Veteran honored
Retired Brig. Gen. Arthur Bloomer was awarded a Commendation Medal by the Mary Draper Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Bloomer was a Marine and Naval aviator for 31 years, serving in Japan, Vietnam, Hawaii and elsewhere. He lives at Wichita Presbyterian Manor with his wife, Sue, who received a handmade quilt and flowers.
Exploration Place exhibit
Exploration Place last month unveiled Health Inside Out, a new permanent exhibit that encourages health education and career development through sixteen interactive experiences. The $1.5 million addition includes a real EMS helicopter, virtual rollercoaster and more. Exploration Place is located on the Arkansas River at 300 N. McLean Blvd.
Century II Broadway series
The American Theatre Guild has announced its 2023 schedule, highlighted by the hit musical Hamilton next June. The lineup includes 9 To 5: The Musical, Jan. 28-29; R.E.S.P.E.C.T., March 1; Anastasia, March 17-19; Dear Evan Hansen, April 11-16; and Hamilton, June 6-18. For tickets, visit BroadwayWichita.com or the Century II box office.
Grisham recognized
Grisham
Marilyn Grisham, artist and owner of the Fiber Studio in Wichita, has received a National Women in the Arts Recognition Award from the Eunice Sterling Chapter of the Daughtesr of the American Revolution.
Wanted: walkers, readers, cooks and volunteers
Sedgwick County RSVP is organizing walking groups, a book club and a RSVP cookbook. The organization is also looking to match volunteers with several organizations, including Step Up for KIDS, Roving Pantry and United Methodist Open Door. For more info, call 316-660-5134 or email scrsvp@sedgwick.gov.
Deco days
Wichita Art Museum is hosting several events before its traveling exhibit, American Art Deco: Designing for the People, 1918-39, closes May 29. Admission to the museum and exhibit is free from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 7. On Friday, May 20, live jazz music, swing dancing, food and more will be featured; admission is $5. Guided docent tours of the exhibit are available for $5 on Saturday, May 28.
Spring Garden Fair
Sedgwick County Master Gardeners are hosting their first Spring Garden Fair May 5-7 at the Extension Center, 21st and Ridge. The fair will combine the popular Tools & Treasures and Plant Sales with a charity auction and other events. On May 7, the Herb Society of South Central Kansas will be serving breakfast and brunch while eight other area garden clubs offer plant sales and information. Fair hours are 7 a.m.-5 p.m. May 5-6 and 7 a.m.-1 p.m. May 7.
PBS Open House
PBS Kansas, formerly known as KPTS, is holding a two-day open house at its new headquarters in the former Meritrust Credit Union building, 8710 E. 32nd St. N. The general public is invited to attend from 3-7 p.m. Friday, May 20, while families are encouraged to attend from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, to see the facility’s Cochener-Garvey Education & Discovery Center.
McCormick School fundraiser
The McCormick School Museum is showing the kind of educational films you may remember from school to raise money. At 5 p.m. Saturday, May 21, the museum will show films called “The Restless Sea” and “Listen to This” using a vintage 16 mm projector. Popcorn and lemonade will be served. Admission is by donation. Contact the museum at 316-585-5804 or visit mccormickschoolmuseuminc.com for more info.
Crime Commission award
Col. Robert Hester
The Wichita Metro Crime Commission has named Col. Robert Hester its Willard Garvey Citizen Activist of the Year for his 27 years of leading the Wichita schools Junior ROTC program.
Memorial Day concert at Botanica
The Delano Wind Ensemble will conclude its 2021-2022 Concert Season with a Memorial Day Concert Performance at Botanica’s Grand Lawn stage at 2 p.m. Monday, May 30. The concert will feature patriotic and popular American music from Irving Berlin to Ray Charles. The McConnell AFB Honor Guard will present the colors. In addition, food trucks will be available for food purchases. Botanica admission will charged and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
West High reunion
West High’s class of ’62 will celebrate its 60th reunion Oct. 7-9. For info, visit www.wichitawest62.com or the class’ Facebook page, Wichita West ‘62 Class.
Taco de Mayo
The Orchard Park Senior Center, 4808 W. 9th St., is holding a taco lunch to raise money and celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The lunch includes two tacos, chips and cheese, dessert and a drink for $6. The lunch is at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, May 5.
May big time for biking
Bicycling enthusiasts have a full slate of activities to choose from in May, which is National Bike Month.
On Sunday, May 1, Open Streets Nomar will close off 21st Street to traffic except for bicyclists and pedestrians between Broadway and Woodland Park. The event, which takes place noon to 4 p.m., will feature food trucks, entertainment and more.
On Sunday, May 8, a Mother’s Day “slow roll” for cyclists and walkers will be held along the Arkansas River. The event starts at the Keeper of the Plains at 2:30 p.m.
On Thursday, May 19, Haysville Mayor Russ Kessler will host a ride from 6-7 p.m. starting at 140 N. Main. A helmet safety check and raffle drawing for bikes and other prizes will also be held.
And Friday, May 20, is Bike to Work Day, with free lunches being handed out to cyclists in Old Town Square from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
