(Blog Monday 9/6/2010)

Recap: First of all, Liz and I hope that everyone had a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend.

This week ended on a sad note for the Kennedy household. We had to put our Labrador Retriever, Gracie, down Sunday morning. She had been with us for over twelve years. Putting a companion animal down is the most difficult decision a “best friend” can make, so Liz and I would like to thank the staff at the Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital of Wichita for the sensitivity they have consistently shown us. Gracie was the third dog we have had to take there to begin a passage to Rainbow Bidge, and the staff has always made a difficult process somewhat easier.

Gracie was another of our faithful canine companions who came with a story. In her case, she was living in an abandoned railroad car in Andale. After a brief and disruptive stay with my daughter, she came to live with us. She was as out-of-control as was Marley in the book, Marley and Me. However, Liz and I persevered, and Gracie matured to the point where there is now a very empty spot in our home and hearts. Even Rogan, from whom she consistently stole snacks, dinners, and toys, seems to be somewhat lost without her.

This last week, Liz attended the monthly meeting of Wichita Professional Communicators. The guest speaker, Bill Gardner of Gardner Design and LogoLounge.com gave a fascinating presentation on current trends in logo design.

What’s Coming September 6 – September 12, 2010: Events of potential interest going on in Wichita and surrounding communities this week.

Wichita Community Theatre opens its 2010-2011 season with Almost Maine, which, according to the New York Times, is a “…a whimsical approach to the joys and perils of romance. Magical happenings bloom beneath the snowdrifts.” Showtimes are Wednesday through Saturday at 8:00 pm and Sunday at 7:00 pm. Tickets are available by calling (316) 686-1282 or at the Community Theatre box office.

This weekend, the Salina Community Theatre begins its’ 50^th season with Hello, Dolly. Full of memorable songs, this production takes you on a whirlwind race around The Big Apple at the turn of the twentieth century. while following the adventures of America’s most beloved matchmaker. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm. Ticketing information is available at the Community Theatre website.

On Friday, the Kansas State Fair opens. As in the past, this year’s Fair has a bit of everything – a world class midway, agricultural and educational displays, grand stand entertainment, and much more. The State fair is a piece of Americana and not to be missed. The Fair runs through Sunday, September 19. A schedule of all events and ticketing information can be found at the Fair’s website.

Flora Kansas is on Saturday (8:00 am to 4:00 pm) and Sunday (12:00 pm to 4:00 pm). Sponsored by the Dyck Arboretum, this event is subtitled, “The Great Plains Plant Bazaar” It is the largest native plant sale in Kansas and offers hundreds of varieties of hard-to-find native and adaptable plants, many locally grown. In addition, knowledgeable staff and volunteers are on hand to answer questions and give suggestions. For additional information including a list of available plants, visit the Dyck website.

Lastly, Saturday night is “Zoobilee,” the Sedgwick County Zoo‘s annual fund raiser. The event, which lasts from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am, features great food from a number of Wichita’s restaurants, dancing to the New Orleans beat of The Iguanas, and both silent and live auctions. Tickets may be obtained online at the Zoo’s website.

There are still more things to do. Check the All About Wichita calendar for additional events and exhibits that we didn’t have the room to list here. In the meanwhile, have a good week.