Women's Focus - February 2008 - (Page 25)

This month, I enlisted my mom and one of my twin daughters to accompany me on a day trip to a town you can’t help but love Hesston, Kansas. Hesston may only have a population of 3800, but it is home to two major employers, Excel and AGCO (formerly the Hesston Corp.). This growing community, a mere 30 minutes north on 135, is blessed with progressive leadership, a promising future and a lot of heart. glass so the kids can be observed without being self-conscious and the residents can choose the level of interaction they prefer. A bright red “bye-bye” buggy can carry up to six children into the residential facility for some up-close and personal time. The residents and the little ones work on craft projects together, then have ice cream at the ice cream shop on the campus. The relationships that develop are beneﬁcial for everyone. Students from Hesston College also get involved in the program, which truly bridges the generation gap. This inspirational model should be employed in every community! Cadillac burger consists of one pound of fresh hand-formed beef with all the ﬁxin’s. The french fries were delicious. They also offer a two-pound burger that comes with mozzarella sticks, onion rings and four drinks for $21.95! Better bring the whole gang! The DYCK ARBORETUM OF THE PLAINS (177 W. Hickory) celebrates the subtle beauty of the prairie through the use of native grasses, plants and ﬂowers. Although we were here during the dormant season, the snow-covered landscape has a beauty all its own. In addition to a walking path and self-guided tours, there is an adorable gift shop ﬁlled with whimsical sculptures made of everyday tools and objects. This is also a great place for weddings, receptions and meetings. Downtown is home to two really neat shops, THE SUNFLOWER PATCH (100 N. Main) and the WILD GERANIUM (112 N. Main). We were greeted at THE SUNFLOWER PATCH by Mac, an affectionate shih tzu. I would have taken him home in a minute if I could have gotten away with it! A unique feature of this gift, card, and home accessory shop is the bulk foods room, housing everything from candies and snack mixes, to spices and beans. The WILD GERANIUM is a European-style ﬂower shop that features home accessories and gifts as well. It is very tastefully merchandised and welcoming. Another highlight of Hesston is the HESSTON GOLF PARK (520 Yost Drive). February may not be the ideal time for a round of golf, but the pro shop is open and women’s clothing is on sale. Need I say more? My mom, the golf addict, loves the course and plays it every year. I picked up an exceptionally lovely lime-green hat for next spring. Beautiful homes dot the edges of the course, which hosts the annual EMMA CREEK CLASSIC the last Saturday in April. It is a women’s-only running event that draws 800-900 participants each year. Lace up your running shoes! Hesston reminds me of “The Little Engine That Could,” with its indomitable spirit, there is nothing that can’t be accomplished here and every citizen helps make things happen—from the tiniest tot in the child care center to the octogenarian smiling at her through the glass. Hesston truly is a small town with a big heart! Lincoln Plaza (near the 135 interchange) CREEKSIDE WARDROBE, INC. is a women’s apparel shop featuring everything from casual to dressy and pajamas to jewelry. Brands such as Ivy Jane and Tribal are on hand; and you are sure to ﬁnd something you love, whether shopping for something to wear to work, or to dinner and a movie. THE EVERYBODY SHOP is a combination massage center and barber shop. Sounds like a great idea! You can relax with a massage in one of the center’s three rooms while your man gets a shave and a haircut. Be sure to greet the shop’s mascot pugs, Honey and Molasses, when you walk in! EMMA CREEK CO. is a wonderful gift shop that specializes in celebrating, remembering and entertaining. You will ﬁnd unique ﬂip-ﬂops and purses, as well as WoodWick candles and Peggy Karr art glass. LINCOLN PERK was one of my favorite spots - I managed to venture in three times that day! First, it was for coffee (their specialty), then a smoothie (strawberry-banana) and lastly, for my vegetarian panini (which was delicious). This place has great atmosphere with an urban vibe. Each month a young person from the community is selected as the “perk” of the month from a ﬁeld of nominations. Just another example of the emphasis this community has on the positive. Other Hesston Hot Spots While I feasted on my panini, my cohorts opted for SKOOPS (Main and old Highway 81), home of the coveted “Cadillac burger.” Reminiscent of a 1950’s malt shop with mismatched chrome dinette sets and a functioning jukebox, this joint does quite a hefty lunch business. The ~TACI FAST

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Women's Focus - February 2008

Women's Focus - February 2008 Contents Ask Dick & Jane Romance Versus Reality Valentine’s Day—A Single Girl’s Survival Guide Habitat For Humanity—Women Build 2008 Body Beautiful Knightley Reading 12 Months of Shoes Sierra’s Stars City Culture Day Tripping: Hesston, Kansas In Her Shoes—Dr. David Rosen Tokens of Affection for Him & Her Making a Difference in the Community Forget-Me-Not—Sara Paretsky For the Love of Dance—Miss Diane Gann Wichita’s Next Top Model Contest Love Gardening? Join the Club! Indulge Yourself Yoga for Two Workout Journals When “No” Means NO! Something to Smile About A Romantic Valentine’s Dinner for Four Crafts: Bee Mine Valentine Social Circle Save the Date

Women's Focus - February 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.