Issuu

The Golden City Thankful Issue

N OV E M B E R 2 022

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November 2022 PUBLISHER

LIFESTYLE LETTER

THANKFUL ISSUE Grateful for the Here and Now In this season of giving thanks, we often find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings in our lives. The true spirit of Thanksgiving encourages the conscious expression of gratitude. Its focus is spending time with those that you love and encourages giving back in a meaningful way. While ambition, competition and slaying goals can be very healthy, forgetting to place importance on being present, enjoying the ride and appreciating those around us that have helped us along in our journey, can leave us missing out on what truly matters. We’ll never be content if we only look at ourselves, our possessions or titles to determine if we are fulfilled. True contentment comes from within and from fulfilling who we were made to be. I find myself daydreaming sometimes about going back in time. What I could have done different and how that would have changed my circumstances now. Then I realize just one little change would upset the whole apple cart. I possibly wouldn't have my children, my husband etc. That's when I count my blessings and am thankful for every little bit of my past and grateful for my future the way God has planned it out in advance for me. Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, gratefulness and giving back to our community. We are so thankful for our veterans and their sacrifices, our residents and businesses in the community who support so many wonderful organizations and help make our "Golden City" the vibrant community that it is. We are especially thankful for our advertising partners who help bring this magazine to your doorsteps each month. They are part of our vision and purpose of bringing inspiring stories and the good news of the community directly to you. This holiday season as we prepare to gather with our loved ones, and in the true spirit of thanksgiving, let’s set time aside to consider what truly makes life meaningful and stop to reflect on those blessings. Blessings to you and your family,

Brian Rodehorst | brian.rodehorst@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Kathy Graham | kathy.graham@citylifestyle.com STAFF WR ITER S

Linda Ditch | lindaaditch@gmail.com Kelsey Huber | khuber2@gmail.com Sue Baldani | suebaldani@yahoo.com STAFF PHOTOGR APHER S

Thomas Hall | thomas.hall@eagleaerialworld.com Kristol Kumar | kristol@kristolkumar.com Humbelina Harper humbe@humbelinaharperphotography.com AD DESIGNER

Hunter Richie LAYOUT DESIGNER

Andi Foster CONTR IBUTING WR ITER

Angela Broockerd CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Michelle Terry, Janie Jones, Emma Highfil

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Topeka City 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 City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue The Thankful Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

18 Nourishment for Body and Soul

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

House Call

LO CA L S ERV I C ES

Inspired By

LI FE + C U LT U R E

Decor Trends

Education Corner

Culinary Creations

Realty Report

Party Planning

Meal on Wheels of Eastern Kansas, Inc. celebrates 50 years of caring for area seniors

22 A Club Built on Camaraderie and Caring Taking modeling kits to a whole new level of excellence

28 Prepping Guest Baths for Holiday Visitors Simple steps make people feel welcome and comfortable

34 Sustaining Independent Education Topeka Collegiate shares its plan to secure its mission for the future

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Thomas Hall Topeka’s 47th Annual Huff ‘n Puff Hot Air Balloon Rally seen over McFarland Farms.

HO ME + DES I GN EDU CAT I O N FO O D + B EV E R AG E

R EA L ESTAT E EV ENT PLA NNI NG + SE RV IC E S

National Adoption Day

Saturday, November 19, 2022 Become a Foster Parent

National Adoption Day is a collective effort to raise awareness of the more than 115,000 children waiting to be adopted from foster care in the US. National partners such as the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, Alliance for Children’s Rights, and the Children’s Action Network founded National Adoption Day in 2000. Events take place in over 400 cities across the US giving more than 75,000 children in foster care a forever home.

Lisa M. Williams-McCallum Attorney & Counselor at Law

(785) 217-4603 lisa@theadoptiongroup.com www.theadoptiongroup.com

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

1: Thiessen Design presented “Fall in Love with your Home” tour benefitting Child Care Aware 2: Thiessen Design presented “Fall in Love with your Home” tour benefitting Child Care Aware 3: Thiessen Design presented “Fall in Love with your Home” tour benefitting Child Care Aware Photography by @thiessen_designco

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @topekalifestyle

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Be Involved Topeka - Ballet Midwest Ballet Midwest is dedicated to presenting unparalleled access to some of the world’s most treasured ballets through performances, interactive outreach opportunities, and a standard of dance education that encourages excellence. Our goal is to preserve the beauty of this great art form for future generations while nurturing character development in our dancers and instilling a lifelong love of the arts among our audience. Tickets are available online for the performance of The Nutcracker at the TPAC. balletmidwest.net/nutcracker-ballet

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Your Jeweler for Life Shop for the perfect piece of jewelry or have one custom made. We’re also experts in jewelry repair.

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Luxury Travel and Beyond The Laird Noller Companies has repurposed what was once the pre-owned sales building for Ford and turned it into the new Laird Noller RV Supercenter. They will be carrying new Keystone fifth-wheels, travel trailers, and toy haulers. The RV Supercenter will also be carrying preowned motorhomes and travel trailers as they are traded in. In addition to their location on Kansas Avenue in Topeka, they will be opening a second location in the near future for service. nollerford-topeka.com

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Safely Sunning and the new Sakred Salon Announce Location The original Spray Tan Gunslinger and her team have expanded! Heather Souther, owner of Safely Sunning and the new Sakred Salon, now occupy 828 S Kansas Ave, situated between Brew Bank and Core First Bank. Their professionals offer a wide range of services including custom spray tans, hair and nail services, facials, body waxing, brows tints, lash lift/tint/extensions, anti-wrinkle treatments, teeth whitening and so much more. To schedule an appointment, visit safelysunning. com or call/text 785.431.3277.

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Community Insurance Solutions LLC has Moved! Community Insurance has been serving the Topeka area since 2015. Owners Kerry Crotinger and Kyle Lear along with agent Kenny Myrick have over 40 years combined insurance experience. We work with several insurance carriers to properly protect our clients. We provide insurance for auto, business, home, life and more. Stop by and visit us at our new location at 1232 NW Harrison St in Topeka, find us on ciskansas. com or call 785.861.7888.

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•BellaVita• Meaning a Beautiful Life Casandra Bowden is co-owner of Shear Heaven Salon and founder of •BellaVita• Organic Skin Care. She offers a unique experience for her clients in the salon and provides them with quality, homemade organic products that helps achieve their continued care outside of the salon. She offers women’s and men’s organic products from nail and spray tanning care to shaving gel, moisturizing spray, beard oils, body scrubs, lip balm, bath soaks. 2910 SW Oakley Ave # G shearheavenks.com

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Topeka Art Guild Founded More Than 100 Years Ago Formed in 1916, the Topeka Art Guild has provided leadership in the visual arts in Topeka for more than a century. TAG maintains a gallery in Fairlawn Plaza where member artists at all levels are invited to show and sell their work and a gift shop full of small items and greeting cards created by our fine artists. TAG also offers classes in many art mediums, provides space for local schools to show student work, and offers college scholarships. topekaartguild.org

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Sixth Avenue Ballroom is Ready for Your Event This banquet facility offers the intrigue and elegance of a historic downtown venue. Sixth Avenue Ballroom is the perfect place for weddings, receptions, conferences, dances, seated dinners, and cocktail parties. Our restored 1920s stage is an ideal place for private performances, presentations, and bands. We offer our clients the flexibility to do things their own way and have the option to bring their own caterers, rentals, bands or DJ's. Call 785.213.2488 today to book your event.

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Nourishment for Body and Soul Meals on Wheels of Eastern Kansas, Inc. celebrates 50 years of caring for area seniors ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE TERRY

It is common to see many organizations deliver holiday dinners to people in need during the Thanksgiving season. However, Meals on Wheels of Eastern Kansas, Inc. feeds area seniors daily and assists in monitoring their safety and wellbeing. It’s a mission they first started in 1972. They joined forces with Midland Care five years ago and now have a permanent location at the Compass Center for Senior Independence in Topeka. Currently, Meals on Wheels serves approximately 1,200 seniors in Shawnee, Jefferson, and Douglas counties.

H OU SE CA LL | LOCA L SERVI CE S

“We were looking to partner with agencies to grow our program and serve more people, and Midland Care was a great fit,” says Meals on Wheels director Kim Williams. “It’s nice that we can help more people in the communities we serve.” Between 900 to 1,000 meals are made daily at the Topeka Westport location. A registered dietitian creates the menus, which are then reviewed in a group menu meeting. The menu cycle repeats every six weeks. Clients and volunteers take surveys about the

food offerings. The staff also keeps track of complements or complaints made via the phone. “We take their comments seriously. Once we get so many compliments or complaints, we take them to the menu meetings and adjust as we need to,” Williams says. More than 800 volunteers deliver meals. They can commit to as many days of service as they wish. Each delivery route takes an hour or less to complete. It’s as simple as picking up the delivery bags, following the route sheet, delivering the meals, and bringing the bags back. Then they can go home or return to work. Volunteers also keep an eye out for the client’s wellbeing and safety. Should something seem amiss—the person doesn’t answer the door, or there are changes in their behavior or surroundings—Meals on Wheels will report the issue to the client’s designated contact person. Williams says, “Volunteers get to see that they’re making a difference every day. Just bringing a friendly smile to them that they may not get anywhere else, whether it’s 30 seconds delivering a meal or a few minutes visiting. Clients form relationships with volunteers. You’re making a difference and getting to see the direct impact of it.” Seniors who are not considered homebound and can get around without assistance can receive noontime meals at one of the numerous Meals on Wheels dining centers in all three counties. They also can participate in any activities offered at the center and socialize with other seniors. Or, they can just pick up a meal to take home.

“Just bringing a friendly smile to them that they may not get anywhere else, whether it’s 30 seconds delivering a meal or a few minutes visiting.”

“We always say it’s more than a meal,” Williams says. “We’re providing a safety check. We’re providing that smile. A lot of them don’t have family or anyone else that’s close by. When we get the participant signed up and talk to the family, we let them know we’ll be calling them if something is out of the norm. They really appreciate that. It’s peace of mind for them knowing that if they don’t hear from us, then everything must be going okay.” To learn more about Meals on Wheels of Eastern Kansas or make a donation, go to MOWKS.org.

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“When we get the participant signed up and talk to the family, we let them know we’ll be calling them if something is out of the norm.”

H OU SE CA LL | LOCA L SERVI CE S

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Ad Astra Modeling Club of Topeka

TAKING MODELING KITS TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE

Byron Black, Club President

I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

A CLUB BUILT ON CAMARADERIE AND CARING When Byron Black was a child, his parents were always searching for something that would hold his interest and allow him to focus for long periods of time. That something turned out to be putting modeling kits together. “My dad loved wire-controlled airplanes and I used to go to the hobby store with him,” he says. “I was looking at the kits inside the case and the guy behind the counter gave it to my dad, and said, ‘Here, that’s for him.’” When Byron got home, he tore the box open, put the model together and fell in love with the process then and there. He continued to build into adulthood and some of his models have even won awards. “I build hot rods, dragsters, tanks, artillery, ships, tall mast ships, figures, and science fiction dioramas.” After raising four children, he searched for a club where he could share his interest, enjoy some camaraderie, and learn from others. When he couldn’t find one close to his home in Topeka, he decided to start his own. In

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

2019, he founded the Ad Astra Modeling Club. The members meet once a month and all ages, skill levels, and genres are welcome. One of its members is Grand Master Modeler, Bill Pettyjohn, a Navy veteran who lives in Topeka. He started building models at the age of 6 when he received some kits for his birthday. As of today, he has won over 300 awards. “I build World War I and World War II model aircraft,” he says. “It really relaxes me when I get into the detail work. I’ve been told that people know it’s my work just from the techniques I use.” Bill says modeling kits have come a long way. “Building is not the hobby that people remember from when they were kids; it’s totally different. It used to be that you bought a model kit and just slapped it together. And, you couldn’t buy much in the way of paints or glues. The hobby has gotten a lot more expensive and it’s a lot more detailed. If you really want to build it up, you end up buying a lot of aftermarket materials to enhance it.”

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS HALL NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

Bill Pettyjohn

The model kits themselves are just colored plastic or resin, but it’s the painting and the details that make them special. They are true works of art. “I use enamels, oils, watercolors, and pastels to get the finish I want,” says Bill. “It takes me about six to eight months to complete just one.” In addition to starting the club, Byron loves to use his modeling skills to give back. Says his wife, Sharri, “I’m a therapist in private practice. Several years ago, I had a group of teenage boys who were in foster care that I thought could benefit from learning this hobby. Byron sat down with the group and helped them build models. We wanted to teach them skills and help them feel good about something they accomplished.” Byron also has a passion for building for veterans. He takes the time to sit with and listen to them, and if they would like to commemorate a memory, such as a helicopter, tank, or aircraft, he will build it for them. To find out more, go to adastramodelingclub.org or follow on Facebook.

I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

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NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS HALL & EMMA HIGHFILL

PREPPING GUEST BATHS FOR HOLIDAY VISITORS Simple steps make people feel welcome and comfortable

Photo by Emma Highfill

D E C OR T R E N D S | HOM E + DE S I GN

G U E S T B AT H R O O M ESSENTIALS

G U E S T B AT H R O O M P R E P P I N G

Photo by Emma Highfill

“I love to shoot my guest a quick text saying I have a hair dryer, curling iron, and all of the toiletries, so then they’re only bringing their specialty items,” Thiessen says.

The holiday season’s arrival brings plans for sparkling parties and overnight visits from family and friends. Now is the time to give your guest bathroom or powder bath the once over. Maybe the spaces need sprucing up or just a few simple additions to make your guests feel at home. There is still time to make these bathrooms shine. “I think the key is to imagine you are the person using that bathroom,” says Tammy Thiessen of Thiessen Design and Construction and Home at Last in Fairlawn Plaza. “I tell people to stay the night in their guest room so you know the mattress is comfortable and the hot water is getting to the shower.” To prepare the guest bathroom for overnight visitors, Thiessen has a few ideas to allow your guests, tired and exhausted from traveling, to slip away for a bit of downtime. Start with a plush robe, a pair of simple slippers, and fragrant bath bombs for your visitors. Fill a basket or drawer with travel-size shampoos, conditioners, body washes, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, so they don’t feel like they’re inconveniencing you by asking for something they forgot. “I love to shoot my guest a quick text saying I have a hair dryer, curling iron, and all of the toiletries, so then they’re only bringing their specialty items,” Thiessen says. “Go ahead and put a few of those extras in. Just remember your guest are going to come with luggage. A spot to put a toiletries bag, an open drawer so they can put some of their things in there while they’re staying with you, all of that is really helpful for the guest while they’re staying in your home.” CONTINUED >

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

B AT H R O O M D E C O R

Photo by Emma Highfill

“Thiessen noted gold and copper tones are the trend this season, paired with jewel tones such as emerald green and deep navy.” For holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas gift unboxing, and New Year’s Eve parties, the powder bath will see a lot of traffic. While decorative guest soaps and towels can be pretty and festive, guests are often reluctant to use them. Plus, many of those holiday hand towels are not the most absorbent. Your guest will appreciate soap in a beautiful pump bottle and a plush, absorbent towel. Thiessen points out that the powder bath location is ideally away from the main living areas. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Infusers and candles in the bath can make visitors feel more comfortable. If the bathroom is in a high-traffic area, placing an infuser on a decorated table outside the door will also address any possible odor issues. What if your powder room or guest bath needs a complete décor refresh? If you’re on timeline and budget conscience, Thiessen says swapping out a mirror is a quick and inexpensive way to dress up a bathroom. If the space looks a little drab, add a new piece of art for instant color and a toiletries basket for texture. As far as DIY goes, painting the vanity is something homeowners can easily do themselves. If you love to dress up your home for the holidays, use those decorations in the bathrooms, too. Thiessen noted gold and copper tones are the trend this season, paired with jewel tones such as emerald green and deep navy. Remember to leave room on the guest bath vanity for your visitor’s toiletries, hair dryers, and make-up. In the powder bath, you can decorate however you like since space for these items isn’t necessary. Thiessen says, “Paint your vanity, grab a new mirror, get a cute basket for toiletries and some fresh towels, and then light a candle, and it will be a homey space. Your guests are coming over to spend time with you. If your bathrooms reflect you and your personality and what you love and care about, your guests are going to love it because they love you. Our homes are an extension of us and meant to be enjoyed with the people that we love.” Visit tdesigncompany.com and homeatlastco.com

D E C OR T R E N D S | HOM E + DE S I GN

Photo by Emma Highfill

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to any wash for only

We safely use high-pressure air to blast residual water from your vehicle’s mirrors and seams. Followed with a high-quality microfiber towel wipedown to ensure your vehicle is 100% dry.

charlies.com | (785) 783-0795 | 1251 SW Ashworth Pl. (corner of Wanamaker & Huntoon)

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

S U S TA I N I N G INDEPENDENT E D U C AT I O N TOPEKA COLLEGIATE SHARES ITS PLAN TO SECURE ITS MISSION FOR THE FUTURE

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HUMBELINA HARPER Forty years ago, a group of parents established Shawnee Country Day School to offer a more robust education for their children than was found in the public school system. They wanted a program that would challenge their children and focus on the individual student’s interests and what they needed to thrive. The school began with 43 students in a former Pauline public elementary school building. That small school became Topeka Collegiate, now located off West 21st Street on SW Eveningside Drive. Children come from 14 different zip codes to attend. Almost 2,000 students and more than 600 graduates have started their educational journey there, with classes from Pre-K to eighth grade. The school still strives for the high level of academic

Schwerdt Design Group, Inc.

EDU CAT ION COR N E R | EDUCATI ON

excellence imagined by its founders, and the recently launched Sustain Campaign hopes to extend that mission well into the future. “We don’t want to compete with the public schools,” says Dr. Lyn Rantz, Head of School. “We want to feed them. That’s one of the reasons we only go to the eighth grade. We believe during those foundational years, many kids need smaller classes, more personalized education, and more rigor at a younger age, which helps them thrive and gain confidence. Going into the public schools from Collegiate is a perfect segue because of their advanced placement classes, honors classes, and the International Baccalaureate program at Washburn Rural. We prepare our kids so when they get to high school, they’re ready to take those

advanced courses with the focus, skills, and confidence to do it.” Topeka Collegiate is the city’s only independent school. It is not tied to any government funding, curriculum, or religious doctrine. The school is also a 501(c) (3) non-profit not connected to any other outside agency. This allows them to establish a curriculum based on their values of academic excellence, active citizenship, and humanitarian ideals that adapt to the student’s needs. Dr. Rantz notes, “I think sometimes the misconception is we only raise the smartest kids. We bring out the smartest in each kid. We bring out the creativity of each child. We bring out the researcher of each child. Every child will get a well-rounded science curriculum and Spanish program every year. They will

CONTINUED >

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

learn to communicate with all types of people and be out in the community with service learning every year. We’re not just doing bookwork.” Greg Schwerdt, the founder of Schwerdt Design Group, is not only an alumni parent of Topeka Collegiate, but he’s also the grandparent to a current student. He says, “At Topeka Collegiate, children are encouraged to embrace their unique individuality and explore their interests while achieving academic success. As a father and grandfather of Topeka Collegiate students, seeing them flourish as students and individuals has been among my life’s greatest pleasures.” Anyone who thinks their family must be wealthy for the kids to attend Topeka Collegiate would be greatly mistaken. Forty-eight percent of the school’s families receive some financial assistance thanks to the school’s endowment fund. “We are quite affordable for families interested in a private school education,” Dr. Rantz explains. “What we find is alumni will come back and talk about how their education paid back because they were able to go on and have success with scholarships or through taking advanced college classes in high school. It saved them money, in the long run, being able to complete those dual credits courses, which allowed them to enter Washburn University as a college sophomore.” The school recently announced The Sustain Campaign to help continue its educational mission. The goal is to raise $6 million to enhance the school in two key areas: the campus and the school’s endowment. While the endeavor was announced in September, the campaign steering committee raised $3.4 million during the campaign’s silent phase, which is 57- percent of the total goal.

EDU CAT ION COR N E R | EDUCATI ON

One million dollars will go into the endowment fund to secure teacher salaries, student financial assistance, and the financial future. The remainder will go to upgrade the HVAC systems, windows, and roof. A new secure front entry and office area will also be built, along with new art, music, and science classrooms and student collaboration spaces. Outdoor education areas will also be created on the eight-acre campus. Schwerdt’s company was named the architect for the project. “We are honored to work with a learning institution that challenges children to reach their potential while encouraging joy and commitment to their community,” he says.

Dr. Rantz points out, “The generosity of our community is really strong. You see that when they choose to give for tuition, but then they also choose to invest in other children beyond their own. When you think about it, we don’t get any government funding. We can’t go out for a bond. We don’t get any tax revenue. It is truly a group of folks that believe in a purpose.” For anyone interested in The Sustain Campaign, email sayhello@topekacollegiate.org or visit their website topekacollegiate.org for information. “Everyone is welcome if they want to come check us out. Our doors are open to all families interested in an independent school education,” Dr. Rantz says.

CONTINUED >

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

EDU CAT ION COR N E R | EDUCATI ON

JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT VISITATION DAY ON FEBRUARY 16, 2023! We invite students to visit our campus to experience firsthand how Topeka Collegiate both challenges and inspires students to discover their Limitless. Learning. Potential.

785-228-0490 ×2129 SAYHELLO@TOPEKACOLLEGIATE.ORG WWW.TOPEKACOLLEGIATE.ORG

Our office is ready to ROCK! We look forward to seeing you and your smile!

2300 Southwest 29th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66611

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NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

schendellawn.com

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Working together to make your space the best place to be.

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ASH BOUTIQUE A WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE OFFERING CONTEMPORARY WOMEN’S FASHION. 921 SOUTH KANSAS AVENUE | TOPEKA, KS

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NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

SPICE it

UP!

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Cooking with Fresh Herbs ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Chimichurri Chimichurri is a condiment that can be used on endless things, and can be enjoyed as a sauce or dip. Serve over fish, chicken, vegetables or with crackers.

INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup olive oil • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice as an alternative) • 1/2 cup-1 cup fresh parsley, chopped finely • 1/4 cup fresh basil or fresh cilantro • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small red chilies or 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or italian seasonings • 1 teaspoon salt • pepper to taste

PROCESS Chop fresh herbs finely and add to a bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix. Chill for 1-2 hours. CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

Garlic Herb Butter This butter is versatile and goes with just about anything. You can use this on top of bread, popcorn, veggies, as a sandwich spread and more. INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature • 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped • 1 tablespoon herb of your choice

• • • •

1 clove garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon salt cracked pepper to taste

PROCESS Add all ingredients in a food processor. Transfer butter mixture onto parchment paper or plastic wrap. Cover butter tightly and roll into a log. Place in refrigerator until firm.

Herbed Popcorn Add a little kick to your traditional popcorn by incorporating herbs in with the butter. INGREDIENTS • 3 tablespoons coconut oil • 3/4 cup popcorn kernels • 5 tablespoons butter, melted

• 2 teaspoons garlic salt • 2 teaspoons parsley • 1 teaspoon thyme

PROCESS Add oil to the bottom of a pot and melt over medium heat. Add popcorn kernels and place lid on top of the pot and heat over medium heat until kernels are popped, shaking pan occasionally. Melt butter in a separate dish and add seasonings. Pour on top, and enjoy!

Herb Salt Herb salts are becoming so popular and can add flavor to a variety of dishes. There are endless flavor combinations, and these salts are so handy to have as a staple in the kitchen. Plus, these make great gifts for family and friends. All you need is a blender or food processor and minimal ingredients INGREDIENTS • 1 cup salt of your choice • 1/4- 1/2 cup parsley • 2 Tablespoons dried basil

• 1 tablespoon oregano • 1 tablespoon lemon zest • 1 garlic clove minced

PROCESS Add fresh parsley, garlic, lemon zest and a little bit of salt to the blender or food processor. Mix for 10 seconds. Add additional ingredients and blend again. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and pour salt mixture on sheet and spread evenly. Set in a cool oven overnight to dry. Pour salt into a container of choice and enjoy!

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Find the perfect ring for your special someone.

1801 SW Gage Blvd. Topeka, KS 66604

calhounsjewelers.com

785-267-4450 NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

N OVE MBE R 2 0 2 2

realty report A sample of recently sold properties in Topeka. LIST PRICE

SO L D P RIC E

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

B AT H S

2249 SE 37th ST

N E I GH BO RH O O D

$339,000

100%

3751 SW Canterbury Town RD

$309,900

$297,000

96%

2713 SW Blue Stem DR

$289,900

$282,000

97%

5624 SW 33rd TER

$375,000

$315,000

84%

3 2

3304 SE Aries AVE

$298,900

$305,000

102%

940 SW Woodbridge CT

$250,000

$263,800

106%

3831 SE 32nd St

$314,900

100%

2 4

5200 NW Kendall DR

$349,950

$337,500

96%

6234 SW 38th PL

$275,000

$289,500

105%

404 SE 43rd Ter

$260,000

100%

2734 SW Stutley RD

$349,900

$300,000

86%

3911 SW Clarion Park DR

$750,000

100%

4224 SE Truman AVE

$280,000

100%

3007 SE Arbor DR

$280,000

$290,000

104%

3210 SW Staffordshire RD

$299,900

$300,000

100%

2206 SE Saturn DR

$399,950

$411,550

103%

2310 NW 49th TER

$509,900

$505,435

99%

6114 SW 39th ST

$429,900

$441,500

103%

4318 SW Cambridge AVE

$335,000

100%

4017 NW Fielding RD

$269,900

$256,000

95%

5524 SW Moundview DR

$625,000

$560,000

90%

3544 NW 53rd Ter

$475,000

$500,000

105%

5725 SW 38th ST

$749,900

$738,500

98%

6230 SW South Pointe DR

$539,900

$505,000

94%

3921 SW Worwick Town RD

$370,000

$360,000

97%

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

R EA LT Y R E P ORT | R EAL E STATE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Your Autumn Dinner Party Is Served Catering experts Chef Kyle and Hannah Williams, owners of Savor & Swirl culinary company, create an outdoor dinner party with chef-driven perennial dishes served in beautiful seasonal settings.

For this alfresco Autumn Dinner Party, Chef Kyle draws on favorite fall recipes updated for a modern palate and paired with wine selections to complement the bountiful feast. Hannah creates an iconic autumn ambiance using artisanal table settings and mixed flannels for each guest to blanket any chill on a brisk evening. Whether for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving or a new November tradition, it’s time to get outdoors again surrounded in sweater-weather coziness while sharing bites and clinks with family and friends.

“Thin k f l an n el bl an k ets , woo d e n t a bl es , f ire pit s , o pe n g r ill s , st r ing light s an d can dl es to c reat e a really cool e nv iron m e nt you h ave n’t bee n a bl e to d o all s u m m e r.”

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | EVENT PLANNI NG + S E RVI CE S

Insider Tips for Hosting:

• Build a menu around the season. “In November, people crave turkey, sage stuffing and cranberry sauce,” Chef Kyle says. “Autumn dinners mean bigger-course meals with varied proteins, like turkey, duck and sirloin, hearty starches, and good fall produce, especially root vegetables such as butternut squash and pumpkin.” • Always greet guests with a beverage and appetizers. “Offer champagne for wine-lovers or a sparkling drink or signature cocktail. It’s all about serving guests to the highest caliber,” Kyle says. • Draw inspiration from the season’s changing colors, cooler temps and lower humidity to move back outdoors. “Think flannel blankets, wooden tables, fire pits, open grills, string lights and candles to create a really cool environment you haven’t been able to do all summer.” • “You can’t go wrong with fresh flowers,” Hannah says, “but keep bouquets low to not interfere with conversation flowing. For fall, I like richer, jewel-toned florals to mix and match and keep whimsical. I vary glass vases with burnished brass for warm fall vibes.” • An easy but thoughtful detail is to put a simple menu at each place setting, so guests know what to expect. “Add a pen, so guests can jot tasting notes, especially for wine pairings or multiple courses,” Hannah says. “Guests can share comments, then take the menu home as a sweet reminder of the event.” • Follow the French principle of mise en place or everything in place before your event. “This is actually our company’s name,” Kyle says. “It’s that important to us. Make sure the wines are all open, cocktails are pre-made, place settings are out, candles are lit and music is playing. When guests arrive, it gives that wow-factor and shows you intentionally made them feel special.” • To build confidence as a host, start small and practice. “Keep the menu and guest list small,” Kyle says. “Choose recipes you already have confidence in. If you make a great Beef Stroganoff, then go with that. People will love it!” • As fun as it is to dine outside, always have an indoors back-up plan. “We’ve had to bring it indoors before,” Hannah says. “It’s still fun.” CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / TO P E KA

Wine Pairing

According to Savor & Swirl, wine pairing doesn’t need to be overly complicated for a casual outdoor dinner party. Have a lighter and fuller body style of white and red available with some sparkling thrown in. “Lighter to medium-bodied wines from Rhône Valley, Italy or California would be a good place to start,” they state. “Viognier is one of our favorite wines that goes great with fall-inspired cuisines. Pinot Noir wine goes great with just about any food. Lean towards California or Willamette Valley for a new-world style and go with France for a more earthy, old-world style. A big bold Napa Cab would fall in perfectly for the grilled ribeye steak! Cheers!”

Want to see more? Scan the QR code for dinner menu recipes. ABOUT SAVOR & SWIRL Chef Kyle Williams has over 22 years of experience in the elite culinary industry, including 2 Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy, resorts in Hawaii, and alongside prestigious NYC celebrity chefs Todd English, David Burke, and Daniel Boulud. Savor & Swirl has recently expanded to include nationwide mobile catering. Book online, and they will bring their expertise to you, including customizable, in-home dinner parties or luncheons for holidays, events, business gatherings and surprise pop-ups. “We love to gather with people who value breaking bread together around a table with the special people in their lives.” savorandswirl.com Instagram: @savorandswirl, #savorandswirl

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | EVENT PLANNI NG + S E RVI CE S

The CoreFirst Ice Rink is coming to Evergy Plaza! Join CoreFirst & Evergy Plaza in celebrating this holiday season on skates! Check out our website or our Facebook page to purchase tickets!

GRAND OPENING

Nov. 12th

evergyplaza.com