Folks are gearing up to celebrate Independence Day

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By Peggy Mooney
Metro News

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     BY PEGGY MOONEY
     Metro News
     Independence Day honors the birthday of the United States of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
     It’s a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks. And, it’s a good reason to fly the American Flag.
     On the Fourth of July, people take the time to remember and celebrate the values of liberty and justice that make the country great. People reflect and are thankful for the freedoms that they enjoy in the United States of America.
     In fact, the significance of the day has inspired speeches, literary works and musical compositions
     It’s also an opportunity to think about the meaning of the nation’s heritage and to celebrate it in unique ways.
     Over the years, there have been plenty of Fourth of July customs and ways to celebrate the day. Many communities across the nation have created their own Fourth of July traditions.
     For example, the folks of Tecumseh, Neb., raise more than 200 flags around the courthouse as a way of remembering those who served in the armed forces. Each flagpole bears the name of a Tecumseh man or woman who served in the military.
     The residents of Lititz, Penn., since 1818, have spent their winters making thousands of candles so that the children can light them during a special "Festival of Candles" on July 4th night.
     The folks in Seward, Alaska, participate in a six-mile (foot) race to the top of Mount Marathon and back.
     On July 4, 1976, major celebrations throughout the country celebrated America’s 200th birthday.
     In Washington, D.C., 33 tons of fireworks exploded in the sky above the Washington Monument ’Äì along with laser beams that spelled out "1776-1976, Happy Birthday, USA."
     In New York, a succession of tall sailing ships from all over the world sailed up the Hudson River.
     But back to today’s world, locally in Topeka, and the surrounding areas, many Fourth of July activities and celebrations are planned.
     o On July 4th in St. Mary’s, in Riverside Park, events are scheduled for the whole day. There will be live music, homemade ice cream, craft and food vendors. A mini parade will begin at 4:30 p.m. The K-State Parachute Club will make an appearance and a fireworks show begins at dusk.
     o On July 4th, in Wamego, a car show and antique tractors will be on display from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. At 6 p.m. the 137th annual Fourth of July parade begins. The Ottaway Amusement Carnival is scheduled from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.
     o The AMA Grand National Championship Flat Track Racing Series returns to Heartland Park Topeka for the first time since 2000 for the Fourth of July extravaganza.
     o Topeka’s two-day "Spirit of Kansas" festivities have lots of activities planned.
     Food and craft vendors will set up at Tinman Circle at Lake Shawnee on Friday and Saturday. The popular fireworks show begins at 10 p.m. on Friday.
     o The community-wide Independence Day celebration at Grace Cathedral at 10 a.m. on Saturday will feature music and prayer. Brig. Gen. Deborah Rose will speak. An ice cream social will follow.
     o In Lawrence, a picnic, music and fireworks will be held on Friday at Clinton Lake. The fireworks show begins at dusk.
     o Lake Perry will hold its fireworks show on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. There will be food vendors.
     o In Strong City, Independence Day Music at the Ranch begins at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Friday, at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own instruments to participate. There will also be clogging demonstrations from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
     o In Manhattan, "Thunder Over Manhattan" will feature a picnic, music with the Manhattan Municipal Band and food vendors. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday at CiCo Park.
    

     United Way gets new president and CEO

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By Peggy Mooney
Metro News

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     BY PEGGY MOONEY
     Metro News
     A native Kansan is coming home to become president and chief executive officer of the United Way of Greater Topeka.
     Miriam Krehbiel is coming from Bakersfield, Cal., after serving nine years as president of the Kern County United Way. Krehbiel replaces Nancy Perry, who plans to retire this month after 25 years with the United Way.
     Krehbiel, who begins her new duties on Monday, was raised in Moundridge in central Kansas. She got a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Bethel College in Newton and then began her career at St. Francis Health Center in Topeka.
     Krehbiel, in a telephone interview with the Topeka Metro News while still in California, said she is excited about coming back to Topeka.
     "I look forward to refreshing my knowledge of the community," she said.
     Working for the United Way and non-profit organizations is a perfect fit for Krehbiel, who has a passion for helping people.
     Before working for the Kern County United Way, Krehbiel worked for a California Chamber of Commerce. When the United Way job came up, she grabbed it, saying that it was the perfect job for her.
     Now, nine years later, Krehbiel says that the job in Topeka is an even better opportunity.
     "I’ll be doing what I like and am coming home to do it," she said, with a light laugh.
     Krehbiel will meet many challenges when she takes over her new job next week. But, perhaps one of the biggest challenges, however, will be to fill Perry’s shoes.
     "Following Nancy will certainly be a big challenge," she said. "It will be a challenge to follow in her footsteps and still be able to leave my footprints."
     And, there are other challenges.
     "Another challenge for me is to help people get to know me and then to build on what Nancy has already done," she said.
     When asked what it takes to be a successful CEO for a non-profit organization, Krehbiel says that having the skills to be flexible is a top priority in becoming successful.
     "And building relationships, listening and really working together as a community," she said.
     Krehbiel says she considers the United Way to be more than just a "fundraiser."
     "We need to let people know that the United Way is not just a fundraiser," she said. "Fundraising is just the vehicle to help the United Way do what it does
     "The heart of the United Way is in the way we invest that money. We are much more of a community agent than a fundraiser."
     Krehbiel says that one of her biggest accomplishments in Kern County was helping the organization go beyond fundraising to have more impact on the community.
     "No longer did we want to fund a mile wide and an inch deep," she told a reporter of a California newspaper. "We are going to drive stakes in the ground and fund those priorities."
     Krehbiel has worked on such projects as a prescription drug program, a 10-year plan to end homelessness, and the development of a 211 telephone number (which provides referral services).
     Krehbiel has also helped non-profits show how to evaluate their programs, so that donors can understand how their money is used.
     Perry is pleased with the United Way’s choice for her replacement. She said that Krehbiel is perfect for the job.
     "I was really impressed with her," she said. "She’s young with new ideas and she’s experienced and qualified. She’s ready to come home. She’s a Kansas girl. She’ll be great."
     Perry says she will consult with Krehbiel for a short time. Then, she’ll be out and about in the community as she plans to continue volunteering.
     Krehbiel was selected after an extensive nationwide search.
    
    

     Long-time Topeka book store still competing

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By Peggy Mooney
Metro News

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     BY PEGGY MOONEY
     Metro News
     Even though it doesn’t feature a coffee shop, and it’s not a chain, Dean’s Books in downtown Topeka get a fair share of customers coming through the door in search of books.
     Dean’s Books, at 1426 S. Kansas Ave., is owned and operated by Tom Allen. His brother, Gary Allen, owns and operates Dean’s Books at 420 SE 29th.
     Tom Allen has owned the store since 1985 when it was located at 427 S. Kansas Ave. It later moved to its current location.
     The brothers got into the book business through their father, Dean Allen, who owned Allen’s News, a store that sold new books in Lawrence.
     In 1960, the elder Allen converted the book store into Dean’s Books, a used book store ’Äì the store at 427 S. Kansas Ave.
     According to Allen, a Dean’s Books store was also opened in Wichita on West Central during the late 1970s.
     Gary Allen opened Dean’s Books on SE 29th in 1979.
     Between the two stores there are more than 7,000-square-feet of romance, mystery, westerns, comic books, talking books, children’s literature, magazines, music and videos as well as specialty collections.
     Tom Allen, who says he is not an avid reader, spends hours among his books.
     "I don’t have much time to read," he said, with a laugh. "But, I do read some short stories."
     For sure, Allen won’t run out of books to read. He says there are more than 80,000 books in the store. And, he knows where each of them can be found.
     Allen says that he does not catalogue his books electronically, because "I’m anal and like to organize, and anyway, I would still have to go find them."
     Allen and his wife, Susan, once published an antique book, "American Oil Can, Vol. I." A fair number of copies were sold, he said.
     Allen doesn’t spend much time writing anymore, but does collect oil and gas memorabilia. He also collects license plates.
     Over the years, Allen has seen many changes in the business. He says that one of the biggest changes is competition for people who have more leisure time.
     "People are watching more TV and playing video and computer games than reading," he said. "
     Another big change is the Internet.
     Allen says, however, that he doesn’t lose too much business from people who shop for used books on the Internet.
     "I still get my regular customers," he said. "But, the Internet has allowed people to find rare books easily."
     Even the rising cost of food and gasoline has not caused Allen too much despair. He says that sometimes a slow economy actually brings him more business.
     "People who normally would buy new books start buying used books," he said. "People are less willing to spend their discretionary income at the bigger book chains where they would pay a lot more."
     When it comes to competing with the "big guys" Allen says that having books that are out of print gives Dean’s Books a cutting edge.
     "We have a lot of book titles," he said. "Eighty percent of the titles in our stock cannot be found in a new book store. Most (new book stores) cannot even order what we have.
     "For example, if you were looking for one of the 48 old Stephen King books, you would not find it in a new book store. But, I would have it."
     However, Allen would most likely not have the latest Stephen King book since Dean’s Books do not deal in new books.
     Allen says the book business is challenging.
     "You have to know what is marketable and what is not," he said. "You have to know the market so that you don’t end up with a building full of books that no one wants."
     Allen says that the busiest season for the book business is in the winter months.
     "The summer months are slower because of all the outdoor activities that people take part in," he said.
     Allen had some advice for people who might be considering opening a used book store.
     "The most important thing is to find a good location that is underserved," he said. "And, you need to have a fair amount of square footage and cheap rent, or own the building.
     "And a good book store has to have a fair amount of space. And, you certainly won’t make a million dollars. Don’t expect to get rich."
     Laughing, Allen said that owning a book store is a fantasy for many people.
     Dean’s Books in downtown Topeka is open from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday; and from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday.