The Quiviran – A Newspaper By And For The Lake Quivira Community

Whether it’s a community or a potential spouse. . . good first impressions are always best

By Charles Segebrecht

This commissioned print was created by artist, Makayla Chapman, 14, daughter of Bobbi and Brent Chapman and granddaughter of Pat and Ron Chapman. What are your first impressions? Do you see a second … even a third image?

Remember hearing, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”? There is more than a little truth to this. Repeated new experiences or observations contradicting a first impression may slowly erode its influence, but it may never go away completely. Good fodder for therapists. Please read on about the first impressions the longest-term Lake Quivira residents had of their chosen spouses and of this chosen community. Their impressions have fortunately stood the tests of time. In addition, the newest members to our community – all within the last eight months – have shared initial impressions of their partner and of this newly chosen community; may they always be so satisfied!\

Deeply-rooted residents confirm they made the perfect choices

Sandy Greene remembering visiting LQ in 1964, declared. “It was so beautiful!” She and Frank came to the lake for the first time to house-sit for a business associate for four or five days … each immediately “feeling fortunate to have found their childhood lake water and dense trees again; we were sold!” Sandy is still living in their original home with just two modest changes incorporated over the years: air conditioning and a dishwasher. Regrets regarding LQ? “Not at all!” They moved from an Overland Park duplex with two boys under foot. Frank was working for Midwest Research Institute having completed post doctorate work at KU in physical science research. He continued reinforcing her first impressions: smart, a night owl with his work and, she adds: a nerd. A third son was added to the mix eventually joining his brothers roaming the LQ territory. No organized sports other than a swim team. Fewer rules than now; initiation was only six hundred then; more social then.

Norma Lee Winters remembers happily how George, Sr. was fortunate to have a car in the early 1950’s so she and her girlfriend could go for rides when attending Kansas City Jr. College. Norma Lee would sit in the middle of the front seat so she could sit by George. “He was so tall and handsome! Love at first sight when I spotted him in the library!” She is sure it was reciprocal. After they married and moved from Kansas City, KS to Lake Quivira, Norma Lee was not impressed … with LQ, that is. “It had a little town feeling then.” She still senses this, but not as much. “It is a beautiful and wonderful place for kids to grow up. This has not changed.” She remembers “the simple, average people living here … too expensive a place now.” She is “not surprised how every child raised here wants to move back.”

Barbara and Paul Brown received an invitation to visit good friends living at LQ. This occurred sixty-four years ago when they were living in Houston, TX. “One look is all it took,” and within one year, Paul had purchased the home he still lives in for a whopping twenty-seven-thousand dollars. The “one look theme” continues: Frank saw Barbara as “nice looking and fun.” They dated for eighteen months and married when sophomores. LQ was still eight years out, but when they moved here, dues were thirty-six dollars a month; no maintenance people on LQ property; no country club appearance. “It had a small-town feel; perfect and pleasant; life was good!” LQ then defined volunteerism – everything was done by the residents: fencing, tennis courts construction, court striping, swimming docks, diving boards, plantings and cutting grass. “More of a country club now … not a bad thing.”

Becky and Eric Johnson have never wasted their time with decision making. He does remember, however, his surprise and his hesitation to say “yes” when Becky approached and asked him to dance at a BOTAR Ball in Kansas City, MO. Considering it was April, 1st, he thought an April Fool’s joke was being played out. Becky may have been annoyed, because “he was my second choice!” Regardless, they were married six months later. Coming to Lake Quivira in August 1967, Becky’s first impression was “the solid tree-lined shore; a natural feel with the lake complimented by the ambiance of the community.” There were swings even then and abundant picnic tables; a one-of-a-kind merry-go-round easily entertained all ages of children. Absolutely no regrets on their move or chosen partner by either Johnson.

Corky Nason met Phyllis their freshman year of college. He found her attractive, fun to be with and quite strong, but it was her short hair sealing the deal! After graduating from KU in 1966, they survived a rather rocky romance. He confides, “I liked many girls.” In 1967, they began to get heavily involved in this “small town” of LQ helping to make this community their own. “If something needed to be maintained or constructed, we’d pass the hat and volunteer our energy.” Corky added, “A person’s pedigree was unimportant back then. I did not know what neighbors did for a living.” Phyllis, a stewardess, participated in the garden club, summer rec, and gourmet club. The latter was not a misnomer for when it was her turn to host; she traveled to Paris twice for formal culinary training. Corky recalls how she and five others made all the lunches for the homes tour crowd. Corky was one of thirty-two TWA pilots when he arrived on scene. A hobby he made time for was collecting convertibles – the only car he would drive (seventeen in all) and still drives. Gas for his first cars was a whopping eighteen to twenty-two cents a gallon. This, of course, changed as did the twenty-six hundred dollars for their lot, seventy-one for water, one-hundred-and-twenty-one for their mortgage and club dues of fifty to sixty dollars. We can quote Corky: “Be sure things are going to change!”

John Harding had a “good line” as described by Karen. They met in 1962 in theater class working on the musical, “Bells are Ringing.” He had already dated six girls in the chorus “line” before asking out a certain number seven. She declined; he persisted. Eventually, they went to a movie and had a late-night snack of a salad with mandarin oranges, toast and marmalade – what memories. It was snowing, yet, they walked and walked until 5:00 AM. Number seven was the charm. John became a TWA pilot and they moved to Brookside. Water, however, was missing for John. Orinne and Cloyce Wiley invited them to LQ for Mexican food. When driving across the dam and taking just one look at the tree-lined shore, they immediately confirmed they were moving to LQ. Home touring began the very next morning and the Harding’s moved in two weeks. No regrets ever for their speedy velocity. “There is more to living than looking for a house.” “The natural environment, the intelligent and good neighbors, sailing, fishing and volunteerism have made for a wonderful mix.” “Changes have occurred … good changes happening today.” One, however, is not: climate change. John and Karen miss the long seasons of ice-skating, iceboating and even golf cart races on ice.

Joe Bartels was fortunate to spend some of his younger years at LQ and develop a relationship with legend, Duane (school bus driver and guard). Joe could easily pass through the gates waving to Duane after his parents were gone and their membership had ceased. In 1962, and unable to stay away from a place he still called home, Joe trailed a sailboat to LQ one evening. He accidentally dropped his wallet into the drink! Weeks passed and his Social Security card appeared in the mail – no note; nothing else. Thirty years later in 1992, an excavation near the dam was required create the courtesy docks. Removed spoils were spread out to dry. Yep, someone found his laminated school ID from 1962! Joe saw this as a sign, bought a lot in 1972, and built a home designed by his late wife, Julie, in 1975 – the home he is still in.
Joe’s girlfriend, Rose Davied, has been seen at LQ for at least eight years, walking, running, gardening, boating or just being outdoors enjoying nature. She was attracted to Joe’s quiet demeanor and how he is tuned in with nature. She says she “is slowly learning from him how to smell the flowers.” The first time Rose visited LQ was at a daughter’s friend’s function at the beach in 2003. She thought LQ was gorgeous, and how anyone living here should never take LQ for granted. She finds the residents to be great people who should always feel they are living at a resort.
The late Julie Bartels met Joe at Shawnee Mission North. He says, “I found her really cute and nice.” Julie had dated a friend of Joe’s leading Joe to the conclusion, “If she would date my friend, she would certainly go out with me.” She did, in fact, and found they liked the same things, got along well, enjoyed sailing and just enjoyed the water. She was, however, a little uncertain about the LQ location. “In the end, she became the lake’s biggest enthusiast.”

Newcomers appear to continue a tradition of embracing this place and one another

Anna Ohly, while playing the violin, did not notice Johann playing his cello sitting across from her in an orchestra at the University of Chicago. He had noticed her, however, through his thick glass lenses; “attractive and an amazing violinist.” Johann was patient, got contacts and then deemed himself worthy to approach her. She accepted as he mustered courage and asked her out on a date. Now living at LQ with their five children (2 to 15) since this Spring, they clearly see – even Johann – they made the right decisions.
Anna has purposely set up a home she knows she would like, and fortunately, has a flair for decorating. She wanted to have a home respecting how they want to live, as opposed to trying to fit themselves into a home. They feel safe here; one of the factors in their decision. Schools are the other big one. The community center came into play allowing flexibility in Anna’s workout schedule with daycare available. The manicured grounds, golf course, flowers and freedom in a large backyard playground – LQ defined. A sense of community was immediately apparent. They felt welcomed with much appreciated humble interactions. Ending with a continuation of happy notes, Johann joked through their home construction with, “The community center is going to be finished before our home!”

Sherry and Michael Magee will tell you how, “walking or riding a bike – especially a tandem – are the best ways to really see a place.” Visiting LQ the first time on their tandem, they clearly saw the attention given to landscaping, golf carts, beach paraphernalia, kids everywhere – the lifestyle. It was a beautiful day in August 2019 and they mutually agreed, “they were visiting a resort.” Both saw LQ as a place to live and gather enjoyment from a plethora of options – especially a place for years of bike fun. Sherry also enjoys tennis and the camaraderie; Michael also enjoys social golf. Neither knew of the community center until much later – not a factor; just icing.
Standing in a dining hall line at the University of Northern Iowa, Sherry’s girlfriend, JJ, introduced Sherry to her boyfriend, Michael Magee. Sherry thought: “cool guy; why don’t I know this tight end football player seeing how I’m on the dance team?” Michael’s impression: “she was very pleasant; seemed nicer than his present girlfriend; and a jock!” Med school, grad school, and patience … no regrets!

Stephanie and Mike Mattingly dreamed of a golf cart community with a lake and searched for eighteen months before landing here. Good schools were an essential decision factor along with recognizing the number of children and the potential for friendships. Stephanie convinced Mike with the active lifestyle available here. They made the move this year – earlier than they ever dreamed to their retirement community. Both want to be more active and live for today. “Every family member loves it!” exclaims Stephanie. She gets her mind set each day driving eight minutes off the reservation to her ER nursing job at KU. Regardless of how her workday goes, a quick healing is available as she reverses the drive. Mike finds the clubhouse regal; loves driving towards it and seeing its silhouette against the lake. As he continues his drive, he also loves the eye candy the variety of homes provide.
Friends – the kind of friends you want – set Stephanie and Mike up for a happy hour and dinner. They soon found themselves to be a bore to others … they never stopped talking to just each other. Stephanie saw Mike as “very handsome, warm smile, kind and welcoming. I could not wait to see him again.” Mike “was simply wowed” at seeing Stephanie.

Tim Rosewicz has had a twin brother, Tom, already living at LQ. Visiting Tom’s family allowed Mary Pat and Tim to get a better feel for the community over the last two to three years. They picked up how it can feel like they are on vacation here with the golf carts, fishing, tennis and waving. LQ reminds them of Watercolor, FL where they vacationed. Tim is an avid fisherman and has spent many long days and nights pursuing fish stories. Mary Pat had an epiphany: why not live where her fisherman can fish? She and her son may see more of him this way. Tim will tell anyone “LQ has everything a fisherman wants: great fishing in a well-maintained lake.” Their kids are now bringing their friends home instead of going to their homes – quite ideal. Mary Pat and the family dog are getting familiar with LQ’s great trail system, and she is honing her golf game.
It was at Kelly’s in Westport where a wager was placed. Tim found Mary Pat to be quite cute as they were introduced by friends; she was intrigued he was a twin. Finding out Tim was unemployed did not prove to be a deal-breaker. Instead, she bet him if he landed a job from the next day’s job interview, she would buy him a beer in the evening. She was waiting at Kelly’s, and he got the job. The rest is more charming history.

Cindy and Terry Heidorn have grandkids here at LQ. They were commuting forty-five to sixty minutes one way to play with them. Living in a high-rise condo, no one made eye contact. Cindy thought, “there must me a better way.” Here they now reside, albeit uncomfortable for the short run as their major remodel nears completion. Remembering their first visit together to LQ: sheer awe coming through the gates; elevated awe driving past the clubhouse – and only then did they see the golf course. Terry was pleasantly surprised by the density of perimeter dock sites. Almost daily, Cindy will ask Terry, “Have I actually told you how much I love it here?” Terry comments about how nice all the neighbors are. “It feels like the Truman Show!”
Cindy and Terry met in high school when he offered her and a friend a ride home from a basketball game (she, a freshman; he, a senior). Despite going off to college and even different colleges, the match came together. Terry even broke off another engagement to marry Cindy “because no one else could fill her shoes.”

Bill Faherty did not know LQ existed even though he grew up in Kansas City. He left KC at twenty-one for a successful career in LA and decided to venture back upon retirement. Upon his initial visit, he loved hearing kids screaming with glee and seeing all the youth activity. He finds the community and surroundings ideal; “loves it here and doesn’t want to ever leave!” With the social distancing required by COVID-19, it has been difficult to meet people so far, but he loves how nearly everyone waves to him. He wanted to be on the water somehow as he was coming from the west coast to land-locked Kansas. Nailed it. He wanted to be closer to his older daughter living in Lawrence. Nailed it. He wanted his youngest daughter, Genevieve, to come this way from the west coast and remain. Nailed it. The LQ community played a part.

Liz and John Jacobs met in the fifth grade. “She was cute and cool – even then!” The relationship would mature and get a bit more serious as they began their junior year of high school. John recalls his new assessment of her: “She is so far out of my league!” They were running high school track together and had many similar friends – but it required senior prom to close the deal. Even though she was finding John super obnoxious and super immature, she told her grandmother after senior prom “she was going to marry him.” John said the stars must have aligned.
Liz and John are doing a major remodel on their home and cannot wait to settle into the active community sans the late hours working on the home. The quality of Lakeshore – how homes align the lake perimeter, but everyone can enjoy the shoreline – is awesome. “Residents make genuine eye contact, are sincere and want to know us.” Open and friendly non-country club types; no statements; no overt prestige … just good first impressions.
Going Forward with New Generations of Lake Quivirans
LQ’s respected, deep-rooted LQ residents were impressed years ago by the many LQ assets also attracting the newcomers to this community. These common denominators will carry forward with future generations because they resonate with all of us. Perhaps our own children will someday raise families here. Lake Quivira will prosper with careful stewardship of a one-of-a-kind natural environment, by lending our talents and time to committees, boards and clubs, respecting others’ views, and remembering why we came here … our first impressions.

Quivira resident Ronni Rosewicz to be Preschool Director at new ‘Q’ facility

By Aline Zimmer

Ronni Rosewicz, an LQ resident, has accepted the position of Preschool Director and 4-5 Preschool Teacher. She has a strong background in childhood education and counselling. After earning her undergraduate degree at Pittsburgh State University, Ronni taught first grade while obtaining a master’s degree in school counselling from the University of Kansas. She subsequently became a counselor in Olathe, then moved to Blue Valley, where she held the position of counselor at Prairie Star Elementary School for 23 years. After retiring three years ago, she took about four months off and then became a long-term substitute teacher in the Blue Valley school district for kindergarten teachers on maternity leave. After she was approached about a position for Parents as Teachers, an organization that supports parents with children up to three years old, she spent two years working with families to help children reach critical developmental milestones.
Ronni has been married thirty years this month to Tom. They have two kids, Trevor and Quintin, both KU graduates. She loves to play tennis, and Tom fishes almost daily. Their two dogs like to swim in the lake. She is excited to have the opportunity to teach in her community and drive her golf cart to work. Along with being the director, she will teach the four- and five-year-olds; a teacher has been hired for the two- and three-year-olds. Her philosophy about working with children is that every child is different and should be treated as a unique individual. “Kids need different types of discipline. I try to meet the child where they are. My kids were ornery growing up, and I don’t expect perfection. Kids will grow and learn and make mistakes. If you develop a growth mindset, they will learn from their mistakes,” she said. Preschoolers need to learn social skills such as sitting, listening and raising their hand before they can focus on academics.
She recognizes the importance of parents and teachers working together. Where there is mutual trust and respect for each other’s opinions, there is a greater likelihood of success for the preschool program and the progress of each child. She promises to be a huge advocate of each parent’s child, and from her decades of counselling experience she understands the importance of confidentiality, especially in a close-knit environment like LQ. Ronni looks forward to the preschool’s opening day on Tuesday, September 8, and getting to know each child in the program.

Board Meeting Summary – June 23, 2020

The Quivira, Inc. Board of Directors met on Tuesday June 23, 2020, in both Executive and Regular session. This summary provides the action items that were addressed during these meetings. The complete meeting minutes will be available on-line at lakequivira.org, after review and approval during the next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday July 28, 2020.
Executive Session
The Board of Directors met in Executive Session to discuss delinquent accounts, personnel matters, member issues and contract matters. No motions were made nor acted upon during these discussions.
Regular Session
Upon adjournment of the Executive Session, the Board of Directors convened in Regular Open Session.
The following actions were taken by the Board of Directors during the Regular Session.
Executive Session – (As reported during Regular Session)
During Executive Session the Board reviewed the Quivira Cares Program, which was established through member donations to support the Lake Quivira staff with supplemental salary payments during the COVID-19 shutdowns. After finalizing payments through the program, approximately $15,000 remains unallocated in the fund. The Board has determined the remaining funds would be reserved to provide for future undetermined employee needs.
Lake Quivira Bylaw Review
The Board President appointed Brad Bodamer to review specific items in the current Quivira, Inc. Bylaws and provide recommended changes for a possible member vote during the regularly scheduled 2020 November Budget Meeting as follows:
1. Annual Meeting date
2. Review current voting guidelines to allow for electronic voting
3. Transfer of membership due to the death of a spouse
4. Account payment due dates
5. Review committee structure and formally establish the Community Center Committee
Community Center Fees
As presented by the Community Center Committee, the Board reviewed and unanimously approved the proposed fees for Personal Training and Massage Therapy Services to be provided at the Community Center. The fee schedule will be available on-line or at the Center.
Lake Kids Club Rules
As presented by the Community Center Committee, the Board unanimously approved the Provisional Rules for the Lake Kids Club located at the Community Center. The rules are available for review on-line and at the Center.
Community Center Guest Policy
The Board implemented a recommendation from the Community Center Committee to not allow guests to use the Center for the first thirty days of operation. This would allow the staff time to understand and adjust the operations of the facility to the requirements of the general membership.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Lake Quivira Community Ministry

President’s Report – July 2020

By John Nelson, President, Quivira, Inc. Board of Directors

This past month, Lake Quivira continued to come to life as we navigate our way through the various limitations placed on businesses due to COVID-19.
The Summer Rec Program has begun, the lake is more active than I have seen it in a long while, our Tennis and Golf programs have returned and the Clubhouse continues to expand its offerings.
With all of this activity, I would be remiss if I did not caution everyone that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over yet. Our local health officials are still cautioning all of us to be prudent in our interactions with other individuals, to follow the social distancing guidelines of six feet and wear our face masks. With everyone’s help, we can get past this and not have to put restrictions back in place, which has occurred in other parts of the country.
On Monday June 29, we officially welcomed Dean Lytton and his family to Kansas and Lake Quivira as our new COO / General Manager. Dean comes to us after an 18-year career with KemperSports Management, where he was Vice President of Operations responsible for multiple facilities in their Great Lakes Region. Please take the time to introduce yourselves as he begins the process of learning our operations and culture.
A disturbing trend that we have experienced recently is an increase in unacceptable behavior around the lake. This includes the defacement our emergency spillway walls with graffiti, vandalism in and around the campground, theft from the Nature Center and other minor incidents, including aggressive behavior towards staff and members. All of these incidents go against one of our core values: Honesty and Integrity. As a community we must work together to reverse this trend by reporting suspicious behavior to the proper authorities and continue to treat our neighbors and property in the same manner as we would expect others to treat ourselves.
Through May, on a consolidated basis, Lake Quivira continues to experience reduced revenues as we come out from under the COVID-19 restrictions. Total revenue for the 5-month period is $1,944,062 or $356,284 under budget; of which $218,955 was Clubhouse related. However, cost controls that have been implemented by the Board and staff resulted in reported Net Income for the same period of $102,778, which exceeds budget by $127,331.
See you on the water.
~John Nelson

Not just another fish tale

By Chris Rone
LQ member Tyler Lawrence and his buddy Jake Sharp caught this behemoth,
75 lb. Flathead Catfish on May 23. They weighed and released the monster back to be caught another day. Congratulations to Tyler and Jake! Fish biologists say catfish over 40 lbs. are often older than the anglers that catch them. Great to see it was released, and a sign of a healthy lake. Who will catch this beast next?

Mayor’s Report – July 2020

By Brady Lilja, Mayor, City of Lake Quivira

Well I have to say I am very much looking forward to our July 6th City Council meeting as it will be our first public meeting together since March. As always, it is open to the public, and I encourage people to attend.
The timing couldn’t be better due to the number of items we have going on, and it will also be our second budget meeting. City Administrator Erin Leckey did a great job explaining the 2021 budget process to the new council members during the June meeting and plans to have an adjusted budget for 2021 at the July meeting. The Zoom Virtual Meeting App was adequate the last few months, but I anticipate a more productive meeting together in person.
Here are some the projects we have been discussing for this year and for 2021.
Council Member Greg Prieb has been busy with Holliday Drive. He is working with the Unified Government of Kansas City, KS, on the failing section of Holliday Drive just west of Renner Road. They plan to start the necessary repairs on or around July 10, which should take approximately a week to complete. He is also working in conjunction with Q Inc to solve the drainage issue on Holliday Drive coming from the hillside behind the golf course maintenance facility.
Council Member Gayle Best is busy as always with several projects. Gayle recently finished the renovations of both City Hall bathrooms with Chief Fred Grenier, and they look great. She also coordinated the Large Item Trash Drop Off and is exploring curbside recycling options due to changes in procedure at Waste Management. Another future project she’ll be looking into for 2021 is the relocation of the City Hall entrance, along with updated signage.
Council Member Annie Noland has been researching surveillance camera options for locations still to be determined. She recently established a committee to start planning for the City of Lake Quivira’s 50th Anniversary next summer and has already had one very productive meeting to get the ball rolling. Please stay tuned for more exciting news regarding that special date. Additionally, Annie is still considering options and ideas for the almost vacant fire station.
Council Member Dave McCullagh continues to examine the possibility of the City of Lake Quivira operating the gas station outside the front gate. Dave, Police Chief Fred Grenier and City Clerk Kathy Bounds recently completed a Fuel Station AB Certification Class that is required should the City decide to take over the fuel station. Dave is also in constant contact with Waste Management regarding the odor from the dump and the transfer to a different trash cell further west to eliminate the odor.
City Council President John Christy continues to maintain the dam and spillway with guidance from Bill Cole and is planning for necessary repairs for the 2021 budget. John also coordinated with Q Inc and the LQ Mothers Club for the 4th of July activities, in particular the fireworks show provided by the City. He continues to explore the adoption of a Non-Discriminatory Ordinance but very wisely decided to wait for open council meetings to begin so discussion could include public comments and questions.
I ask that you all thank these City Council volunteers for their hard work and commitment to the City and community.
I truly hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable 4th of July holiday, and I’m looking forward to resuming normal meetings again.
Respectfully,
Mayor Brady Lilja

Maranatha Christian Academy honors Quiviran volunteer Trudy Calvert

By Kathy Simpson

John and Trudy Calvert share the sign placed in their yard by faculty members from Maranatha Christian Academy. In May, Maranatha faculty and students honored Trudy with two awards for her volunteerism

Trudy Calvert was 50 when she went back to college and 59 when she earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of Kansas. After an industrious career as an artist and sculptress, at 79 she began volunteering every day in junior high art classes at Maranatha Christian Academy.
This past May, at age 86, Maranatha honored Trudy with not one, but two awards: “Volunteer of the Year,” given by the faculty, and “The Faculty Member/Volunteer Who Most Inspires Students in their Christian Walk,” given by the students.
The ever-humble Trudy insists she gets more from her volunteer position than she gives. “It really charges your battery. I feel so blessed to go there.”
She suggests staying involved has helped her live a long life.
“At any age, God sometimes saves this most wonderful opportunity as you get older,” says Trudy. “You are never too old to make a difference.”
It is clear she is making a difference in the lives of Maranatha students, attests Mariah Karley, a 2019 Maranatha high school graduate who worked as a teacher assistant with “Miss Trudy.”
“There aren’t a lot of people in this world who are as patient and loving as she is, especially with junior high kids,” notes Mariah. “Miss Trudy cares about everyone’s development and is willing to help anyone who asks.”
Besides bringing snacks for students every day, she wants the students to succeed and grow, adds Mariah. “Beyond her words, Miss Trudy shows how a Christian should behave. All the students love her.”
Trudy says she always saw herself with a bunch of kids. That’s what prompted her to attend William Jewell College in 1951 to earn an education degree, but those plans were replaced by marriage and children. She later taught emotionally disturbed children with Lake Quivira neighbor Becky Johnson and worked with now-deceased Quivira resident Jane Rone at Head Start in Johnson County. It is only natural that she is back working with children.
“I learned that people need to know you care more than just hearing you,” says Trudy.
She acknowledges it takes ten positive statements to contradict one negative statement. “I try to be the person that says the positive stuff.”
For now, she has no plans to retire. “The kids always ask me if I’m coming back next year. I say, ‘I will be back, or I will be in heaven.’”

Garden Club gift to the community delivered

By Jeanne McGrath
After lots of anticipation, our Community Center, “The Q,” will soon be ready for our enjoyment. Garden Club members voted months ago for the Community Center to be the recipient of accumulated funds from our events. Our goal of this gift to the Community was to “enhance and beautify the exterior of the Community Center to facilitate casual mingling and relaxing with friends in a beautiful, landscaped setting,” which complimented the unique adjacent Play Initiative sponsored by Mother’s Club. We were also hoping for a “wow” feature and think we got it!

In early January, Garden Club engaged a professional designer to provide design options for the front outside area of the Community Center that met our stated goals. At a high level, the final design included a center “wow” feature, commercial grade furnishings, numerous beds, plantings, and trees that would facilitate shade to the area as they mature. With the exception of a very few items, all areas covered by the design have been installed as of this publication.
The approved design that was implemented includes the Centerpiece, which is a round, twelve-inch planter. The circle offers a wide, flat-top stone that serves as a seating area in the round. We selected Kansas limestone as our aggregate, staying with a traditional look of the Clubhouse stone, along with a half circle walkway of stone pavers. We designed four stone pillars that stand on each corner of the grassy area. On top of these pillars sit four, gorgeous, low-bowl planters to complete the stonework section. These planters are filled with specific flowers and plants that Gayle Best and Riva Noack selected to blend with the shrubs and other native grasses and plants spilling along the sidewalks and beds. There are beautiful varieties of crotons, sega palms, and evergreens.
Placed along the half circle walkway are two curved metal and recycled wood benches complimenting the circular planter and offering areas of seating. This casual area is a great place to sit and watch the children play on the new playground, or just visit with a friend. Sod was laid on the rest of the square frontage, and three navy blue, wide, weather resistant, commercial grade rockers beg you to sit a spell and enjoy the surroundings. There are numerous planted beds showcasing shrubs, perennials and annuals flowers with native grasses and green foliage for accent. The patio furniture consists of five sets of tables and chairs of fern green and platinum color with navy blue umbrellas. All benches, tables and chairs are commercial grade, sturdy, heavy pieces that will withstand the weather and wind.
We purchased nine trees of various species that were strategically placed to provide shade and interest. We included a trash bin, which blends in with our outdoor furniture. There are three benches along the main sidewalk approach, offering again a place to stop and “smell the roses.” This has been a project Garden Club is proud to present to you, the members of Lake Quivira. We hope you enjoy the exterior of the CC as well as all the amenities the interior brings.
Please take notice of the upcoming Pontoon Crawl in August. Even with the virus nipping at our heels, we expect to work with the social distancing rules and still throw the best party of the summer. It is your support of the Pontoon Crawl, Holiday Bazaar and Homes Tour that allows us to fund the lasting enhancements to your community. We thank you in advance for your contributions, both financially and with your personal attendance.