My early Saturday mornings are pretty predictable. At about 8:30 am I show up at a local McDonald’s for breakfast. This morning for some reason I got to thinking about my preference for this particular unit. After all, they all serve pretty much the same food at all McDonald’s locations.

As I thought about it, the best explanation that surfaced was that of the two Micky D restaurants that are about equally distant from my home, I feel most comfortable in the McDonald’s located at 5606 East Central. Other the other unit provides the same quality food and customer service, but at this store, Loretta (manager), Charlene (cashier) and Linda (dining room attendant) are more than just names on a badge. Somehow they have become become ‘real people,’ who even though it’s just for purposes of obtaining my breakfast I enjoy seeing. I like seeing them because they seem to like seeing me, and they remember who I am. When I take my meal to the dining room, there are customers with whom I exchange greetings even if in some cases it is just to nod our heads to recognize each others’ presence. Not quite like “Cheers” of TV sitcom fame because I don’t everyone’s name and they don’t know mine, but when I sit in the dining room many of the other customers have become ‘real people.’ I get a feeling that somehow my relationship with the folks in this restaurant is something more than a simple business transaction or being in the same place at the same time.

If you are looking for entertainment during this holiday season, check out the All About Wichita Calendar.

‘Tis The Season

The above cartoon by Pat Bagley of the Salt Lake Tribune sort of summarizes how I feel about this Christmas season. Actually, it’s not just the Christmas holidays, but every one of them. Buy! Buy! Buy to celebrate the birth of the Christian’s savior. Buy! Buy! Buy to honor a vet. Buy! Buy! Buy to honor a Martin Luther King. It seems like every major holiday needs to be celebrated by spending money. If nothing else, we are told, if the American consumer (who supposedly drives 70% of the US economy) spends, spends, and spends some more the economy will bounce back and to quote a song lyric from the Great Depression, “Happy Days {will be} here again. Wow! What I don’t understand, however, his how buying something that one does not need and was most likely not made in the USA economically helps the majority of people in this country.

Frankly, in this time of economic pain for many of our fellow citizens, there seems to be something wrong with this concept, particularly given that my extended family’s basic needs are being more than adequately met. Therefore, this holiday season, I am going to do something different. I am going to limit the gifts to $25 gift cards per person and I am going to purchase the cards at one or more local stores. It’s been shown that a greater percent of the money spent in locally owned businesses stays in and benefits the local community. The money that I would normally have spent (probably an extra $100 per person) will be donated to several local charities. This will be above and beyond the amount that I normally contribute this time of year.

I am not sure why I am making this gesture. I think that part of it is that I am getting tired of being seen as nothing more than a greedy and mindless consumer. Another part is a desire to be a helping part of my community, and very possibly when I see the need of those less fortunate, I think, “There but for the grace of God …”

In any event, I am certain that not everyone will want to adopt my minimalist holiday season. However, if anyone is looking to donate to one or more worthy causes, here is a list of organizations that can use your help.

Other deserving organizations can be found on our list of links to non-profit organizations.

If you are looking for entertainment during this holiday season, check out the All About Wichita Calendar.

Wichita Featured in Dwell Magazine

We were surprised and delighted to find that there’s an 8-page feature article about downtown Wichita in the latest issue of Dwell magazine. The October 2011 issue of Dwell is now available at area bookstores and magazine stores. The magazine specializes in architecture and design and describes itself as “at home in the modern world.”

The table of contents describes the feature, Building Community. “A visit to Wichita, Kansas, reveals a vibrant arts community – and the Finn lofts, a modern 25-unit building by El Dorado Inc. We peek inside three units to see how residents have made the light-filled, brick-walled spaces their own.” It also includes photos of other downtown sites, including the Fisch Haus.

While we may take issue with the accuracy of some of the text, the photos are great and all in all, it’s great coverage for Wichita, Kansas.

Kansas State Fair

The Kansas State Fair begins this Friday. This annual event which is held at the State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson offers something for most anyone. Events include carnival rides, grandstand musical performances, agricultural and other Competitions, and food. Dates are all day September 8 thru September 16.

Fall FloraKansas Plant Sale

Now that the temperatures have gotten out of the triple digits, it’s time to think about gardening, specifically fall planting. For those who need to restock plants which didn’t survive this summer’s combination of high heat and little water the Dyck Arboretum‘s Flora Kansas offers the opportunity to purchase plants that are best planted in the Fall. FloraKansas is the largest native plant sale in Kansas and offers hard-to-find native and adaptable plants. Hundreds of varieties of plants are available, many locally grown. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers are on hand to answer questions and give suggestions. The public portion of the sale is 8:00 am to 7:00 pm Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturday, and 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday.

9/11 Unity Gathering

Sunday offers a September 11^th Memorial Service. The public is invited to a community wide “9/11 Unity Gathering” filled with music and centered around three words: remembrance, struggle and hope. This event is for people of all religious traditions, spiritualties, or convictions. The event will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Andover. There will be performances by Friends University’s Singing Quakers, Hesston College’s Bel Canto Choir and Newman University’s Troubadours. Also performing will be internationally acclaimed baritone soloist Anthony Brown, Jakub Omsky principle cellist of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and Hindu Dancers. The service begins at 3:00 pm. Sponsors are Global Faith in Action and Peacing It Together Foundation.

If you are looking for other things to do, check out the All About Wichita Calendar.

We apologize for the length of time since our last post.

We took a road trip to Maine for a family reunion. Liz and I stayed with my sister at her farmhouse in Brooklin. Brooklin is a small town on the coast in an area that is traditionally known as Down East. As a youngster (about 55 years ago) I used to spend summers on my grandfather’s farm in Brooksville which is the next town over, so this trip was an opportunity for me to revisit family and scenes of my past.

One place that was a “must do” for both Liz and me was the Bagaduce Lunch. If you like seafood, this is a place for you. They serve lobster rolls, crab rolls, scallops, and fried clams. Everything is “take out” though you can eat your meal down back on picnic tables set along the Bagaduce River. I have been eating at the Bagaduce Lunch since the early 1950s when I started spending my summers in Maine. Liz has been eating there since the summer of 1964 when we spent our honeymoon in Brooksville. It’s great food, which is even more enjoyable when you are surrounded by family and old friends.

Although not part of my ancient past, another tradition when we visit Maine is Nervous Nellies which is located on Big Deer Isle. When we visit, we always enjoy coffee or tea and scones. Of course, what makes the scones particularly outstanding is the assortment of wonderful jams and jellies you can spread on them. As a result, there were two cases of assorted jams and jellies in the car on our drive back to Kansas. One of them belonged to my daughter, and she was really lucky that I gave it back to her when we arrived back in Wichita. As we only get back to Maine about every five to seven years, we fill our hunger for Nervous Nellies products by ordering one or two cases just before Christmas every year.

A significant part of the Nervous Nellies experience is seeing the sculptures by Peter Beerits which are placed throughout the grounds. We have posted a slide show featuring some, but by no means all, of his works.

Good News! Mayor Carl Brewer announced today that from October 1 through November 15, 2011, the Wichita Public Library will host The Big Read. The Big Read is a National Endowment for the Arts initiative that centers on an entire community reading the same book. This year’s The Big Read will focus on The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien. Information about the book may be found on the The Big Read – Wichita website.

So as to include young people in The Big Read, the following related books were selected by the Big Read-Wichita partnership:

• Pre-K and early elementary: The Wall by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Ronald Himler;
• Late elementary: The Buddha’s Diamonds by Carolyn Marsden and Thay Phap Niem
• Middle school: Escape from Saigon: How a Vietnam War Orphan Became an American Boy by Andrea Warren.

The Big Read – Wichita Kickoff will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Wichita Art Museum. Author Tim O’Brien will appear at Wichita State University’s Hughes Metropolitan Complex from 7-8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3. There is no charge for admission to either event. Other free activities include book discussions at area libraries. We’ll update the All About Wichita Calendar as new events are announced.

The NEA presents The Big Read in cooperation with Arts Midwest. Kudos to the Wichita Public Library for its fourth The Big Read grant!

If you are looking for things to do, check out the All About Wichita Calendar.

Nicholas, is still missing. Haven’t had any sightings for the last week. There was a story in the Wichita Eagle about a week ago that told about a dog who was missing and returned to his owners after five years, so Liz and I continue to hope for his safe return. Just a reminder, should you see a large, black, shaggy poodle, please contact City of Wichita Animal Control before calling us. Their phone number is (316) 350-3360. They will probably be more successful at capturing him that we would.

You have no doubt heard about the tornados that struck Joplin, MO about a week ago. The animal shelter there will need help and support as there will be many displaced animals. If you can offer temporary shelter to some of these companions, please contact Patricia.Morriss. For those who don’t know her, Pat is well known in the community for her animal rescue efforts through Lifeline Animal Placement and Protection, Inc. (LAPP). LAPP saves animals that have been abandoned, abused or were relinguished by their owners. The kennel also tries to rescue animals from other over-flowing shelters to save them from being euthanized. LAPP does not euthanize animals.

Just a reminder that tomorrow is Final Friday. As the name suggests, Final Friday happens the last Friday of each month. Art galleries, museums,restaurants and retail shops around Wichita stay open late and welcome visitors.

This is Memorial Day weekend. The Wichita Wind Ensemble will help you get an early start with a Patriotic Pops Concert. This hour long event will be great opportunity for the entire family to enjoy performances honoring veterans and America. There will two Saturday concerts, one at 3:00 pm and one at 8:00 pm. They will be held at Friends University’s Sebits Auditorium. Tickets are available at the door.

There are other events. Check out the All About Wichita Calendar for a much more complete listing.

Our big black standard poodle, Nicholas, is still missing. Nicky, who is unclipped and looks like a labradoodle, was seen about a week ago by the Eastborough pond. Last Friday, I was called out to see a black poodle-like dog which was running loose in College Hill, but it wasn’t Nicky. Just a reminder, should you see a dog who looks like Nicky, please contact City of Wichita Animal Control before calling us. Their phone number is (316) 350-3360. I was told by an animal control officer at the Shelter that if a licensed dog is brought in, they will contact the owner, and my experience so far is that every time I arrive at a Nicky sighting, the dog is no longer in the area. Our search is discouraging, but several animal control people have said that sometimes dogs are found after several months on the loose. Liz and I continue to live in hope.

If you are looking for a way to keep your kids reading during the summer, get them involved in the Wichita Public Library‘s summer reading programs. These programs accommodate beginning readers to teenagers. Participants can sign up beginning May 26. There are two programs to choose form – one for all ages and another for teens.

The Summer Reading Program for Kids is for babies to age 17 and begins with a free kick-off party at the Central Library. This year’s theme is “One World, Many Stories.” Participants set their own reading goals; upon meeting them, they win prizes, including a free book. Any books kids read on their own, to another person, or have read to them count towards their goal. Last year, more than 11,000 youth participated. In addition to the reading program, kids can enjoy free storytelling, music, dance, magic, and other events at locations throughout the city. See http://www.wichita.lib.ks.us or your library for a complete list.

The Teens Read Summer Program is for ages 12-17 or kids entering grades 6-12. This year’s theme is “You Are Here.” Teens enter to win prizes based on the amount of time spent reading. Grand prizes include a $100 Visa gift card, $50 Visa gift cards, and an Amazon Kindle. All teens who read at least three hours earn a free book! In addition, participating teens enjoy free book parties, robotics, animation, gaming, and other events at locations throughout the city. See http://www.wichita.lib.ks.us or your library for a complete list.

Liz and I are great fans of public libraries. As many of you know, Liz does a children’s books website for About.com, which is part of The New York Times Company. To get an idea of the value of libraries, see her article Save Money at Your Public Library.

There are a number of activities this week that particularly piqued our interest this week.

First, while we are talking about library programs, Liz and I would like to note that the Friends of the Wichita Public Library in partnership with Book-A-Holic, is holding a four-day used book sale this week. The event is being held at the Book-A-Holic warehouse located behind the store at 601 N. West Street. Hours are 9 am to 6 pm Thursday through Saturday and 12 pm to 5 pm Sunday. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Wichita Public Library.

On Friday evening, you can join chamber music enthusiasts for an evening of “FUNraising.” This is a fund raiser for Chamber Music at the Barn. There will be a variety of live music, great food, door prize drawings, and opportunities to purchase $10 contest tickets to “win big.” Yes, one lucky winner could win $20,000. The evening will culminate with the showing of Charlie Chaplin’s silent movie, “The Kid,” with original music score for chamber orchestra by Arri Simon, performed live. This fund raiser will be held at Prairie Pines. Additional information is available at the Chamber Music at the Barn website.

This Friday through Sunday, the Wichita Wingnuts play the El Paso Diablos. Games are at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Game times are 7:05 pm on Friday and Saturday with a 5:05 pm start on Sunday. Information about tickets and seating can be found at the Wingnut website.

There are too many events to list individually. Check out the All About Wichita Calendar for a much more complete listing.

Regrettably, Nicholas is still missing. He hasn’t been seen for about a week now. Yesterday Liz got a call from someone at the Shelter who told her that they thought they had just taken custody of a dog matching Nicky’s description. We were thrilled because both of us assumed that they got our phone number from his license tag. As it turns out, however, the dog somewhat matched the description on one of the flyers we had posted on their bulletin board. The really nice thing about the call, even though it was a false alarm, is that someone at the Shelter took the time to try an match a dog to an owner’s description. As I noted in an earlier post, some of the folks working at the Shelter take an “above and beyond” interest in seeing animals reunited with their human companions. We would like to express our appreciation for their extra interest. We would also like to express our appreciation for our “neighbors,” both near and far who have patrolled their neighborhoods looking for Nicky.

Just a reminder, should you see a dog who looks like Nicky please contact City of Wichita Animal Control before calling us. Their phone number is (316) 350-3360. I was told by an animal control officer at the Shelter that if a licensed dog is brought in, they will contact the owner, and my experience so far is that every time I arrive at a Nicky sighting the dog is no longer in the area.

There are a number of featured activities this week.

The first event of note is the Second Annual Wichita Highland Games and Celtic Festival which will be held Saturday and Sunday at Sedgwick County Park. Hours are 10:00 am to 6:00 pm each day. Events include heavy athletics, Celtic music, crafters, food and other entertainment. We suspect that if you were to attend you might even hear some bag pipers playing “Scotland The Brave.” Tickets are available at the door.

It being the planting season, let us remind you that Saturday is the last day for the Dyck Arboretum’s Flora Kansas. Customers will find plants adapted to Kansas’ challenging climate at affordable prices. Purchases will help support the Arboretum’s mission. Liz and I have several plants we purchased at Flora Kansas, and they have thrived for many years in our yard’s hard Kansas clay, wet springs and arid summers.

The last we heard, tickets were still available for Arts Partners Tunes on the Tarmac fundraiser. Enjoy a Sterling Silver tenderloin dinner, drinks, and delicious cakes on every table. Hand-painted martini glasses with the event’s signature martinis will be available. Chances are you will find something you can’t live without in the auction of great “experiences” and unique items. Then dance to Wichita’s own Blue-Eyed Soul! This fun event is held in a Midwest Corporate Aviation hanger. The event commences at 6:30 pm and ends at 11:00 pm. Check the web site or call (316) 262-4771 for ticketing information.

Also on Saturday, the Great Plains Traveling Vaudeville Show will be featured at the McPherson Opera House. This show is a world premier! A band of talented Kansas performers will present a turn-of-the-century (talking early 20th here) vaudeville show. Fast paced action includes music, comedy, skits, and declamations. Showtime is 7:00 pm. Ticketing information is available at the Opera House web site.

Lastly, on Sunday we have two fundraisers. The timing seems to be such that, if you are so inclined, you could attend both. First, at 2:00 pm Music Theatre of Wichita is sponsoring Kelli O’Hara in Concert at Century II Concert Hall. Then, at 5:30 pm Old Cowtown Museum offers a BBQ Dinner & Auction Fundraiser. Additional information about both events may be found at the respective sponsors’ web sites.

If none of the above events appeal, check out the All About Wichita Calendar to see if there are any other events that may be of interest to you.

Nicholas is still missing. However, at 8:00 this morning, I received a phone call indicating that he had been seen the College Hill neighborhood at 3rd and Roosevelt. I am very confident in the sighting because the caller described the dog she had seen in great detail down to the color of his dog tag. Of course by the time I got there, he had disappeared. Liz and I probably spent a combined three to four hours cruising the neighborhood but to no avail. Should you see Nicky please contact City of Wichita Animal Control before calling us. Their phone number is (316) 350-3360. I was told by an animal control officer at the Shelter that if a licensed dog is brought in, they will contact the owner.

I really appreciated the call about Nicholas. However, I was also fascinated by the sense that I was part of a larger caring community. The caller patronizes “My McDonalds” at Central and Edgemoor. Liz and/or I eat breakfast there several days a week. The store has let us put signs about Nicky on their door. I know most of the morning crew and many of the regular customers by sight and a couple by name. My caller is one of the requlars whose name I do not know. Since Nicky went missing, she has always made it a point to ask about our search when we have seen each other. In addition, totally unsolicited, she offered to canvas the neighborhood this evening and to keep an eye out for Nicky when she walks her dog. I partially attribute this care and kindness to the relationship we share through the sense of community that results from regular though mostly impersonal contact at breakfast.

There are a number of featured activities this week.

First, Bethel College presents Wit Thursday through Saturday. The play follows the last hours of a single, middle-aged academic and Donne scholar, Vivian Bearing, as she is dying of ovarian cancer after undergoing an experimental and aggressive regime of chemotherapy. Performances are at the Krehbiel Fine Arts Center at 7:30 pm. Ticketing information is available at (316) 283-2500.

Starting Thursday and continuing through Sunday the St. James Episcopal Church Guild Hall Players present The Stories of Ruth. This musical sensitively tells the inspiring Biblical story of the young woman Ruth as she left her home to go with her widowed mother-in-law Naomi to return to Bethlehem and become one of history’s great role models of faith and devotion. The story of Ruth is one of only two books in the Bible told from a woman’s perspective. It is also unusual in that its title character was a Gentile convert who became the great grandmother of King David and was in the line of Jesus. Thursday through Saturday curtain time is 8:00 pm. Sunday curtain is at 7:00 pm. Tickets may be obtained by contacting the Church’s office at (316) 683-5686.

Prairie Rose Western Days is Friday through Sunday. This event is an annual festival focusing on the old west. The festival has activities for all ages, providing equal emphasis on both entertainment and history. Each year, we feature activities such as cowboy music, cowboy poets, trick ropers, Indian dancers, gunfighters, reenactors, rides, historical seminars, artists and craftsmen, classic cowboy movies, and much more! The venue is at Prairie Rose Chuckwagon in Benton, KS. See the website for further details.

On Saturday and Sunday the Friends of the Wichita Art Museum host the 52nd Annual Art, Book and Craft Fair. Each year, the Fair focuses on the presentation of high-quality arts and crafts handmade by artisans around the country. Over 80 artists will be selling original art including paintings, drawings, photography, prints, jewelry, ceramics and sculpture as well as one of a kind crafts. This year, for the first time, there will be several musical performers who will be performing throughout the weekend. The Fair will also feature several speakers who are well known artists and art scholars in the community.

Check out the All About Wichita Calendar to see if there are any other events that may be of interest to you.

Congratulations to the Wichita State University men’s basketball team for winning the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) title! The NIT is the nation’s oldest tournament. Winning this game earned the WSU team two firsts. The tournament win is WSU’s first-ever championship in a national basketball tournament. Also, this was the 2010-2011 team’s 29th win of the season, which is sets a single season record. For more information about the game, see the Wichita Eagle.

Local elections will be held April 5th but early voting is also an option. You owe it to yourself and the community to be an informed voter. Voting is both a privilege and a responsibility. You can be an informed voter by reading about the candidates. It’s easy. Just go to The Voter Guide and enter your street address and zip code to find out about candidates running in your district.

In terms of things to do and see for the week, you can celebrate April Fool’s Day with live music at a variety of venues participating in this month’s First Friday.

If you have small children, they’ll be thrilled to know that Sesame Street Live ~ Elmo’s Healthy Heroes will be at Intrust Bank Arena (IBA) from Friday April 1 through Sunday April 3. Performance times and ticketing information may be found on the IBA web site.

If you love 50s and 60s pop and rock, make plans to go and enjoy The Marvelous Wonderettes, the jukebox musical at Cabaret Oldtown on Friday and Saturday nights through May 28. The Cabaret web site provides ticketing information.

Calling All Chocolate Lovers! Saturday, April 2, is an evening to die for when Exploration Place presents its annual Death by Chocolate benefit. If you are eating chocolate to support Exploration Place, it can’t have any calories, can it? Check out the EP web site for more info.

Are You A Glee Fan? If so, you won’t want to miss Glee: The Melodrama at the Mosley Street Melodrama, March 31 through May 21.

If melodrama is not to your liking, but you love Glee, or you just love the sound of a good men’s chorus, you’ll want to catch the Heart of America Men’s Chorus show, Don’t Stop Believin’!: The Music Of Glee. Shows are on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon at Plymouth Congregational Church. Check out the Chorus web site for times and pricing.

Bartlett Arboretum celebrates spring this weekend with Art at the Arb. The event features music, art and Victorian garden landscapes. Thirty distinctive artists will be showcasing twig furniture, vintage garden antiques, photography, hand-made birdhouses and artifacts – all in consort with Bartlett Arboretum’s organic mission – simplify to restore the soul and soil. Music begins at 12:00 pm each day.

If that’s not enough, there’s tons more on the All About Wichita Calendar. Check out what’s coming and don’t forget to VOTE!

Céad Míle Fáilte, which is Gaelic for a hundred thousand welcomes! Over the next week to ten days, many in Wichita will be celebrating their “Irishness,” whether they have a genetic connection with “auld sod” or not.

Starting things off are two running events on Saturday, March 12. In Hesston, Dyck Arboretum of the Plains is sponsoring the Leprechaun Chase, which is a two mile event for walkers, joggers, or runners. Additional features include games, a shamrock search, informational activities and food. The race starts at 10:00 am, with registration beginning at 9:15 am.

Here in Wichita, the 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s 5K Run/Walk will be held on March 12, with an 8:30 am start time. Registration begins at 7:30 am. The run will start and end at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium and is being coordinated by RUN WICHITA. This family-friendly run/walk will involve a flat course along the beautiful Arkansas River, adjacent to the Historic Delano district. in addition to the race, other highlights include a costume contest, a bagpipe performance by the Wichita Caledonian Pipes and Drums Band and food.

After the March 12th run, the Historic Delano 5th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will commence at high noon. I have been trying to figure out whether I want to march in the parade wearing my St. Paddy’s Day costume (Yeah, I even wear it to work!) or whether I would rather take pictures. At this point, photography seems to be winning. For those who are interested, we have posted a slide show of last year’s parade.

Finally, on March 17th, the day itself, the Annual Blarney Breakfast will be held at Old Chicago East. Hours are 6:00 am through 10:00 am. The event is a fund raiser for Rainbows United and offers you the opportunity to have your breakfast served to you by one or more Wichita celebrities. During the breakfast, you also have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction. I don’t know what will be in this year’s auction, but in the past bidders have had the opportunity to bid on team basketballs signed by current WSU, KU, and KSU team members. Lastly, if you come around 7:00 am, you will have the opportunity to see me in my green outfit. Got to tell you, it’s worth the sight! I must look like a harmless leprechaun because I have been asked to pose with babies and young children.

Added Friday, March 11 for an additional St. Patrick Day event. The Corry Academy of Irish Dance will perform traditional Irish dances some with a modern twist at GracePoint Church on March 17. The show begins at 7:30. The two-hour program will also include vocal and instrumental music. Ticketing information is available at (316) 641-8460.

If you are looking for things to do, please visit our events calendar. The spring college athletic season just started, and we just recently updated our calendar to include most games played by local colleges.