Summer Begins with Gratitude, Happy Memorial Day 2026

Happy Memorial Day! To many, the weekend signifies the start of summer. Pools are opening, kids are out of school, and summer vacations are beginning. Of course, the day is meant to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. We honor them during this holiday weekend. Thank you.

It is hard to believe we are starting summer 2026. I have said it before and I will say it again, but the year is flying by so fast. As I get older, it seems like time moves faster and faster. Seriously, it feels like just yesterday the fall 2025 semester began, and now the spring 2026 semester has ended. I remember being a kid when the days seemed to drag by so slowly. It makes me wonder if, as I get older, the days will always feel this fast or if, once I retire, they might slow down again. Either way, I am good with it as long as I can enjoy the later years of life and everything that comes with them.

Back to the holiday, I hope you are able to enjoy some time off from your busy life that makes the days fly by. Sit back, relax, and reflect on those who gave their lives for our country. Take a moment to give thanks for their sacrifice so we can enjoy this weekend and every day here in the United States.

Chocolate, Community, and Closing Out LGT

Selfie Before Event

This past Friday, I finished the last class for Leadership Greater Topeka (LGT). Throughout the day, we spent time downtown at the Greater Topeka Partnership, where we had closing discussions to wrap up the class.

That is the Owner in Front

We had one final project in which each of our core groups was given $40 to use however we wanted to give back to the community. Several groups pooled our money and went to Hazel Hill Chocolate to purchase chocolate and suckers. The owner, a former LGT alum, generously donated an additional four boxes to our effort. In total, we had over $1,000 worth of chocolate to help make Friday a little brighter for members of the community.

The four groups, consisting of 24 people, split up and headed in different directions downtown to hand out the candy. One group went to Washburn University, another to NOTO, and two groups covered different areas downtown. I was part of one of the downtown groups, and we focused on the area around the Capitol, specifically seeking out construction workers, police officers, and people walking nearby. We had written notes of encouragement to accompany the candy as we handed it out. It was a truly rewarding experience. People were hesitant at first, but once we explained the purpose and offered free candy, they were happy to accept it. One construction worker was especially excited to receive a sucker on a hot day while working outside.

I really enjoyed this experience and the opportunity to give something simple back to our community. There were no strings attached, just a small gesture paired with a kind message. It may have been my favorite activity of the entire LGT program. When we returned to the office and shared our experiences, that sentiment was echoed across the groups. Everyone found the experience meaningful and rewarding.

LGT Core Group.
Front row: Jenae and Maggy.
Back row: John, Lauren, Alicia, and Ben

That evening, we attended the Bollywood Nights graduation for the Leadership Greater Topeka class. It was a fun night to celebrate and connect with past graduates of the program, as well as spend time together as a class. The event was held at Prairie Band Casino and featured a Bollywood theme, complete with food and dancing before the graduation ceremony, which concluded the evening.

LGT has been a truly rewarding experience. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and for the connections I made with the 35 members of the Class of 2026. I look forward to staying in touch with them in the years ahead, especially my core group.

Happy Mother’s Day to the Amazing Moms in My Life

Happy Mother’s Day!

It is hard to believe we are already in the middle of May. This time of year always feels like the perfect backdrop for Mother’s Day. The trees are full, everything is green again, flowers are blooming, and there is just something about spring that feels full of life, care, and renewal. It makes this holiday feel right at home.

Today is a day to celebrate the moms who have shaped our lives, supported us, and loved us through every stage along the way. I have written before about how fortunate I am to have two wonderful moms to celebrate, and that is just as true this year as ever.

Mom and Oliver from November

Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, Nancy. Thank you for your love, your support, and for all the things you did for us growing up that probably seemed ordinary at the time but mean even more the older I get. The older I get, the more I appreciate the steady presence, encouragement, and care that moms provide. It is not just the big things. It is all the little things over the years that add up and stay with you.

Mom Shirron
from Family Pictures

Happy Mother’s Day to Joan as well. I have been lucky to gain another wonderful mom in my life. Thank you for always being thoughtful, caring, and generous. Family time, meals together, checking in, and all the many ways you show up do not go unnoticed. I am grateful for you and all you do for our family.

Oliver and Carrie

And of course, Happy Mother’s Day to Carrie, who is absolutely Oliver’s mom in every way that matters. Oliver is lucky to have you taking such good care of him, spoiling him, snuggling with him, and making sure he is always loved. I am pretty sure if Oliver could write this post himself, it would mostly be a thank you note for treats, attention, and a preferred spot on the couch. I am also pretty sure he would include a few kisses and then wander off for a nap.

Mother’s Day is also a good reminder to reach out. Call your mom. Visit if you can. Let her know you are thinking about her. Do something special, even if it is simple. A phone call, a card, lunch together, or just spending time means more than we sometimes realize. And try not to make today the only day you check in. That is a good reminder for all of us.

To all the moms out there, Happy Mother’s Day. Thank you for the love, care, patience, strength, and support you give to your families and the people around you. I hope your day is filled with love, appreciation, and maybe a little time to relax too.

Have a great Sunday and a wonderful week ahead.

Lessons, Leadership, and a View from the Capitol Dome

Topeka Capital

This past Friday, I attended my second to last Leadership Greater Topeka (LGT) class. We have one more class, which is a half day, followed by graduation. My time in LGT has flown by, and I cannot believe the end is already approaching. We have covered so much through these classes and learned a great deal about the community where I live and work.

On Friday morning, we spent time talking with leaders from local and state government, including Kansas Representatives and Senators. It was an engaging day of listening and learning as they shared their journeys into public service and described what a typical day looks like when they are in session.

Washburn in the Distance

Friday afternoon was spent at the Topeka Capitol, a place I have visited a number of times. However, I had never been to the top of the Capitol. On previous tours, the top was closed, so I made it a point to go all the way up this time to see the view. It was an incredible experience to climb more than two hundred stairs and look out over Topeka from the top of the Capitol.

Spiral Stairs to the Top

The journey to the top was challenging. The guide mentioned several times that anyone who wanted to turn back could do so, but asked that they let her know so she could account for changes in the group size. There were three different locations where people could peel off and not continue. A few people decided they had gone high enough. I am very glad that I kept going and was able to take in the view of Topeka from atop the Capitol.

Looking Up

During the tour, the guide also shared a few ghost stories, which were interesting. She explained that while she had never experienced anything herself, there have been reports of banging or unexplained noises near the top of the dome. When officers investigate, they never find anything. When we were up in the dome, it was extremely quiet, which felt a bit odd. There was no sound of wind and no noise from below. It was not until we started our way down and reached the third set of stairs that I began to hear the sounds of people far below in the Capitol participating in other tours.

It was a wonderful way to wind down the LGT experience. I have truly enjoyed the LGT journey and look forward to nominating others for future classes.

Just a Casual Night Drinking Wine With Giraffes

Selfie in Front of Japanese Garden

Saturday night, Carrie and I went to Roar and Pour at the Topeka Zoo. It was our first time attending, and we had a great time. The weather was perfect. We went with our friends Laura and Jason, who invited us to attend. They had been several times before and thought we would enjoy the event. They were right. We loved it. Carrie now wants to get a season membership so she can go and sit in the Japanese Garden whenever she wants.

We also ran into friends we had not seen in years. They live in Kansas City but still enjoy making time for events in Topeka. It was great to see them and catch up with Carla and her family. I met Carla back in 2000 when I went on a cruise, which is also where I met Carrie. We were able to chat with Carla and her family for a while at the end of the evening, which was a lot of fun.

I also saw one of my fellow Leadership Greater Topeka Class of 2026 classmates, Caleb, who was volunteering and serving wine. Caleb used to work at the Zoo, so he was helping out for the event. His station was serving Champagne. I had forgotten that Jason and Caleb worked together for a year or so, so it was fun to catch up and hear stories about their time working together.

Carrie Feeding the Giraffe

We arrived around 5 pm for the VIP session, which ran from 5 to 6 and included feeding the giraffes along with dinner. Feeding the giraffes was a lot of fun, although we could not pet them even though they seemed to be asking us to. The food was good as well, and Hazel Hill Chocolate provided desserts that were excellent. I had part of a caramel apple, and it was delicious.

The event picked up around 6 pm when the general public arrived. Even then, it was still a fun time and not too crowded as we moved from wine station to wine station. They also had food available as part of the event, including wings, and Toppers Pizza was handing out slices. It was a good way to finish the night. The evening wrapped up around 9 pm. Afterward, Carrie and I stopped by Erin and Greg’s place for a drink and to tell them about our night.

Group Picture to End the Night

It was a fun way to spend our Saturday while giving back to the community. We lucked out with the weather, especially since I remember hearing about downpours during previous years when friends attended. I would definitely sign up for this again next year. I really enjoyed the evening, and seeing the animals throughout the night was a bonus.

Until next time, have a great rest of your Sunday and a wonderful week!

Starting Over, One Run at a Time

I went on my first run this morning. The last time I exercised was in June or July of 2025. The last time I actually ran was in June of 2024. Wow. I knew it had been a while. I have not been exercising at all, so I was pleasantly surprised that it felt fairly easy to get out and run this morning. I felt good and honestly felt like I could have gone longer than the 28 minutes, but it was a good start for me. No, I was not running the entire time. I am working back into it gradually with walking and jogging to build up my endurance. I also made sure to stretch before and after.

As some of you know, I have lost weight over the past year thanks to Mounjaro, which I have been taking for a while now. I have lost around forty-five pounds since October 2024, and that is without doing much at all over the last year or so. I have been fairly stagnant with weight loss for the past six to eight months, so I am hoping that starting up an exercise routine will help jump-start things again.

I was doing well riding my bike on a regular basis, but I got out of the habit after traveling and never really got back to it. I enjoy running and I enjoy biking. This morning was beautiful, with a slight chill in the air, which had me wearing long pants for my run. It was perfect. My hands were a little cold at the start, but after running, I warmed up and felt great. I enjoy the whole process, from running when it is chilly to running when it is hot out.

After a workout, I still enjoy seeing our dog, Oliver, get excited for his walk. He knows he is getting walked. Even after not feeling well over the past few months, he did not disappoint this morning. He was excited and waiting for me at the door when I returned.

I took Oliver out for his walk, which ends up being my cool-down. Oliver had a great time, although I did have to pick him up and carry him home for the last block or two. He definitely enjoyed himself, and he is now spending his Sunday afternoon sleeping. Granted, that is pretty normal for him whether we go for a walk or not, but he does seem a little more sleepy this afternoon compared to most days.

All of this is to say that I am trying to get back into a regular exercise routine. For now, my plan is to run at least three times a week. Those days will likely be Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, although I can always move things around to accommodate other events. I am putting the workouts on my calendar to help lock them in and avoid excuses. I know Oliver will also enjoy me being on a more consistent workout and walking routine.

Until next time, have a great rest of your Sunday.

Proud to Be Part of the Best Class Ever: Leadership Greater Topeka 2026

TK Magazine Article

I am honored to have recently been featured in a local Topeka publication, TK Magazine. Along with 35 other community leaders, I am participating in the Leadership Greater Topeka (LGT) class. The program began in January, and we are now approaching graduation in May. We proudly call ourselves the Best Class Ever, and I have truly enjoyed getting to know so many incredible people throughout this experience. Being surrounded by engaged leaders in our community and the outstanding 2026 class has been both inspiring and rewarding.

Posing in December After
Being Notified I am part 
of LGT 2026 Class

Back in December, I shared a post about being surprised by an LGT alum with the news of my selection. Classes officially started in the second week of January and have been held every other week since then. Gaining behind-the-scenes insight into how our city operates, from neighborhoods and city government to technical and operational areas, has made this an incredibly valuable experience. It has been a privilege to participate in a program that offers such a comprehensive view of Topeka.

The connections formed through this class, both with my fellow members of the 2026 LGT cohort and with graduates from past years, have been fantastic. Building relationships with leaders across the city has been one of the most meaningful aspects of the program. We have three class days remaining, followed by graduation on the final day.

I am already thinking about people I would like to nominate for the program next year. Prior to being selected, I had not really been familiar with Leadership Greater Topeka until my father-in-law, Eddie, nominated me in 2025. He reached out to see if I would be open to being nominated, knowing it would require approval from work due to the time commitment. I am incredibly grateful that he did, and I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of Leadership Greater Topeka.

If you would like to read more about me, you can visit https://tkmagazine.com/blog/2026/3/7/john-haverty-lgt-class-of-2026. To learn more about the entire 2026 Leadership Greater Topeka class, including all class members, you can visit https://tkmagazine.com/blog/2026/3/3/leadership-greater-topeka-class-of-2026.

Carrie’s Birthday Weekend and Easter Reflections

Happy Easter to all!

We spent the weekend in Kansas City to celebrate Carrie’s birthday. She wanted to get away, so we stayed at our favorite hotel in Kansas City, the InterContinental on the Plaza. We arrived Friday evening and have had a wonderful time. We did a little shopping, but mostly focused on relaxing around the hotel. We brought Oliver with us, and he has been enjoying the many walks we have taken.

On Sunday morning, Easter morning, we are headed to Lawrence to spend the afternoon with Mom. We picked up a dessert from Costco for everyone to enjoy. Everyone will be there except the Browns. Carrie and I keep talking about making a trip to Wichita to see them. We need to get that planned and just do it one weekend.

I am looking forward to spending the afternoon in Lawrence. Tim will be bringing his Bloody Marys for all to enjoy. I am sure I will overeat with all the Easter food. It will be good to see everyone, and we will miss our sister, Jen, who is in Wichita.

May each of you have a fantastic Easter. Have a great week, and know that spring is happening, with trees starting to bloom.

Hope Springs Eternal on Opening Weekend

The year is flying by, and somehow we are already at the start of baseball season. It feels like we just wrapped up spring training, yet here we are. The opening of the season has been a little odd this year, with teams starting play on different days. Only two teams kicked things off on Wednesday, a handful more played on Thursday, and then everyone else finally got going on Friday as they begin their 2026 run.

The Kansas City Royals opened their season Friday night, and it was not the start we were hoping for. We lost and did not score a single run. We left multiple runners on base, which has unfortunately become a familiar storyline over the past few seasons. The pitching was not great either, as we gave up six runs while putting up zero of our own.

It feels like expectations are higher for the Royals this year, at least in my house. I’ll admit I always start the season optimistic, but this year feels a little different. My expectations are higher than they have been in a while. Last season we finished 82-87, and there were some games that were tough to sit through. Most projections have us right back in that same 82-87 range again this season, and honestly, I would take that without hesitation.

This season also brings something new to the game with the introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System. Players can now challenge strike zone calls, with each team getting two challenges per game. If the call is overturned, the team keeps the challenge. In Friday night’s game, Salvador Salvy Perez wasted no time showing that he plans to use this new system. It will be interesting to see how teams decide when to challenge calls and how strategic they become with it. I’m also curious to see what this does to pitch framing. It did not look like Salvy was framing pitches Friday night, so I will be watching to see if that continues and whether other catchers follow the same approach.

Getting ready now to watch the second game of the season, with first pitch set for 6:15. Hopefully tonight brings our first win of the 2026 season and kicks off our march toward an 82-87 win year. Let’s go Royals!

A Quick Update on the Site

If you had any trouble accessing the site recently, that should now be resolved. There was an issue on Wednesday where the routing expired and the site was still pointing to an old IP address used during DNS registration. After a bit of back and forth, I believe everything is now working as expected.

The site was down for most of Thursday, but I was able to get it back online Thursday night. I spent Saturday morning cleaning up DNS records and double-checking that everything is routing correctly.

I also went back through older pages and cleaned up links that were pointing to sites that no longer exist. Some of those pages previously lived on their own domains, like wedding and family pages, which are no longer part of the current setup.

If you notice anything that looks off or is not working correctly, please let me know. Thanks for your patience.