Win this Schwinn!

If you were lucky enough to attend the inaugural event last year, then you’ll know that the Flat Tire event was the place to be. KC Sprints will be returning with their stationary bike races, you can register to win a vintage Schwinn Cruiser bicycle and bid on the silent auction items.

Live music will be provided throughout the night by Slow Fade from Topeka, and The Hemorrhoids and OILS from Lawrence. Resistance deejays Blaundie and DJ Whitebread will close out the evening with a dance party.

Tickets for the second annual Flat Tire Benefit may be purchased on-line for $5.25, or a $5.00 donation will be requested at the door. For more information about the Topeka Community Cycle Project, please visit their website.

| Story by Rio Cervantes-Reed | Images courtesy of TCCP |

Dishes include:

Gyros (He-rose): Grilled seasoned lamb sliced thin, wrapped in a pita and garnished with tomatoes, onions + Tzatziki sauce (special garlic, cucumber yogurt sauce).

Falafel (fa-LAH-ful): Deep fried patties made from ground chickpeas and fava beans.  Wrapped in a pita and garnished with tomatoes, pickles and Tahini sauce.

Souvlakia (soo-VLAH-kee-ah): Two skewers of chicken, green peppers and onions, marinated and flavored with Mediterranean spices and grilled to perfection.

Kafthedes (kef-TEH-dees): Three lamb/beer patties with authentic spices topped with special tomato-based sauce, which is scented with mint, cinnamon, cloves, onions and garlic. Garnished with crumbled feta cheese.

Spanikopita (span-eh-KO-pee-tah): Famous Green spinach pie… Inside phyllo pastry is a blend of spinach, scallions, parsley, dill and feta cheese.

Dolmades (dol-MAH-dees): Tender grapevine leaves, stuffed with rice, ground beef and delicious spices and simmered in a flavored broth.

Hummus (HUM-ahs): Blend of chickpeas, sesame seed paste, lemon juice, garlic and Mid-Eastern spices.  Served with grilled pita bread brushed with olive oil.

Horiatiki (hoor-ee-ah-TEE-kee): Traditional Greek village salad with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, green peppers, feta cheese and black Kalamata olives.  Topped with garlic, vinegar and olive oil dressing.

Also featuring Greek Pastries and Coffee

The Kafenion (Greek coffee shop) will be located in the church hall.  Stop by there to sample delicious Greek sweets like baklava paired with traditional Greek or domestic coffee.

[information and images provided by Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church]

[photos and information provided by Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church]

All three gardens have been featured in the past on Topeka’s citywide garden tours. Since being on tour, each garden has matured and developed in new ways. Primarily a shade garden, the Glatts’ garden features a large variety of hosta and other shade plantings. New additions include a garden house which provides respite from the busyness of life. For new sun garden ideas, the Cavanaughs offer a delightfully decorated garden house, a formal garden and a hypertufa bed located alongside the pergola. Train enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy the garden railroad in the Porters’ garden. Also in this garden, which is located on a quiet cove of Lake Sherwood, are both sun and shade gardens as well as new water features and garden art.

“Art in the Garden” is a fundraiser sponsored by Brookwood Covenant Church. Funds will be used to purchase the supplies for a mission trip to two villages in northern Thailand. While in Thailand, the team of 10, who are paying their own transportation costs, will divide into three groups: a medical team which will see 750 patients; an eye care team which will make approximately 150 prescription glasses at $3 per pair and hand out 500 sunglasses at $1 per pair; and a construction team which will build playgrounds in both villages.

The $15 ticket price includes entrance to all three gardens. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 478-3567.

Tickets will also be available at each garden gate:

Glatts: 3107 SW Arrowhead Road
Cavanaughs: 3930 SW King Arthur’s Road
Porters: 7537 SW 33rd Street

View Art in the Garden Video

[September 1, 2011 | Joan Porter | photos by Dude Cavanaugh]

Give bicyclists space, so much space. Congress is now considering a bill that demands that motorists give bicycles at least three feet of space while passing, but cyclists can use much more than that.  Crowded cyclists are forced to ride closer to parked cars, which can result in them being “doored” – when a parked car opens their car door into a moving cyclist.  When a cyclist is moving at 15-20 mph, an unavoidable collision like this can be fatal.  A driver should always check their side mirror before opening their door, to make sure a cyclist isn’t approaching.

Of course, sharing space goes both ways.  Cycling commuter Elizabeth Carson says she tries to be as considerate to drivers as possible.  “I try to ride on streets with wide shoulders, because sharing the road goes both ways.  I want to give cars enough room to pass me, and I want cars to give me enough room to not die.”

Treat a bicyclist as you would a car.  Cyclists are essentially held to the same traffic laws as motorists – right down to signalling lane changes and turns and using headlights at night.  One of the most dangerous situations occurs when a motorist attempts to pass when there is oncoming traffic.  It might appear that there is space for a cyclist to move over – but they must keep a safe distance from parked cars while trying to follow the straightest, least erratic path.

Robert Fitzgerald, board member of the Topeka Community Cycle Project (TCCP), often hears complaints from motorists about the unpredictability of cyclists.  “In my experience, this is something cyclists have to worry more about – since they aren’t the ones texting or putting on makeup or talking to the kid in the back,” he explains. “In any instance where there is a car versus bike accident, the car will win every time – it just makes sense to afford them the same courtesy.”

Don’t be overly considerate – This means not waiving your right of way – this can confuse other motorists and the cyclist in question, who will plan to go when it is their turn.  It seems like a nice gesture, but can cause more trouble than necessary – this is especially true on a four-lane road, where a motorist can wave a cyclist on, but doesn’t have control of whether the other lanes of traffic will also stop.

But don’t be a jerk. There is a special place in hell for motorists who honk and yell at cyclists. Fitzgerald asks motorists to step into the mind of a cyclist: “There is headwind, traffic, exertion, all while you’re pedalling and trying to keep your balance – honking or yelling is a distracting and hazardous activity for someone to do.”

The time it takes to take a few deep breaths and wait for a safe time to pass (maybe 30 seconds) is far superior to the possibility of an accident.  “Being honked at is startling!” Carson squeaks. “A startled cyclist can swerve or lose control and fall into a car’s path.”

Now take your newfound knowledge, and use it to avoid killing people.  And remember what you learned in preschool – share!  “We’re all on the same road,” Fitzgerald says, “So it’s just about how we get from Point A to Point B safely.”

[ republished from May 2011 print issue seveneightfive | by Melissa Sewell | photo by Ande Davis | photo illustration by Aymen Ghali ]

ArtMap_July2011

WESTBORO/MIDTOWN

Alice C Sabatini Gallery – Topeka & Shawnee County Library:

10th Annual Art Exhibit for Children: “One World, Many Stories,” photographs by Jim Richardson. Richardson is from Lindsborg, Kan. and is a National Geographic photographer.  Artwalk is 5:30 – 8:30 pm, the exhibit runs through August 12. This exhibit is supported by the Sabatini Family Foundation, the Library Foundation, and additional support from Epson Corporation. Unless he gets sent on assignment, Jim will be speaking about his art on Saturday, July 2, at 3 pm in the Marvin Auditorium at Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. For more information, 785-580-4515.

Artist Collection & Custom Framing- Fleming Place, 4039 SW 10th

Celebrating Kansas’ 150th, Artist Collection & Custom Framing is pleased to feature the largest collection of Flint Hills and Kansas photography in the area. Photo artists include John D. Morrison, Wayne Rhodus, Jim Richardson, Brad Mangas, T. Anne Smith, Susan Dunnaway, Douglas Buhler, James Nedresky, William Utech, George Jerkovich and several others.

Beauchamp’s Gallery – 3113 SW Huntoon

“The Estate and Consigment Show” Beauchamp’s summer fare will consist of an eclectic mix of artworks from local estates and individuals. Included will be two dimensional works by Robert Sudlow, Joan Foth, Jerry Gaddis, Rodney Troth, Larry Peters, Parke Vawter, Helen Hodge, Randall Exon, Mike Henry, Charles Rogers and others. In the 3-D category will be antique china, southwestern pottery, and glassware by Jon Kuhn.

The Collective Art Gallery – 3121 SW Huntoon

“Jeremy Mohler: New Work.”

Mulvane Art Museum – Washburn University

“The Art of the Brick”, by Nathan Sawaya, LEGO® brick sculptorSawaya uses LEGO® bricks as a medium because he enjoys seeing people’s reactions to artwork created from something with which they are familiar. Everyone can relate to it since it is a toy that many children have at home. It takes weeks for Sawaya to complete a life size human form. The long hours of creating a new piece brings him immense satisfaction. Besides recreating objects and buildings, which he does, brilliantly, Sawaya uses the LEGO® brick as other artists use canvas, stone, or clay: to express himself and to challenge viewers to interpret his creations. His amazing “Red, Yellow and Blue” series explores emotion through the human form, reaching an artistic level not usually associated with a toy.  Read more from seveneightfive

Soho Interiors – Westboro Mart, 3129 SW Huntoon

Soho Interiors is proud to feature native Topekan, Eric Dreyer, who finds art where others may not think to look. Dreyer explains, “Concrete surrounds us on a daily basis but is given little thought. It’s merely a nondescript building material: cold, hard and heavy.”

Using concrete as an artistic medium, Dreyer began in the mid 2000s creating modern vases. Over the years his ideas evolved, causing Eric to formulate moulds and new techniques. On display for the first time is his concrete chair. Come learn more about this unique art form and appreciate a different medium: a minimalist, versatile and reflective redefinition of concrete. Also on display, works by Cherie Smith, r.martin designs, Ron Flier, Bobbie Rieger, Traci Osborn, and Mack Schroer.

St. Francis Health Center

“Hatred Continues: the Genocide Project” by Topeka High School’s Pre-Advanced Placement English 9 and Advanced Drawing Classes.

The Woodward Inns, 1272 SW Fillmore

Featuring “Tango Milonga” at The Woodward and The Woodward Max (across the street) will host a display of photographic art by Mary Robinson, a Topeka artist and photographic art on canvas by Michael Taylor, a Lawrence artist. The Woodward and The Max will both be open from 5-9pm.

WEST & SOUTHWEST

SouthWind Gallery – 3074 SW 29th

Continuing exhibit: “The Kansas-150 Juried Art Competition” features 150 original paintings and fine art photographs by 80 artists. Plus, exhibit opening and artist reception for Margaret Buie’s “Reflections II”

DOWNTOWN/NOTO

Blue Planet Café, 110 SE 8th

On First Friday we have High Falutin String Band playing. Goode Acres will be at BPC with organic produce, goat cheese, yogurt, herb plants and artist Sharon Fouquet is the featured artist.

The BreakRoom – 911 S Kansas Ave

The Friends Of Tinkham Veale are bringing the First Friday Art Walk to the stage and giving you delicious tapas menu to order from that is as artistically delicious as all of the beautiful art on display around the city. Make The Break Room your spot for dinner every First Friday. Reservations are recommended but not required and may be made by signing up through this link.

CoreFirst Bank & Trust Gallery, 828 SW Kansas Ave

Winning photos from the Friends of the Topeka Zoo Photo Contest held recently will be display. Photographers of various ages and experience levels were invited to submit photos in several categories including animal action shots, animal portraits, landscape, spring shots at the Zoo, and black and white photos.

The Eclective – 900 N Kansas Ave.

Featuring The Eclective Artists: Renee Johnson Stainless Steel Artist, Angela Lexow Fine Art Gourds, Cora Spencer Fiber and Textiles, Pam Renovato Digital Artist, and The Iron Florist Randy Fay. Also on exhibit guest artists: Jan Jennings Silent Film Stars Series, The Craftivists, and Jennifer Somers Photographer. Also featuring (a seveneightfive favorite) “Wine’s Monk” for entertainment.

H & R Block – 726 S Kansas

Featured Artist: Local photographers, Leigh Ann Wilbur, Jennie Stucky, Dan Mauer & Larry Mah

Hazel Hill Chocolate – 724 S Kansas Ave

Work of Jennifer Gillenwater will be featured. A busy mom, author, and substance abuse counselor, Jennifer occasionally takes time out to paint. She loves to share with others, so come see!

Kansan Grill – 705 S Kansas Ave

Photography of famous Kansans

Kansas Catholic Conference, 8th & Jackson

Located in the former rectory of Assumption Church, (8th & Jackson), the KCC will be exhibiting photographs by Greg Nelson of the Church of St. Francis of Asis in Taos, New Mexico.

Lloyd Zimmer Books and Maps – 117 SW 6th Ave

“Art of the Written Word”  Featured Artist: Lloyd Zimmer

Marion Lane Candles – 713 S Kansas Ave

Featured Artist: Marti with LeCat Designs, decorative art glass jewelry and Gil Rumsey (Kansas themed paintings) and blank note cards that are pen and ink sketches from the Topeka area by Robert Jones

The Merchant –913 S Kansas Ave

Randy Temple Altered cloth Studio great watercolor/textures. His artwork is on display & for sale. With a background in watercolor/illustration, Randy’s art changed dramatically in 2005, when he was introduced to textile/mixed mediaAlso henna temporary body art. Open until 8pm

NexLynx – 123 SW 6th Avenue, Suite 100

A resident of Topeka for the majority of her life, painter and photographer Nicole M. Maddox focuses her creative energy primarily on nature and abstract art. She works with both black and white and color photography and with acrylics in painting.

Studio 831 – 831 N Kansas Ave

Featuring works of Barbara Waterman-Peters, Michael Hager, and Lois Van Lieu.

Tinkham Veale Up/Down Gallery – 909 ½ S Kansas Ave

Come celebrate your independence and exercise your right to buy great art from local talented artists. Artists this month include: Dave Navarro Jr., Staci Dawn of Staci Dawns Light, Rhonda Morris Schley, Deb Herrick, Louise Neal Pedroza, Don Shea, (seveneightfive’s own) EJ Drake, Mary Robinson, Joe Cheray, Jim Sovanski,Doug Beuhler. Additionally, take a break from the heat and cool off at The Breakroom Metro Eatery for TV Onstage. Taking the stage for two sets this Friday are Jesyca Rodenberg, Greg Garcia and Daniel Kooser.

Two Day Monthly Market – 824 N Kansas Ave

Linda Humphries is best known for her impressionist Kansas landscapes, as well as her abstract concepts. Her preference is watercolor as a medium but most recently has experimented with acrylic. Humphries was raised in Topeka with strong connections to the farming community. Most of her time was spent in the country and much of her art work springs from memories of her Father’s creation of parks from scrub land.

The Upstage Gallery – 720 SW Jackson, Historic Jayhawk Theater

The Upstage Gallery and Jayhawk Theatre collaborate artistically for the first time to present “History of the Cinema” A juried art show and competition to bring awareness of the Historical Jayhawk Theatre and to further its mission. This is the last opportunity to see the winners of this first annual competition. Prizes for overall artistic excellence were awarded: 1st place: Jan Jennings , 2nd place Keith Czechanski, 3rd place: Shanon Fouquet, Best in show: Randy L Roach, and President’s choice Renee VanGilder Johnson.

Warehouse 414 – 414 SE 2nd

“Vintage Art,” featuring some of the most important Kansas artists over the past 150 years.  A must-see show!

The First Fridays Artwalk is brought to you by ARTSConnect, Topeka’s arts organization

Relief and recovery efforts are continuing in Joplin, Missouri  since an EF-5 tornado hit the city on May 22. The death toll is now at 156 and rebuilding costs are estimated at $3 billion.

Closer to home, Reading, Kansas, a town of 250 people, was struck by an EF3 tornado on Saturday, May 21, shortly after Topekans were sent scrambling for safety due to tornado sirens. One man was killed and several injured. Damages to residential and business properties are estimated to be $2,250,000.

Hosted by 151 Entertainment and Deuce Alley Productions the benefit will feature music by Josh Vowell & the Rumble, Urban Safari, Simply Driven, and The Rob Wade Band. DJ 151will provide the Latin flavor, and hip hop artist Dalima will perform his latest hits. Comedy relief will be provided by Austin Wright and King Louie Hidalgo III.

Food will also be available throughout the evening, catered by Los Charros Mexican Restaurant and attendees can purchases chances to win items and services donated by Topeka-area businesses and merchants.

Attendees must be 21 & over to enter and will be asked to make a $5 minimum donation at the door.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the event or donating merchandise for the raffle please contact Steve Alley at 785-969-7879 or Ronald Ruiz  785-817-4042.

It’s not a new concept, but the term “New Topeka” itself is rather new. It’s a term that is used precisely and carefully, but always carries a nuance of revolutionary sentiment. It’s a phrase with a purpose. And it’s becoming an oft-used part of the lexicon of our city.

Do you know who Chad Manspeaker is? If you don’t, you probably don’t live in District 6 (encompassing the entirety of the College Hill District near Washburn’s campus) where Manspeaker is a newly elected City Councilperson. The fellow is a relatively young man, in his thirties, with a glimmer in his eye, two young and sassy daughters, an opinionated and intelligent wife and a son on his way into the world equipped, even in utero, I imagine, with orator skills that are inherent in a genealogical line carrying the name “Manspeaker.”

Watching Manspeaker’s city council campaign unfold on social networks, the Twitter, the Facebook, was like seeing an Obama-like figure climb the status ladder. He became an icon of liberal-minded 20 and 30-somethings in Topeka. They kept saying those words when they spoke of him: “New Topeka, #newtopeka, this [he] is the New Topeka.”

Manspeaker ran on a “New Topeka” platform. His campaign buttons declared it. Is this a new political party? A movement? An ideology? Yes, yes and yes. Sort of. Depending on your perspective.

Manspeaker, along with activist and man-about-town Karl Fundenberger and local architect and outspoken proponent of “New Topeka,” Zach Snethen, coined the phrase in 2009. It started as a joke, says Manspeaker.

“We were going to change Topeka,” he says. “It’s supposed to be more about imagination, not concrete. It’s not about living within confines, but getting outside the box. It’s a little complicated, but not really.”

One thing is for sure: the phrase “New Topeka,” if you use it, implicates the user has a pride in the city. It’s a trained eye on the city. The discovery of a new gyro joint, is New Topeka. An afternoon on the porch on a block in the central part of the city where old homes radiate the city’s storied history, is New Topeka. A packed dance floor on a Thursday night, is New Topeka. The bio on the Twitter account with the handle “@newtopeka” states ambiguously, “It starts anywhere and ends everywhere.”

“It’s a mentality – a community that is built from all over creates a diverse, proud and vibrant Topeka. It’s as much sitting on your porch with friends and family as it is any place or structure,” explains Snethen. “It’s different for everyone, but it’s a collective mindset as why one has chosen to put down roots and not just call Topeka home, but make it home.”

Members of Think Big Topeka, an organization founded to lure Google and its fiber project to Topeka, messaged me on Twitter to explain their ideas of “New Topeka.”

“To me, #newtopeka is a progressive state of mind. It’s not being told ‘that’s not the way we do it,’ ” says Alissa Sheley.

“#newtopeka is something we can all be proud of –  old, young, conservative, liberal, all races. It’s defined by a new zeitgeist,” says Marc Limon.

The Boobie Trap, which I think deserves “New Topeka” status although its doors have been open since the old days of 1993, has a dance night called “Resistance,” which was started in the summer of 2010 and is raging every Thursday night with electronica/DJ music, drinking, dancing and general carousing. I thought I’d get some good answers to the question of “What is New Topeka?” – this ethereal label – among the city’s youth.

The answers I got weren’t always informed. A 22-year-old brunette Washburn student with dangly earrings who declined to give me her name, said that New Topeka is “all that stuff they’re trying to do downtown, like making it artsy and narrowing the street.”

The brunette continued on, telling me that Topeka is trying to be like Lawrence, which is impossible.

“My worst nightmare is getting stuck in Topeka for the rest of my life.” In the background, a teeming dance floor rolled with the beats issued forth by DJ Josh “LeTrouble” Luttrell. “There’s nothing to do here,” she finished.

That, I can say with confidence, is not New Topeka.

Let’s step out of the bar and into the City Council chambers. Here is what a few of our city leaders think about “New Topeka”:

“To me, it means the new approach many Topekans are taking about their city. They are no longer looking what Topeka has been in the past, but appreciating what it is today and what it can become,” says Larry Wolgast, District 5 City Councilperson. “There is an excitement among many folks as they learn that there is a new attitude and confidence about our city. We have pride in what Topeka is today and will become tomorrow.”

Karen Hiller, District 1 City Councilperson, referenced Topeka’s ascension in a Gallup poll of small cities on overall well-being of the citizens:

“Topeka jumped from the 178th city in the country to 30th in overall sense of well-being in one year.  We finished 3rd in the country in emotional health…physical health, 5th…and life evaluation, 14th.  Those numbers are not only great, but they demonstrate the momentum and great spirit we have right now.”

“To me, ‘New Topeka’ means several things, but above all, it means visionary leadership.   Leadership that is focused on accountability and transparency in city government. We want leaders that serve as role models who reinforce ethics, values and results,” says Bob Archer, District 7 City Councilperson.

That idea of transparency has been labeled “New Topeka.” Here’s a tweet from Chad Manspeaker’s City Council handle on Twitter:

“@Topcity6: Don’t forget to tune into Channel 4 tonight at 6pm to watch the first live broadcast of a JEDO meeting. Transparency delivered. #newtopeka”

The Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) meetings had never been televised before, and some called this “#oldtopeka.”

Criticism of the city government came heavily on social networks and online after the handling of “Scrapgate,” the burglary and sale of scrap metal from a construction site by city employees. The details of the crime weren’t initially issued to the public, and much of the handling of the case, and the fate of city manager Norton Bonaparte’s job, took place behind closed doors in private city council “executive sessions.” When the “Topeka Capital-Journal” requested documents concerning the “scrapgate” case, they were denied, told that the documents were classified as private. The whole scandal was as murky as the Kaw.

Manspeaker, newly elected to the District 6 seat, says he’s trying to battle an “Old Topeka” mindset, the closed doors, the tendency to leave some out of the conversation.

“We frame the discussion in “New Topeka” when we talk about things now. The barriers are what drove me to run for office,” says Manspeaker. “New Topeka is not singular, it encompasses everything. If we’re going to grow as a community, we need to have everyone at table. It should be an all-inclusive resort.”

Don’t be deterred by the politics – “New Topeka” can be used to describe things that are a lot more lighthearted, too. Jim Ogle, general manager of TV station WIBW, wrote this tweet last year during the ReThink Topeka event, High Noon: “Downtown Topeka is alive with music! Way to Go ReThink Topeka! Musicians on every street corner! #tbt #newtopeka #wibw #1G4Topeka”

When news that Bobo’s Drive-In would open a second location off Wanamaker surfaced, some on Twitter labeled that event #newtopeka. A discussion about public art being a crime deterrent, had the hashtag, #newtopeka. New Topeka is #swag, it’s cheap beer and old neighborhood bars. It’s making Kiplinger’s Top Ten list, it’s eating and shopping at locally-owned establishments.

“Big development is not New Topeka,” says Manspeaker.

People aren’t ready to pin the phrase down with a definition. It’s still fluid. But from my little foray into the world of people who acknowledge and sometimes use the label, I’ve found that it is twofold: New Topeka is pride in the city and a determination to change it for the positive.

On April 9 this year, according to Hashtags.org, the use of the hashtag “#newtopeka” spiked. On that day, during the 2nd Annual ReThink Topeka exhibition, the label “New Topeka” was tossed around like a handmade banner in the winds of change on the corner of 7th and Kansas, with people walking by in droves, enjoying the city, swelling with pride.

[ republished from June 1 - July 15 print issue seveneightfive | story by Leah Sewell | photo by Zach Snethen | illustration by Aymen Ghali ]

“One hundred and fifty year birthdays only come once in a lifetime,” said Kathy Smith of ARTSConnect, one of the organizers. “We knew that as the capital city, we needed to do something to celebrate.  A core group came together and realized that we could do something special for our community if each of us did something.  That is how the concept of Savor Kansas was created.  The original plan was to have events over a 4-day weekend, but once all of the people and groups who wanted to participate were put together, we ended up with a month-long celebration.”

The first event begins on Friday, May 27, with the Red, White and Blue Barbeque competition at the Kansas Expocentre, hosted by the Arab Swiners, the BBQ club of the Arab Shrine Temple. Events continue throughout the month, everything from a Negro Baseball League tournament, to a 24 hour playwriting festival, art exhibits, bike trail rides and Saturday tours with great titles like “For God’s Sake Take Cover!” and “Homegrown But Rotten Outlaws Tour”  Wrapping up Savor Kansas is an auction of the artwork selected to be a part of the Kansas 150 Competition at Southwind Gallery on Saturday, June 25.

Collaborators include: Visit Topeka, ARTSConnect, Southwind Gallery, WIBW-TV, Frye-Allen, The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, WIBW Radio, Warehouse 414, the Topeka Art Guild, the Upstage Gallery, seveneightfive magazine, Downtown Topeka, Inc., Kansas Network to Freedom,  Topeka Magazine,  Mulvane Art Museum, Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy, Ad Astra Theatre Ensemble, the Arab Shrine Temple  and many more groups and individuals.   For a complete calendar of events, go to www.savorkansas.com.

[logo by FryeAllen | contributed by Savor Kansas ]

Our neighbors to the east were struck by an EF5 tornado on Sunday, May 22. At the time of this posting, the death toll was at 125 and the damage is estimated at at $3 billion dollars.

It may be just a drop in the bucket, or the tip jar, but bar-goers are encouraged to skip a beer, shot or cocktail and donate the cash to the relief  efforts by placing them in the bartenders’ tip jar.  seveneightfive magazine will also have a tip jar for donations at each participating bar. For more information please visit the event’s Facebook page.