8

Topeka Lifestyle | March 2021

DAYCARE | OVERNIGHT BOARDING | GROOMING SERVICES M A K E YO U R PET ' S RE S E R VAT IO N N OW FOR S PRI N G B R E A K 2021!

SPECIAL CARE for

SPECIAL PETS

785.329.6141 TLCPETNURSINGHOTEL.COM

THE BEACH MIGHT BE OUT OF REACH, BUT THE SUN IS SHINING AT

Spray Tanning · UV Tanning Red Light Therapy (Boost Collagen) · Teeth Whitening

LOVE2TAN.COM (785) 228-1815 | 2025 Southwest Urish Road

2 5 0 0 S O UT H WE S T 1 7 T H ST R E E T | T O P E KA

Topeka, Kansas 66615

EAGLE AERIAL

SOLUTIONS

PROFESSIONAL HOME OR WORK IMAGES THAT REFLECT YOUR CITY OR STATE. LET US GIVE YOU BEAUTIFUL IMAGERY IN ANY SIZE TO MAKE YOUR WALLS STUNNING!

785.260.6476 EAGLEAERIALWORLD .COM CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

AROUND TOWN month, our instructors are here to fill your needs and availability.

MT Helicopter Solutions is a

local veteran owned and operated business. Visit www.mthelicoptersolutions.com

SUNFLOWER CHIROPRACTIC IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS Sunflower Chiropractic is a pediatric, prenatal, family wellness office. Dr. Elizabeth Ellrich welcomes you and your family to enjoy a beautiful and natural way to achieve optimal health and well-be-

DIRTY GIRL ADVENTURES

ing. This practice serves all ages and walks of life...

Dirty Girls Make Time for Themselves Not

from newborns to their grandparents. The purpose

because they are selfish but because they are

at Sunflower Chiropractic is to help people under-

smart! Dirty Girls Have A Positive Body Image

stand health, reach their full potential, and live

They don’t say anything about their own bodies

a clear, connected life of full expression. Visit

that they wouldn’t say to their Dirty Girl Friend!

www.sunflowerchiropractic.com or call us at

Dirty Girls Are Open to Learning New Things

785-289-1732 to learn more.

They aren’t afraid to ask for help when they need it! Dirty Girls Are Fun Also funny, sensitive, kind, loyal, and a little crazy. Visit www.dirtygirladventures.com

BECOME A HELICOPTER PILOT Learn how to fly helicopters for fun, recreation, commercial or even become an instructor. With the ability of open enrollment you can sign up at any time and train as much as your schedule allows. Whether you want to hit it hard and train everyday or can only train once or twice a 10

Topeka Lifestyle | March 2021

ASH BOUTIQUE NEW DOCTOR AT FAMILY EYE CARE Family Eye Care of Topeka is excited to announce

A WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE OFFERING CONTEMPORARY WOMEN’S FASHION.

the addition of Jessica N. Mai, OD as their newest doctor and partner joining Dr. Susan Rollenhagen and Dr. Randal Dyck. Dr. Mai has been practicing in Topeka for the past 12 years seeing patients for routine eye care, contact lenses and management of glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetes. Dr. Mai and Family Eye Care of Topeka are commit-

921 SOUTH KANSAS AVENUE | TOPEKA, KS

785.438.2345 shopashboutique.com bvf

ted to high-quality, compassionate eye care and taking excellent care of each one of their patients. Please

call

785-271-8989

for

appointments.

Visit www.FamilyEyeCare-Topeka.com

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ Topeka using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think. CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

TREND SETTER

A Step Up 1. Wall to Wall

TRENDY STAIRCASE STYLES

Here, they used wall-to-wall carpeting ARTICLE SUE BALDANI

with a pattern. When there’s a wall on either side, carpets tend to go all the way across. The majority of stairs going

JENNIFER METZGER, OWNER OF FINE

down into a basement look like this.

DESIGN INTERIORS IN TOPEKA, HAS

Often, people will put down a tone-

BEEN IN THE BUSINESS FOR OVER 25

on-tone pattern that might blend with

YEARS. Although she’s been very busy with

another, more plush carpet, in the base-

kitchen and bath designs lately, she is also

ment. This short-napped design wears

an expert when it comes to all types of floor-

much better on stairs than plush.

ing, including those on staircases. Here, she describes three looks that are Runner

currently trending: Wall To Wall

2. Runner This carpet is a tight-looped weave, which wears really well for stairs. Since it’s a runner, you have the wood caps on either side, which is a popular look. Hardwood

3. Hardwood This is a really nice look. Wood wears awesome on stairs because it’s not going to get matted down; it’s not going to crush. You get the For more ideas on staircases and other de-

best wear for your stairs with just

signs, visit finedesigninteriorsks.com.

wood, and cleaning is also easier. However, although the all-wood look is beautiful, the downfall is that stairs can be loud and slick.

Topeka Lifestyle | March 2021

- T H E R E ’S A S T O RY -

B E H I N D E V E RY S M I L E

DR. JULIE C. SWIFT | TOPEKAPERIO.COM | 785.233.1756 | INFO@TOPEKAPERIO.COM | 3100 SW HUNTOON ST, STE 103, TOPEKA, KS 66604

A/C • Heating • Plumbing • Bath Remodeling

Room by room temperature control No more being to hot or to cold Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor 12 years parts warranty

We are here to make you comfortable in your own home. 18 month no interest financing available.

Call Blue Dot Today! 785.272.1633 BlueDotKansas.com | BBlueDotTopeka

• Independent Living • Assisted Living • Home Plus • Skilled Nursing • Memory Care • Short-Term Care • Rehabilitation

AldersgateVillage.org 7220 Southwest Asbury Drive | Topeka, KS

(785) 478-9440 CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

INSPIRED BY

THE MAGICAL WAY ORGANIZATION CHANGES YOUR MENTAL OUTLOOK

Declutter Your Home, Declutter Your Mind YOU MAY HAVE NEVER CONSIDERED PAYING SOMEONE ELSE TO ORGANIZE YOUR HOME OR OFFICE, AND WHILE IT SEEMS LIKE A LUXURY SERVICE, IT’S ACTUALLY ONE OF THE BEST GIFTS YOU CAN GIVE YOURSELF. Celsie Sneden, the owner of NEAT Method Kansas City, talked with us about the bigger benefits her customers experience that really “It’s amazing how heavy the mental weight of our

Sneden says old habits are the biggest hurdle people

tangible clutter can be,” says Sneden. “Your mind knows

have when it comes to staying organized. “The beautiful

there is a mountain of things to do and that weighs on

thing about NEAT Method is that we not only organize,

you day in and day out. Simply put, mess equals stress.”

but we implement maintainable systems. Using the sys-

Originally from Topeka, Sneden moved to Chicago

tem really helps teach you how to stay organized. It takes

with a theater degree. There, she met a friend who

people a week or so to get used to the new system and

worked on the NEAT Method Chicago team. “I was

then they’re absolutely thrilled! Once you’re organized,

so excited to learn that you could make a living

it’s impossible to imagine being unorganized again.”

organizing,” Sneden said enthusiastically. “I couldn’t think about anything else!” Now, Sneden owns NEAT Method Kansas City which includes the Topeka area.

CELSIE’S TOP 3 ORGANIZATIONAL TIPS 1. Give yourself enough time (and grace) for projects. Otherwise, you end up with a bigger mess than you

SNEDEN BROKE DOWN HER JOB INTO FIVE MAIN CATEGORIES: 1. One-on-one paper filing - see, you’re not the only one with a mountain of paper. 2. Space organizing - including closets, pantries, garages, corporate offices, storage units, and more.

started with. 2. Give everything a home (and don’t fill that home with other things when that item is not there). 3. Label everything! It seems like overkill at first, but it helps keep things organized and breaks bad habits. Life gets hectic and whether it is the day-to-day chal-

3. Space planning - working with contractors and

lenge of maintaining an organized home or the stress

builders to plan spaces with a specific storage plan in

of a big life event, NEAT Method provides customized

mind before construction begins.

solutions that bring comfort, efficiency, and function

4. Moves and relocations - from unpacking to man-

that last for years.

aging the entire move (hiring movers and packers). 5. Virtual Services - “NEAT It Now” program allows

For more information or to book a consultation, reach out

for virtual organizing help with step-by-step instruc-

to Celsie at (785) 213-5781 or celsie@neatmethod.com or

tions and a personalized shopping list.

visit www.neatmethod.com.

Topeka Lifestyle | March 2021

ARTICLE KELSEY HUBER | PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEAT METHOD

make her job rewarding.

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

RENOVATE & REFINE

THE

Complete

REMODEL P a c ka g e

THIESSEN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION’S TOP PRIORITY IS BOTH A GREAT END PRODUCT AND EXPERIENCE FOR HOMEOWNERS

ARTICLE LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY THOMAS HALL

Topeka Lifestyle | March 2021

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

THE FIRST THING TO CAPTURE A VISITOR’S

What Thiessen discovered during her time in this

ATTENTION WHEN ENTERING KATHY AND GREG

industry is, for homeowners, the remodeling experience

JOHNSON’S HOME IS THE BREATHTAKING VIEW

tends to feel fragmented.

OF LAKE SHERWOOD THROUGH A MASSIVE

“So, you’re trying to communicate to the cabinet

WALL OF WINDOWS ON THE FAR SIDE OF THE

shop, the contractor, the countertop people, the tile

HOUSE. However, once you appreciate what nature

store,” Thiessen explains. “You as the homeowner are

has presented, the focus shifts to the home’s bright,

doing all of that and it feels really fragmented. What

welcoming décor. A pleasing mixture of traditional and

we’re providing for the homeowners is to design the

modern design is the result of a complete first-floor

whole project with them, like the tile, plumbing fixtures,

remodel done by Thiessen Design and Construction.

all of that. But we’re also going to be thinking about

What makes Thiessen different from other remodel-

what type of furniture is going in the space. What’s the

ing companies is their commitment to providing home-

esthetic? What art are we buying for the home? We do

owners with the complete remodel package. Tammy

one hundred-percent of the styling for the project. So,

Thiessen, who does the design work, and her brother,

you start with us and you end with us. When the home-

Daniel Carlson, the general contractor, handle what’s

owner moves into their home after we’ve remodeled it,

expected as far as construction, flooring, fixtures, and

they don’t have to think about anything, like a piece of

wall and window treatments. Thiessen and her staff

art for over the fireplace mantel. It’s done. One hundred

also style the finished spaces so they are move-in ready.

percent done, and they can just enjoy it.”

“This whole thing is so calming,” says Kathy Johnson

Thiessen engages in an extensive pre-design pro-

as she stands in her newly re-done kitchen and great

cess with homeowners at the beginning of the project.

room. “The lighter colors have a calming effect on me.

She shows them many different types of inspirational

And it’s hard to watch T.V. because I’m looking at every

photos to narrow down their design style.

accessory that I would never have picked out on my own! It’s awesome!”

“We do a lot to establish what’s their personal esthetic. And as a company we have an esthetic. So,

Thiessen started out using her interior design degree

we give them that blend of what’s our esthetic in their

on her own home’s first floor re-do project approxi-

personal style. It’s a huge priority for us for the home-

mately six years ago. This led to her working with an

owners to feel like their personality and viewpoint are

area remodeling company before managing her own

coming through in the design,” Thiessen says.

business for the past three years. A mother to four boys,

In the case of the Johnson house, the clean lines of

she makes it a priority to reserve her evenings and

midcentury modern and Scandinavian style blend with

weekends for her family. She notes since her brother is

more traditional touches such as crown molding and

part of the company, her sons and their cousins are all

antique furniture pieces. Johnson loves the color blue,

well aware of the family business.

so Thiessen showcased it in furnishings, rugs, and

Topeka Lifestyle | March 2021

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

Topeka Lifestyle | March 2021

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

fabrics throughout the project, including the kitchen island. Mixtures of metallic and wood fixtures give each room’s style more dimension. The flooring is sanded and stained hardwood lightened with a bleach treatment, which is a perfect look for a lake-front home. Thiessen notes, “What I love is we’re fully integrated. I’m designing something, and Daniel, who is in charge of our construction side, is on the same team. We’re collaborating. We’re figuring it all out. It’s a seamless process for the homeowner. I can design it and then we can execute it all and it’s executed exactly how we want it.” Johnson says their home of 13 years was very much a 1990s style. They had waited a long time to give it a refresh and update, but decided if they planned to live there another 10 to 15 years, it was time to enjoy it instead of always thinking about what they would change. This project incorporated the entire first floor of the home, including the master bedroom and bath, living room, dining room, entryway, guest bathroom, and kitchen with adjacent great room. “People would come over and ask if I was surprised with the way it looks, but I knew what was going on,” she says. “It’s not like on HGTV when you walk in after being gone for a month and they’ve redone everything. I had the choice. They would give me choices and let me pick what I love the best. I totally trusted Tammy. We are just over the moon with the finished look. Everything in here, even every little decoration, I love it. I love it! It’s just crazy how good she is!” Thiessen adds, “I feel there are a lot of ways to get a great end product. But, it’s really hard to get a great experience and a great end product. It’s our top priority to make the experience good for the homeowners. Enjoyable and easy for them.”

Topeka Lifestyle | March 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

At Home in Aldersgate Village ARTICLE LINDA DITCH

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY ALDERSGATE

LEARN WHAT LIFE IS LIKE IN THIS NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGNED TO FIT ANY SENIOR’S STYLE

IT’S THE QUESTION EVERYONE FACES AS THEY

when you first moved are no long an accessible fit. Not to

GET OLDER: HOW LONG WILL I BE ABLE TO LIVE

mention the cost of upgrading those features to fit your

IN MY HOME? Perhaps the stunning staircase, beautiful

current needs. Maybe driving has become an issue, or life

soaking tub, and stylish fixtures considered so desirable

has become boring and a bit lonely.

Topeka Lifestyle | March 2021

Welcome to Aldersgate Village. The 168-acre campus is more like a neighborhood than a senior-living complex, with green space, beautiful views and plenty of amenities at the ready. The almost 400 residents reside in a wide variety of accommodations. Those

available, which free up a resident’s time for more enjoyable activities.

seeking independent living can choose from 2,000 square-foot villas

The community also offers transportation, a beauty salon and barber

and 1,700 square-foot cottages to modern duplexes and apartments,

shop, nursing services, and 24-hour security. Clinics are available for

each one designed for easy accessibility. There are also assisted

dental, audiology, podiatry, psychiatric and medical care.

living, rehab, and long-term care facilities to fit every need.

The Manchester Lodge, where the independent living apartments

“Not only are the social aspects of living so very important, but

are located, has plenty of comfortable seating areas for chatting,

so is the peace of mind to know that every level of care is on our

reading, or enjoying a cup of coffee or tea. There are also tables

campus to provide the services that you need at any stage of living,”

available for playing cards or board games.

says Renessa Lolley, who is Aldersgate’s director of sales and mar-

Lolley adds, “On a typical day, residents have many opportunities to

keting. “Through actively engaging mind, body, and spirit, we make

engage in various activities on campus as well as trips and activities

certain our residents receive love, care, respect and dignity in their

off campus. They enjoy meals in our restaurant, exercise classes, book

most vulnerable years.”

clubs, musical entertainment, and worship services. Our residents

A day in the life of an Aldersgate Village resident can be as busy

are some of the biggest sports fans around, so they love to cheer on

or quiet as desired. There are housekeeping and laundry services

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE (CONTINUED)

“Through actively engaging mind, body, and spirit, we make certain our residents receive love, care, respect and dignity in their most vulnerable years.” their favorite sports team. You can find them in front of the big screen

room, and outdoor courtyard. The idea is to give residents the feel of

watching the games weekly. They also enjoy day trips, and the annual

living at home along with individual assistance customizable to their

Mystery trip is always a favorite. The Programs Director has a fun filled

level of care.

day planned but no one knows where they are headed except her and the driver! It’s always booked up well in advance.”

Aldersgate Village has been a part of Topeka since 1904. The current location opened in 1979 and is owned by the nonprofit United

Along with the independent living villas, cottages, and apartments,

Methodist Homes, Inc. Open to people of all denominations and

and the assisted living units, Aldersgate also has a 196-bed skilled

backgrounds, the organization’s goal is to make sure seniors receive

nursing facility. This building specializes in dementia care, rehabilita-

compassionate health care in a warm, welcoming setting.

tion, and sub-acute nursing services. There is also Nancy’s Place, a

“For more than a century, our mission of service remains,” Lolley

Home Plus assisted living building which features 12 individual suites

says. “To ensure that individuals not only live, but thrive, as we faith-

situated around shared spaces such as a kitchen, great room, dining

fully enhance the lives of elders in the greater community.”

Topeka Lifestyle | March 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

LOCALLY OWNED

N OT

ANC R U S J US T A N OTH E R I N

E AG ENCY

WE COMPARE INSURANCE COMPANIES TO BRING YOU THE BEST COVERAGE AND RATES

SINCE 2015, COMMUNITY INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

Because we have no exclusive relationship with any

HAS BEEN PROVIDING THE TOPEKA COMMUNITY

one insurance company, we can compare coverage and

WITH AUTO, BUSINESS, HOME, AND LIFE INSUR-

rates from many companies to find the best solution for

ANCE. As an independent insurance agency, we work

each customer.

for our customers, not for a specific insurance company.

ARTICLE KELSEY HUBER PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN BURNS

Topeka Lifestyle | March 2021

KENNY MYRICK AGENT

KERRY CROTINGER OWNER/AGENT

KYLE LEAR OWNER/AGENT

M E ET

OU R

STA F F

“I like the fact that we can build relationships with our clients and keep those relationships going for years. With a captive insurance agency, your hands are tied and your customers may leave if they find a better deal with another insurance provider. But being independent, we have several carriers to choose from so we can customize your insurance to fit your needs even when those needs change.”

“I wanted to be able to find a policy that fits a family’s needs, not just a one-size-fits-all policy. Now, with Community Insurance Solutions, I’m providing the kind of service I always wanted to provide. I can access multiple insurance companies to compare coverage and rates which allows me to put my customers’ plans and needs first.”

“Service is our top priority. We go above and beyond to make sure our customers are happy. Something I learned from the military is that serving people with integrity and trust is vital for everyone. We make sure people are taken care of.”

Let Community Insurance Solutions handle your insurance needs. To learn more, visit ciskansas.com or call 785.861.7888.

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

MARCH

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

1-31

JANE STEPHENS MEMORIAL WATERCOLOR III - EXHIBIT

DIRTY GIRL ADVENTURES

HIPPITY HOPPITY HOP!!

Southwind Art Gallery

excursion to Arkansas for the perfect

Hosted by TLC Pet Nursing Hotel, a

and Framewoods

beginning

adventure!

Professional Photographer will be on

The third annual "Jane Stephens

We’ve scoped out the trail, planned

hand to take pictures of you, your pet

Memorial

showcases

the camping spot and we’re prepared

and the Bunny. Buy your digital pic-

over 30 works of art by artists from

to guide you, support your experience

tures so you can pick your favorite to

across the region in this show

on the trail and have a GREAT adven-

share, post or print! 1:00 pm – 4:00

commemorating the life of Topeka

ture with YOU! Visit our website at

$15.00 with proceeds go to Helping

watercolorist Jane Stephens. Visit

dirtygirladventures.com

Hands Humane Society.

Watercolor"

Join us March 13th and 14th for this backpacking

southwindfineart.com/exhibitions

Fairlawn Shopping Mall

To learn

more visit tlcpetnursinghotel.com

BRILLIANT SCENES AND SONGS

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

Topeka Performing Arts Center

All across Topeka - View their new

Ravel – La Valse

interactive map

Gordon McQuere – Rossetti Songs

First Friday Artwalk is a monthly

With Jennifer Forni, Soprano

celebration

Mussorgsky/Ravel – Pictures at an Exhibition

art,

music,

food

and more throughout the City of

Topeka. Each First Friday destina-

Visit Topeka Symphony website for more

Would you like to get in touch with

tion hosts their own unique event

info topekasymphony.org

us? We would love to hear from you!

that promotes community engage-

ment and creative expression. Visit

Topeka using the Get In Touch link

artstopeka.org/firstfriday

and let us know what you think.

Topeka Lifestyle | March 2021

VINTAGE FOX

HAZEL HILL CHOCOLATE

Shop DOWNTOWN ASH BOUTIQUE

DISTINQUE GENTLEMEN

downtowntopekainc.com

Experiencing hand or wrist pain? We can treat you! Ultra Minimally Invasive Carpal Tunnel and Trigger Finger Release Ultrasound Guided • Avoid Invasive Surgery Spares Surrounding Tissue • Less Chance of Infection No Palm Scar, Avoiding Chronic Hand Pain and Stiffness Minimal Downtime, Back to Full Activity within Days Most Patients Experience Immediate Relief Minimal Pain After the Procedure Go Home with a Band-Aid!

5000 SW 21st Street, Topeka KS 66604 785-271-8100 • www.ctrmm.com

Building digital marketing solutions that drive business results.

Find us online at cohort.digital/Topeka CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

REALTY REPORT NEIGHBORHOOD

TOPEKA

REALTY REPORT

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Shawnee County

$539,000

$465,000

86%

Shawnee County

$397,900

$365,000

92%

Sherwood Estates

$249,000

$250,000

100%

Mission Center

$314,900

$317,000

101%

McFarland Farms

$534,000

100%

Shawnee County

$285,000

100%

Wanamaker Meadows

$314,999

$310,000

98%

Brian's Addition

$274,900

$285,000

104%

Alexander Place

$259,900

$260,000

100%

R M King

$290,000

$253,000

87%

Shawnee County

$785,000

$755,000

96%

Sterling Chase

$428,500

$407,500

95%

Capricorn Woods

$274,922

100%

Sherwood Estates

$339,900

$355,000

104%

Meadow Brook

$264,900

$250,000

94%

Quail Run

$545,000

$489,900

90%

Clarion Lakes

$675,000

$615,000

91%

Aquarian Acres

$309,900

$299,997

97%

Villa Brook

$285,000

$280,000

98%

Shawnee County

$419,900

$417,000

99%

Deerbrook Sub

$289,900

$290,000

100%

Clarion Lakes

$535,000

100%

Shawnee County

$599,000

$475,000

79%

599

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

DIY

COVID-ERA HOUSEWARMING PARTY IDEAS

HOW TO SHOW OFF YOUR NEW HOME OR REMODEL WHILE KEEPING EVERYONE SAFE

HOW DO YOU CELEBRATE A NEW HOME OR COMPLETED REMODELING PROJECT TO LOVED ONES WHEN HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY PARTIES AS WE KNOW THEM ARE A MAJOR NO-NO DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? Luckily, there are ways to still show off your new digs while keeping everyone healthy.

Post a video of your new home or living space online via YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook. This way everyone still gets to enjoy your new home from the comfort of theirs.

is in your yard or a near-by park. Set up outdoor tables, place seating six-feet apart, and fire-up the

invites with links to a Zoom or Facebook meet-up

grill. (But make sure people get their food one per-

on a specific date and time. You can have everyone

son at a time.)

or ask them to pick up a specific one for the event. (How about sharing your favorite cocktail recipe.) ARTICLE LINDA DITCH

Party outside. The safest way to host a gathering

Host a virtual housewarming party. Send out email

grab their favorite beverage to toast the new home,

Host Housewarming Day (or Week!) If you really

Hold a drive-by party. Set up a table with goodie

day or week. Open doors and turn on the lights

bags of treats and party favors for your guest to pick

so guests don’t need to touch anything, and have

up as they travel past, as well as a gift table. You

everyone wear masks and use hand sanitizer

can also make a brochure with photos of the home’s

before entering. Send them off with a party favor,

interior for everyone.

and then disinfect before the next visitor.

Topeka Lifestyle | March 2021

want people to physically see your home, schedule a visit, one or two guests at a time, throughout a

It's your future. Let's protect it.® ®

Yana Ross 6028 SW 29th St. Topeka, KS 785.266.9262 AgentYana.com

Securities & services offered through FBL Marketing Services, LLC,+ 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,+* Western Agricultural Insurance Company,+* Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+*/West Des Moines, IA. Health insurance policies are underwritten by health insurance carriers not directly afﬁliated with our companies. +Afﬁliates. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services. PR-SM-A (5-20)

GET INSPIRED EAT + DRINK SHOP LOCAL City Lifestyle

YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

Celsie Sneden

Owner - NEAT Method Kansas City Also serving Lawrence + Topeka

785.213.5781 | celsie@neatmethod.com | neatmethod.com