Liz and I are big supporters of the Kansas Humane Society. Over the years, we have adopted three dogs from that pet rescue organization. All have proven to be faithful and loyal canine companions. The most recent is Henry, (see photo), who was described as being a Tibetan Terrier. That’s why we were delighted to hear about three April fundraising events to benefit the KHS. Please note that the KHS doesn’t receive funding other than what it raises on its’ own.

You can walk/run in a race, go bowling, or sit and watch a roller derby bout – your choice. Details are below.

If you are looking for other sources of entertainment, check out the All About Wichita Calendar.

The family celebrated my 70^th birthday this last weekend. My actual birthday is March 2^nd which puts me in good company, specifically Theodor Seuss Geisel who is otherwise known as Dr. Suess. In terms of a newsworthy anniversary, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in an NBA game 50 years ago this last Friday.

This was a particularly family-oriented celebration in that unknown to me, my son and his wife flew in from Portland, Oregon. Our daughter, Ele, who coordinated the weekend, had called and told us that she and her husband were taking the day off to help us celebrate and to meet them on at 9:00 a.m. at Jimmy’s Diner to start the festivities. Although Liz knew beforehand, I was truly surprised when Bert and Cheri walked in with Ele and Charles.

There were lots of highlights over the three-day celebration. My 11 year old granddaughter baked my birthday cake, a devil’s food cake with chocolate frosting. Of course, there was great food all weekend long including meals at China Inn, Il Vichino’s, Jimmy’s Diner, and River City Brewery. But one of the best meals was at Ele and Charles’s house where Charles grilled mouth-watering hamburgers, and Charles’s daughter, Mary Beth, who was also celebrating a birthday, her husband, Justin, and baby, Grayson, joined us.

There was also a meal of barbecued beef, pork and chicken, with all of the fixings, at Mosley Street Melodrama, which was followed by “The Dukes of Haysville or the Hazzards of Going Down South…of Wichita.” The show was particularly enjoyable because, much to his chagrin, my 15 year old grandson was dragged on stage to become part of the performance and I had my picture taken with the melodrama’s heroine. All the performers were good, but a special “tip of my hat” goes to Scott Noah who had all the mannerisms of Boss Hogg in the 1980s television show. The melodrama was followed by “Motown & More, ” a musical comedy revue.

Sunday we took advantage of the great weather and spent the afternoon at the Sedgwick County Zoo where Liz and I renewed our annual membership. The zoo is so big now, we’ve decided to come more often and concentrate on one or two areas at a time.

I am ambivalent about turning 70. As Groucho Marx once said when asked how he felt to be 90, “Given the alternative, it feels pretty good.” Certainly with the help of my family (Thanks, everyone!), I thoroughly enjoyed my birthday weekend, and being 70 feels pretty good.

If you are looking for entertainment, check out the All About Wichita Calendar.

Are you confused about immigration issues? Do you want to learn more in an unbiased atmosphere? Then, you need to attend the next Tuesday Topics at at the downtown Wichita Public Library. This session is entitled “Immigration Issues” and explores the complexities of American immigration policy. What strategy should we be taking to allow new immigrants to come to America? This is your chance to ask questions from area decision-makers on newsworthy events. The 90 minute program is co-sponsored by the Library and the League of Women Voters Wichita- Metro.

The date is Tuesday, Feb. 28. Lunch and socializing will be from 11:30 a.m. – noon. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch. Drinks will be provided. The program will start be from noon to 1:00 p.m.

If you are looking for entertainment, check out the All About Wichita Calendar.

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.