Issuu

J U N E 2 02 1

We Are The Golden City!

LI F E + C U LTU R E G EN T S IS SU E M EE T T H E PR O S T Y LE + B E AUT Y U P T OWN S T Y L E I N D OWN T OWN T O PEK A HOME + DESIGN WELC O M E T O A FOX'S D EN

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

JUNE 2021 PUBLISHER

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

READY FOR SUMMER! JUNE IS FOR GENTS! Fire up the grill, men. This month is all about the guys of Topeka. What are your favorite things about the men in your life? Who inspired you to become who you are? A father, an uncle, a grandfather? Or perhaps a neighbor, teacher, or soccer coach? Life can be tough, but there’s always someone who makes it look easy and doable and gives us the

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

Rachel Chrisman L AYO UT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kelsey Huber, Linda Ditch, Sue Baldani CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

John Burns, Thomas Hall

confidence to try...or the courage to try again. Here at Topeka Lifestyle, we are always inspired by what the men in our community do and create. We truly have some talented gentlemen in our midst, and we’ve taken this issue to highlight some of them and learn from their experiences in life. I got my love of sports from my father which compelled me to play soccer through college. I went on to coach competitive girls soccer teams for 17 years where I was able to pass on the importance of hard work and dedication to the next generation. They, in turn, taught me the value of patience, trust, and encouragement. I have tried to pass all of these values on to my own daughter and three stepsons as well. I’d also like to take this opportunity to express what a privilege it is to be able to publish this magazine in Topeka. This is where I grew up playing at Gage Park, swimming in Lake Shawnee and cruising the boulevard. I consider it a rare and cherished opportunity to be able to give back to my hometown - a community that has given me so much.

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 AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

While you’re enjoying our "Gents" issue, go ahead and start shopping for Father’s Day and pick out something he’ll love. Buying local helps the Topeka economy and helps

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

build relationships and a stronger community. Let’s keep the "Golden City" going strong! And a special thanks to all of our advertisers who make this publication possible. Happy Father’s Day, men of Topeka!

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Brian Rodehorst/Publisher ON THE COVER Special thanks to The Topeka Country Club

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS HALL 4

Topeka Lifestyle | June 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 JUNE 2021

FEATURES 14 Uptown Style in Downtown Topeka How One Man Turned His Passion for Fashion into a Thriving Business

18 Welcome to a Fox’s Den Inside an Epic Man Cave

22 Meet the Pro Topeka Country Club’s golf pro wants members to leave their worries at the gate

18 14

26 Saving Lives, Supporting Families It takes a village (and a lot of love)

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Locally Owned

Renovate & Refine

22 Local’s Choice 26 Giving Back 30 Lifestyle Calendar 32 Realty Report 34 Inspired By

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GOOD TIMES

1957 Thunderbird Wins "Best Of Show" The 6th Annual Laird Noller Ford National Mustang Day Car Show and Ford vehicles celebration was held on Saturday April 17, 2021. Thirty-eight Mustangs and Ford products from 1957 to present model years were in attendance. Judges with over 35 years of experience in the automotive industry awarded points based upon certain criteria, the vehicle earning the most points wins.

1. Roger Belanger, President of Topeka Mustang Club, Inc presenting “BEST of SHOW” trophy to David Weddle | 2. "Best of Show" winner 1957 Thunderbird of Wakurusa KS

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LOCALLY OWNED

U P T OW N ST Y LE I N D OW N T OW N T OPE K A

HOW ONE MAN TURNED HIS PASSION FOR FASHION INTO A THRIVING BUSINESS

Topeka Lifestyle | June 2021

Owners Theodis & Lenora Williams

ARTICLE KELSEY HUBER PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN BURNS

IF YOU’RE A FAN OF FINE CLOTHING, THERE’S A

Indeed it is. The name is as upscale and unique

SHOP IN DOWNTOWN TOPEKA THAT WILL KNOCK

as the merchandise they carry. From Bruno Capelo,

YOUR DESIGNER SOCKS OFF! The Distingue’

Dobbs, and Stetson hats to Mauri and Belvedere shoes,

Gentleman at 117 SW 6th Avenue is not what you’d

they’ve got men’s fashion needs covered literally from

expect to find smack dab in the middle of the Midwest.

head to toe. Twice a year Williams goes to market and

But take one step inside and you’ll feel as though you’ve

restocks his store with the latest looks from New York,

been transported to downtown New York or Chicago.

Las Vegas, California, Atlanta, and Florida.

Owner Theodis Williams has always had a strong

The fashions are amazing, but what really sets

fashion sense. Owning a men’s clothing store had been

this shop apart from the competition are the low

a dream of his since the 70s, but it took until 2016 to

prices. “We have original designer items without

make that dream a reality. “Back in 2016, I told my wife

the designer prices,” Williams boasted. He said he

Lenora that I really wanted to open a men’s fashion store,“

loves being in downtown Topeka and credits some

Williams said. “She told me, ‘You can talk about it, or you

of his success to his location. “My prices are lower

can be about it,’ and something in my spirit just exploded.”

because I don’t have the high overhead of property

In March of 2016, he opened The Distingue’ Gentleman.

out on Wanamaker.”

He started with 12 suits that he “timidly” purchased

Williams remembers, wistfully, being in the military

based on his appetite for fashion. Those suits sold out

in the 70s and driving to downtown Topeka on leave.

in the first week and the rest is history. Now he car-

“When everything moved west, it really affected the

ries a wide array of apparel including designer suits

city,” he said. He is happy to see the Topeka Chamber

and jackets, shirts, socks, ties, hats, and exotic shoes.

of Commerce and Go Topeka pushing incentives and

He even carries some women’s fashions including

programs to promote and revitalize the downtown area.

designer purses.

“I’d like to stay in downtown Topeka,” Williams stated.

Distingue’ is French for distinguished. “The name was

“It’s good for the local economy and I’ve built some

my wife’s idea,” Williams shared. “She said, ‘When I look

great relationships with my customers. The currency

at you, I see a distingue’ gentleman.’ I told her I would

that makes it all work is strong relationships.”

have to pray about it and then, the next day, it hit me like

Lucky for us, Topeka suits him perfectly.

a ton of bricks. It was perfect.”

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

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Topeka Lifestyle | June 2021

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RENOVATE & REFINE

Welcome to a Fox’s Den

ARTICLE KELSEY HUBER | PHOTOGRAPHY THOMAS HALL

INSIDE AN EPIC MAN CAVE

MIKE FOX HAS ALWAYS HAD AN AFFINITY FOR

Then, in 1996, he was in a very bad car accident. That’s

THINGS FROM THE PAST. He has a huge collection of

when he says he decided to “slow down and build more

old beer memorabilia, from signs to steins, and four clas-

locally.” When he combined his love of old things with his

sic cars as well. He also has a wealth of knowledge when

knowledge of construction, it was a recipe for renovation.

it comes to construction. The first 20 years of his career,

He and his wife own Fox Builders. In the last couple

he traveled the country building Payless Shoe Stores.

of decades, they have bought and renovated quite a few

Topeka Lifestyle | June 2021

properties in downtown Topeka, including the building at 9th and Kansas, which is now executive suites. He also owns The Celtic Fox bar, at 118 SW 8th, the old Oddfellow’s Books building at 117 SW 6th, and M & D Classics Storage at 129 N. Kansas Ave., which now

Man Cave in an extra room, or maybe take over a basement if they’re

houses restored vintage cars. Oh, and let’s not forget about the 15 or

lucky...not Fox. He took over an entire level - a sprawling 6,000 square

so lofts he owns downtown as well. After renovating so many build-

feet - and filled it with what can only be described as man toys.

ings, he decided to create something for himself. The result was a Man Cave like no other.

Inside, you’ll find a collection of classic cars and motorcycles, a full-size shuffleboard table, pool tables, a Wurlitzer piano, and a bar

It all started when the Fox brothers, Mike and Steve, bought and

with three beers on tap. The walls are adorned with tons of old beer

remodeled a three-story building downtown. The top two levels were

memorabilia he has collected on his travels over the years. One of

converted into luxury loft apartments where they now live, and the

the most interesting pieces, by far, is the restored 1931 Model A. It’s

ground floor is what Fox calls the Man Cave. Some guys create a

the kind of place most guys only dream about.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

Topeka Lifestyle | June 2021

The Man Cave is the perfect place for a hard-working guy like Fox to escape from the worries of running a business and just kick back and relax with friends. “It’s a guy’s place for sure,” he laughed. “I’ve been playing cards with the same group of guys for 35 years. We get together here a couple times a week.” It’s also the place he hosts his legendary Cars, Bars & Cigars party every year. Fox subscribes to a “work hard, play hard” mindset and the Man Cave lets him do both in downtown Topeka. “Plus, I don’t have far to go to get home when I’ve been drinking,” he joked. Not surprisingly, loft living is becoming more popular in Topeka. “In the beginning, no one was down here,” Fox noted. “But now there’s 30 apartments on one side of us and more lofts to the other.” Talking to Fox, you get the feeling that renovating these old buildings is really a labor of love. “We try to keep as much of the original stuff as we can, like the cooler door from the Lux Building and an old wooden elevator that still works.” You might think it’s the younger generation who finds downtown living so appealing, but Fox says it’s a good mix of ages. “I’d say more than half are 55

:: Home Organizing / Moves & Relocations :: Attics | Bathrooms | Closets | Garages

or older.” It’s no wonder. The lofts are

Home Off ice/Den | Kitchen/Pantries

large with lots of light, rustic brick walls,

Laundry Rooms | Mudrooms

and an eclectic appeal you just can’t

Kids Rooms | Storage Areas

create with all new materials. The sleek, modern decor juxtaposed with years of history makes them appealing to just about everybody. “They’re really nice,” Fox added, talking about the lofts he calls home. “We have a hot tub on the roof, each loft has two patios attached for outdoor living with grass and flower gardens. It’s an easy lifestyle.” Between the building projects, travel-

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ing the country in his decked-out “bus”, and his busy social calendar, Fox admits his life is a bit crazy. “That’s why I have the Man Cave,” he says, “to relax and unwind after a long day.” CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

LOCAL’S CHOICE Levi Lambing

TOPEKA COUNTRY CLUB’S GOLF PRO WANTS MEMBERS TO LEAVE THEIR WORRIES AT THE GATE

ARTICLE LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY THOMAS HALL

WHEN

THE

COVID-19

PANDEMIC

OF 2020, TOPEKA COUNTRY CLUB’S HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL, LEVI LAMBING, DEVISED A PLAN THAT CONVINCED THE SHAWNEE COUNTY HEALTH

DEPARTMENT

NOT

INCLUDE GOLF ON THE CLOSURE LIST. He began by consulting with other golf pros around the United States, and then created a list of procedures so golfers could enjoy their favorite sport and still stay safe. Other area golf courses signed on, and the guidelines ultimately allowed them all to reopen. The result was a 100-percent increase in rounds played at TCC during April, May, and June. More importantly, none of the members or staff caught COVID while at the club, proving the effectiveness of Lambing’s plan. Lambing has been the TCC golf pro since March 2018. He has a bachelor’s

Topeka Lifestyle | June 2021

MEET THE PRO

SHUT DOWN THE CITY IN THE SPRING

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

degree from the University of Nebraska in PGA Golf Management

Lambing remembers, “My first day of work,

and came to Topeka after a stint as an assistant golf pro at the well-

I rolled out of bed at 8:30, 9 o’clock, and rode

known Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

my bike over to the course four blocks away.

Most people picture a club’s golf pro as someone who

I found him out on the course, and he said,

teaches and plays golf all day. While teaching is an integral part

‘Our day starts at 7 o’clock. Try again tomor-

of Lambing’s job, he also performs numerous additional tasks,

row.’ He always held me accountable for

such as managing the golf shop, buying merchandise, and

things. He taught me so much about work.”

overseeing his staff. Running golf tournaments is also in his job description. The club will host the Kansas Women’s Amateur

What is the crucial part of Lambing’s job? Making sure members have fun.

Championship in 2022 for the fourth time. The men’s Kansas

“If I’m having fun, got a smile on, and treating

Amateur Championship will be played there in 2024 for the

people well, then I’m doing my job,” Lambing

13th time, which will tie TCC with the Wichita Country Club for

says. “A lot of people have the perception of a

most times holding the championship.

country club as being a hoity-toity place, nose in

Golf became Lambing’s passion as a child in Sioux City, Iowa. He

the air and stuffy. Part of the reason I was drawn

spent so much time with his dad at the local nine-hole, par-33 public

here was because it wasn’t that way. It’s very laid

course the owner, Wes Bowers, put him to work at age 12. He credits

back. It’s all about having fun. As long as people

Bowers for being instrumental in his career.

are having fun, we’re doing our jobs correctly.”

Topeka Lifestyle | June 2021

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GIVING BACK

ARTICLE SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY THOMAS HALL

IT TAKES A VILLAGE (AND A LOT OF LOVE)

Topeka Lifestyle | June 2021

Saving Lives, Supporting Families

ON JUNE 24, A LUCKY WINNER WILL FIND OUT THAT HE OR

“We definitely wanted to do something a little bit more mid-

SHE WILL SOON BE LIVING IN A DREAM HOME! Now in its fourth

century modern,” she says. “I thought it would be a fun opportu-

year in Topeka, the 2021 St. Jude Dream Home campaign launched

nity for us to bring a new style to Topeka.”

this past April with a goal to raise $750,000 by the time it wraps up this

Her favorite part of the house, she adds, is the really amazing

month (and a whopping $2.8 million for all four years.) Along with the

fireplace with porcelain tile and a floating hearth. It’s the first thing

home, other fabulous prizes will be given away as well.

people see when they walk in the door and gives it that “wow” factor.

The funds raised from this campaign will help St. Jude

Brandi was also daring in her color choices. “I love using black

Children’s Research Hospital continue its almost 60 year

and I think people are sometimes scared to do that. We have some

mission of finding cures for childhood catastrophic diseases.

accent walls that are black and some cool geometric trim detail.”

While doing this, it will also support the families who are battling right alongside their children. This campaign would never have been possible without the support of the Topeka community. The number of people

Brandi worked closely with Jennifer Dodge from Furniture Mall of Kansas, a family-owned-and-operated business that has been involved in the campaign all four years. For this home, it’s supplying all the furnishings for the entire first floor.

involved, from the builders to the subcontractors to the design-

“Some of the finishes they used in this home have a mid-cen-

ers and retail establishments, is phenomenal, and they’re all

tury modern inspiration to them and that’s what inspired our

passionately committed to the cause.

design as well,” says Jennifer. “We wanted to play along those

“One person can’t do it on their own, so if you have enough people get together, you can make it happen,” says Mike Drippé, owner of Drippé Homes, who built the first and fourth homes. Mark Boling Construction built the second and third.

lines and have those elements in it.” Her mother, Joyce Winter, is also helping with the design. “First and foremost, our goal at Furniture Mall is to help bring happiness through helping our guests create more beautiful and

As this latest home was being constructed, Brandi Whisler,

comfortable homes,” she says. “That’s really our mission and I

lead interior designer for Drippé Homes, was busy planning how

hope we accomplished that through the design of this house and

to make the inside as worthy of a dream home as the outside.

making it feel like a dream home.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

One of her favorite rooms is the master bedroom. “We are bringing in a beautiful bedroom set which has live-edge detailing as well as black steel elements.” Everyone involved in the campaign feels it’s an honor to support St. Jude and its mission. “I know some parents who have gone to St. Jude with their children, and they described it as if you’re in this tunnel of darkness and sometimes St. Jude is the only bit of light you feel that you have,” says Brandi. Adds Mike, “Anything we can do to alleviate that suffering and that stress they’re going through - this is a way to help show love for other people’s kids. I can’t cure their cancer, but I can do this little part to help.” He stresses that many of his and Mark Boling’s subcontractors have been involved all four years. “They consistently donated over $10,000 every year in labor or materials, so that’s an important part of it. And they are thrilled to do it.” “Supporting St. Jude in its lifesaving mission of ‘Finding Cures, Saving Children’ allows our entire Furniture Mall family to be part of making a real and positive difference,” says owner, Jeff Winter. “I would encourage any business that desires to grow and inspire their team to get involved.” To learn more about St. Jude and the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway, go to www.DreamHome.org.

Building digital marketing solutions that drive business results.

Find us online at cohort.digital/Topeka 28

Topeka Lifestyle | June 2021

- THE GENTLEMEN ARE -

ALL SMILES

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

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

JUNE

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

"DANCING THROUGH TIME"

REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN EXHIBIT

WORLD OCEANS DAY

Museum of the Kansas National Guard

World Oceans Day celebrates our

Class Concert showcases the next

125 SE Airport E. Drive, Forbes Field

oceans--which cover 70% of our

generation

talented

National outdoor photo exhibit on 34

earth’s surface, provide most of our

dancers! Join us as we celebrate the

towers of the 5000+ American mili-

oxygen, drive worldwide weather

past, present and future of dance.

tary personnel who have lost their

patterns, and affect the lives of every

Performances on the 1st at 5:30pm

lives in the Global War on Terrorism

living thing on the planet. Oceans

& 7:30pm, 2nd at 7:30pm. Tickets are

since 9-11. Opening ceremony at 12

impact everyone, including those of

$10. Visit topekaperformingarts.org

noon on June 9. Open 8 am to 8 pm

us right here Kansas. Celebrate our

for more information.

daily June 10-14. Free admission.

connection to oceans through crafts

Visit kansasguardmuseum.com

and other hands-on activities. Visit

Topeka Performing Arts Center

Kansas Ballet Academy's annual of

Topeka's

5 "AN EVENING OF DANCE"

Topeka Performing Arts Center

Barbara’s Conservatory of Dance

Topeka Zoo

topekazoo.org for more information.

11 "SPRING 2021 CONCERT"

Topeka Performing Arts Center

12 HEARTLAND MILITARY DAY

Presents: "An Evening of Dance"

Dance Factory Presents: "Spring

2pm & 5pm

2021 Concert" Performances on

125 SE Airport E. Drive, Forbes Field

Visit topekaperformingarts.org for

the 11th at 6:00pm, 12th at 1:00pm.

Military

more information.

Ticket Prices: $15 / $10 / $8 /

tage military equipment displays

$5. Visit topekaperformingarts.org

and rides, Topeka Big Band and

for more information.

Fairlawn Road Swing Band Concerts,

6 "TIME TO CELEBRATE"

Topeka Performing Arts Center

Fuzion Dance Presents: “Time to Celebrate” 6:30 pm Tickets are $15.

Museum of the Kansas National Guard

re-enactments

and

vin-

General Patton speech, Vietnam

Veterans, and others. 8 am to 4

ST. JUDE DREAM HOME GIVEAWAY PRIZE DEADLINE

Feed

pm. Free admission to events and Museum. and

Donations for Pancake Cookout

Meal.

Visit

kansasguardmuseum.com

Reserve your $100 ticket for the St.

Visit topekaperformingarts.org for

Jude Dream Home Giveaway by

more information.

June 11 for a chance to win the St. Jude Dream Home built by Drippé Homes and a $2,500 shopping spree at Sutherlands - Topeka. Learn more and reserve your ticket at DreamHome.org.

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. 30

Topeka Lifestyle | June 2021

A Summer Activity from Topeka Collegiate Encourage your child to continue learning throughout the summer by helping them start their own field journal! Inspired by Charles Darwin’s meticulous notes and love of nature, this hands-on activity is a great way to encourage curiosity and critical thinking throughout the summer months.

Step 1:

Gather your supplies. If you want to keep it simple, all you’ll need is a notebook and pencil. Other items you may want to consider: a camera, magnifying glass, measuring tape and/or colored pencils.

Step 2:

Go outside and take an observation! Find a living organism, make a sketch of your specimen, and begin taking notes. Does your specimen have the ability to move? How so? What does it eat? Does it make any sounds? How large is it? If you are able to touch your specimen, how does it feel? Any other notable features? Answer these questions in your journal.

Step 3:

After taking your observations, go back inside and begin your research. Identify the species, find additional photos, and determine the following: complete taxonomy, habitat, diet, range (regions where it typically lives) and other fun facts.

Step 4: Pull it all together! Write one to two paragraphs summarizing what you

learned about your specimen. Take a moment to celebrate whatever it is that makes this specimen unique and interesting!

2200 SW Eveningside Drive, Topeka | 785.228.0490 | topekacollegiate.org

This activity was shared by Mr. Simons, the middle school science teacher at Topeka Collegiate. As the only independent school in the region, we prepare students to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Learn more at www.topekacollegiate.org

REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

TOPEKA

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Sherwood Park

$285,000

100%

South Branch

$282,500

$282,000

100%

Wanamaker Woods

$249,900

$255,200

102%

Westboro

$315,000

$320,000

102%

Prairie Trace 2

$260,000

$250,000

96%

Shadywood W #6

$355,000

100%

Shawnee Meadow S

$259,500

$250,000

96%

Willowbrook

$249,950

$255,000

102%

Capricorn Woods #3

$340,000

$361,000

106%

Aquarian Acres

$379,900

$369,920

97%

Timber Ridge

$364,900

$381,000

104%

West Hills Sub #2

$239,500

$251,000

105%

West Trail Est

$390,000

$415,000

106%

Monarch Meadow

$315,000

100%

Westboro

$265,000

$267,000

101%

Woodglen Sub

$287,900

100%

Clarion Woods 3

$495,000

$520,000

105%

McFarland Farm Villas

$549,000

$500,000

91%

120

West Indian Hil

$335,000

$373,997

112%

Sherwood Estates #13

$475,000

$383,000

81%

112

Monarch Meadow

$449,900

$420,000

93%

Shawnee County

$505,000

$515,000

102%

Sherwood Estates #8

$560,000

100%

Timber Ridge

$355,000

100%

West Hills Sub #2

$498,500

$515,000

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 32

Topeka Lifestyle | June 2021

Don't just get it on the market. Get it the attention it deserves. Nothing Compares stoneandstory.com

Darin Stephens 785-250-7278

Annette Stahl 785-383-3157

Brian Laird 785-670-0043

Lance Royer 785-845-6618

Pam Trusdale 785-608-5117

Kelli Higgins 785-817-9255

Abby Dunford 785-608-8408

INSPIRED BY LOCAL AUTHOR SHARES HIS PERSONAL EXPERIENCES TO HELP OTHERS

ARTICLE LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN BURNS

W R I T I NG T O V U LN E R A B I LIT Y DURING THE WEEK, ROBERT B. FAUGHT, JR. WORKS AS AN INDEPENDENT AFLAC AGENT. But on Saturdays, he goes to his Topeka office not to sell insurance but to create. He is energized by spending hours in his quiet weekend office with the creative process. “I cannot write on a business day because there’s too much going on,” Faught explains. “If I try to do it in the evening, so much has happened, it’s not a pure picture from the inside of my heart

Robert B. Faught, Jr

and soul. There’s too much clutter. So, I get up on Saturdays, come into the office and start writing.”

after a 13-year battle with three types of cancer. Knowing his

Faught’s first experience with writing suc-

brother can no longer enjoy even simple experiences, such as

cess came as a teenager with the publica-

a trip to the local coffee shop, gave Faught the realization that

tion of a poem in the National High School

time is cherished.

Poetry Anthology. In 2011, Faught published

When it comes to the writing process, Faught explains it is

his first book, Our Joint Decisions: A Patient’s

about “Baring your soul in complete vulnerability. That’s what

Perspective to Successfully Manage Joint Pain,

writing is. It’s not being an expert and saying I know everything.

Surgeries, and Replacements, based on his own

No. It is about writing to vulnerability. You just have to lay yourself

experiences with knee and hip joint replace-

out there. You have to be very honest about who you are.”

ments. Then, in December 2020, he published

Faught’s wife, Leah, is his book editor. One of his poems tells

My Poetic Journey Finding True Love! This was a

the loving and humorous tale of how they met on a flight from

poetic journal of his quest to find true love with

Salt Lake City to Phoenix. She is also the co-founder of their

God, himself, soulmate, and life.

non-profit Quality of Life, Inc. They publish his books, sched-

His most recent book is titled Cherish Every Second! Time is the Gift of Life! & My Timeless

ule motivational speaking engagements, and help seniors find resources and support.

International Experiences! The key theme of the

“These books are not meant to tell people how to live their

poetry and prose inside its pages highlights how

lives,” Faught says. “They’re meant to give people the courage

time is one of life’s greatest gifts. The inspiration

to say, ‘It’s my life. It’s my decision. Not what a book says. I can

was his younger brother, Ronald, who died in 2019

decide about how I want to live my life because I’m the owner.’”

Topeka Lifestyle | June 2021

Don’t just join a Club

Join a Family

The Topeka CounTry Club

P E K A C.C EST. 1905

love where you

play