Multimedia Reporting (Adler-Noland)

If you look at the bumper stickers on cars or the cabinets in someone's kitchen, you will notice that the eco-friendly green movement is alive and well in Lawrence. Some local beauty suppliers are riding the coattails of this cultural phenomenon and they're reaping the benefits.

A 2006 study by Klein & Company found that the global market of organic beauty products, known today as nutricosmetics, was valued at $1 billion. The study also reported a 50 percent growth since 2002 and predicted the industry will double its revenue over the next five years. Mintel Global New Products Database has predicted that more organically-based products will hit the market in 2007 and that people have started looking for internal health and external beauty in one package. According to an article on cosmeticsdesign.com, David Jago, director of GNPD custom solutions at Mintel anticipates positive long-term effects associated with this movement.

"We're talking about trends, not fads here," Jago said, "so we predict that all of these developments will be around for some time to come."

Many salons and beauty supply stores in Lawrence have noticed the trend and have made an effort to offer eco-friendly products to their shelves.

The Community Mercantile offers more than 100 organic body-care products ranging from shampoo to deodorant. Becca Evanhoe, general merchandise buyer for the Merc, has an extensive routine she must go through when she buys products for the store. She examines a product's ingredients, ethics, and most of all, its national sales. She associates the increase in organic beauty product sales to the rise in organic food consumption.

"More people are realizing that what's put on the skin is as important as what's put into the body," Evanhoe said.

Lee Heeter, salon manager at Headmasters Salon at 8th and Vermont streets, has realized that healthy products have become an important factor in consumers' decisions for body care needs. Heeter said that in 2006, Headmasters had a 10 percent increase in product per client dollar sales. The rise in sales, he said, was because stylists were giving individualized product suggestions to every client. Heeter explained that Headmasters, an Aveda concept salon, carries a variety of organically based products.

"Aveda prides itself on being a botanically-based product line, and whenever they can, they use organics," Heeter said.

Nutricosmetics are only a fraction of the multi-billion dollar cosmetic industry in the United States. While the U.S. has remained lenient on cosmetic ingredients, many non-American governments have started voting for legislation that reduces the amount of harmful elements in beauty products. This being said, foreign companies produce the majority of the nutricosmetic products available to consumers.

Australian organics company Organic and Natural Enterprises Group has begun to build a strong consumer base in America. Mary Veerkamp, one of 6,000 independent representatives for ONE Group, just started to sell products from the USDA-certified beauty line. In the last 18 months, her company has grown approximately 3,000%, an increase she attributes to the rise in awareness of the elements people use and how those elements affect our lives.

"I believe the company-wide increase has to do with the fact that more consumers are becoming aware of how they take care of themselves and how their products choices affect our planet," Veerkamp said.

One major downfall of the organic beauty products industry is the price of the products.

Prices tend to be higher because the ingredients are natural and organic because production costs are higher. Brad Hensler, co-owner of Solution, a high-end salon in Houston, has noticed a recent trend in prices.

"Prices are getting lower," Hensler said. "More and more companies are making these products and there is a growing demand. Because of this, prices have to stay competitive and they go down."

Consumers have started to prioritize beauty and health, which is evident in the increasing sales statistics of organic beauty products.

Juliet Hart, professor in the School of Education, purchases face wash at Salon di Marco on Massachusetts Street. Her skin is dry, even more so because of the winter weather. Since she began using her organic facial cleanser, Hart has recognized a major difference in her complexion and also enjoys the perks that come along with being eco-friendly.

"My skin isn't dry," Hart said. "There are no harsh chemicals and I know when I wash it off my face, it won't screw anything up in the environment."

Michelle Dick, Leavenworth senior, purchases Aveda products for her hair and face. She understands that organic products tend to be higher in price, but she is willing to pay more for the positive effects.

"I like how the products work on my hair and skin," Dick said. "I understand that it's more expensive, but I feel fresh and energized after I wash and I don't feel like I'm putting fake stuff on my body."

The city of Lawrence and the University have worked together on many ventures for over 150 years, but it has taken that long for both to consider collaborating on an artistic project.

The city commission voted Tuesday in favor of the Spencer Museum of Art’s request to put a museum-commissioned mural on the north side of the parking garage at 9th and New Hampshire streets. The museum has commissioned local artist Dave Loewenstein to create the mural in conjunction with one the museum’s fall exhibitions that will showcase the works of Topeka native Aaron Douglas, who played a major role in the Harlem Renaissance. Carolyn Chinn-Lewis, assistant director of the museum and the head of the mural committee, wants to bring attention to the reputable yet unfamiliar work of Douglas.

“We want the mural to be seen by many people and to bring attention to the city and Kansas,” Chinn-Lewis said. “That is why we would like the mural to be painted in downtown Lawrence.”

Loewenstein, who happens to be a member of the Lawrence Arts Commission as well, said he was flattered to be chosen to paint the mural. He said Douglas was one of his role models and deserved to be in the same limelight as other Harlem Renaissance virtuosos from Kansas, such as Langston Hughes and Gordon Parks. Loewenstein said the proposed work between the city and the museum was mutually beneficial because of the exposure a downtown mural could get.

“It’s exciting to see the Spencer reaching out to the community to do a project off-site,” he said. “It’s a new partnership between the University and the town and the museum and the greater arts community.”

Loewenstein said he planned to create the mural with a handpicked team, but hopes to involve KU students, area youth and Lawrence residents. He emphasized the idea of public art as a medium that everyone in the community can take part in. Loewenstein said he was looking forward to working with his team.

“Because it’s public art, I think it’s good to get other people’s ideas,” he said.

Commissioner Dennis “Boog” Highberger was a vocal proponent of the proposed mural during the meeting and was the only commissioner to comment on the museum’s request. The commissioner said he was excited for the process to begin and hoped the city and museum’s plans could come to fruition.

“I think the idea of this mural is a great one,” Highberger said. “It would be another achievement of the city and the University.”

This summer, Loewenstein will work with his team to create a design for the Douglas mural. The team gives the Lawrence Arts Commission the completed draft and commission members vote on the design, but do not get the final say. If the team's work gets accepted, the commission makes a recommendation to the city commission members, who then vote on the design.

Becky Saathoff stood at the pool's edge, swinging her arms to warm up. She looked up at her mom, Sherrie, and the rest of her family and friends.

"Swim hard, Becky!" Sherrie shouted. Becky smiled and waved.

It was swim time.

The gun sounded and the swimmers dove in. Becky kept it close the entire race and never lapsed. Her strokes intensified and her contingent cheered her on.

"Come on, Becky," her mom screamed. "Kick it, kick it, kick it!"

She finished 1.3 seconds behind the first place finisher in the 50-meter freestyle, one of three events that she medaled in. Becky also won the silver medal in the 50-meter backstroke and the bronze medal in the relay race.

That evening, Becky Saathoff and friends celebrated her accomplishments at the first-ever Special Olympics National Games.

Becky, who has an intellectual disability, has matured as an athlete since her three-medal performance at nationals in Ames, Iowa in 2006. She started swimming competitively about six years ago, when her parents figured Becky's athletic interest could be tapped in Special Olympics. Training began on March 31 for the 2007 Kansas Special Olympics Summer Games, which will take place June 1-3 in Wichita. Becky's team, the Douglas County Gators, will compete in a total of six events at the games, but Becky's focus is in the pool.

"I want to get first place or second," Becky said. "But overall, I just want to do my best."

Becky's confidence is not entrenched in her desire to win. She wants to excel and always do her personal best, whether she wins gold or gets sixth place. She practices every Sunday for almost two hours and works with other swimmers on the team and the coaches and timers. Every Saturday, she works to beat her best time from the practice before. One of Becky's coaches, John Samuels, likes what he sees in Becky and thinks her attitude towards swimming is reflective of her overall perspective on life.

"She works hard to get better," Samuels said. "She knows that the only way she can achieve her goals is to practice."

Sherrie agrees that Becky has the right attitude to make her dreams happen.

"The great thing about Becky is she has no self-doubt if she works hard and tries her best," Sherrie said. "She is happy with the outcomes as long as she has done her best."

Becky's other coach, Danny Lenz, has seen a strong work ethic in Becky's performance and has noticed that her competitive humility, oxymoron aside, allows her to take swimming seriously and enjoy being with teammates and competitors at the same time.
Lenz has noticed Becky's enduring spirit and desire to achieve personal greatness.

"Becky never gives up," Lenz said. "That's a great quality for not only an athlete, but a person in general."

Becky works part time at the University's Department of Special Education and also works with someone who teaches her independent living skills. Her wish is to move out of home to an apartment with a roommate. Oh, and there's got to be a pool.

"I love to swim and I love to get better," Becky said. "I know swimming is something I can do forever."

To the Saathoffs, especially Becky, Becky's disability has never been an issue. Becky understands that she has special needs and that it takes her longer to learn things, but she associates the word disability with something physical. This mindset, not to be confused with ignorance, has had an extremely beneficial influence on Becky and how she lives her life.

"She doesn't see herself as having a disability," Sherrie said. "Only abilities."

Becky's disability hasn't affected her love for swimming and her drive to get better. When Becky was asked what the toughest thing to deal with in her swimming has been, she replied with the answer of an athlete with a little swagger.

"Nothing."

Jenny Collins, Overland Park senior, has had her share of college crises and triumphs. Despite the rollercoaster ride she endured for the past four years, Collins kept an open mind about the future and her prospects for a career.

"I'm pretty positive about my job security," Collins said. "I'm ready to make an impact in my field and I know that there are a lot of options."

Collins will graduate in May and will leave Lawrence for Tallahassee, Fla., in August, where she will attend Florida State University as a graduate student in religious studies.
Like Collins, thousands of students will graduate in the coming weeks and will venture onto new tracks in their lives and will encounter those all-to-common real world situations. As graduates flock into the corporate world, stress and failure accumulate and alter the physical and mental behavioral patterns of people.

According to an article in last fall's issue the Bureau of Labor Service's publication Occupational Outlook Quarterly, 55 million jobs will be available by 2014, but more people are attending and graduating from college. The influx of graduates signifies a competitive job market and possible downfalls in a graduate's job search.

Heather Rasmussen, an evaluation coordinator at the KU Institute for Educational Research and Public Service, did extensive research in optimism and its effects on people's behavior and health. Her work was based on goal adjustment and flexibility in negative situations. In December 2006, The Journal of Personality published a study co-authored by Rasmussen that observed the physical and mental effects of optimism and goal adjustment. Rasmussen felt it was important and healthful for graduates to have attainable goals and to be able to adjust those goals when they couldn't be reached in full.

"People who are hopeful and optimistic usually have the flexibility to adaptively cope with obstacles and stressors in their lives," Rasmussen said. "This hope and optimism leads to less depression and is even linked to better physical health."

Rasmussen expressed importance in expecting good things to happen, but to also look for the positive aspects of any negative situation. This mindset enabled study participants to learn from negative things so the next time obstacles arose, it was more likely the end would result in a positive outcome.

Shane Lopez, associate professor in the department of psychology and research in education, has done research on hope and positive psychology, character education and psychosocial factors associated with academic achievement and professional training issues.

Lopez said that graduation was an exciting time for the entire KU community and that the ceremonies bring graduates many endings and some new beginnings, as well as positive stress and the typical taxing stress.

"Graduates that have learned to develop clear and specific goals in good times and in bad will navigate this transition well, regardless of what their job or educational future looks like today," Lopez said. "For all, it is time to consider all valued goals; prioritize them through discussions with mentors, family, and friends; and throw your energy behind the goals that matter to you most."

Lopez acknowledged change is never easy and it could be overwhelming. People who are hopeful continue to explore possibilities and ultimately find exactly what they are looking for, he said. Optimistic people were also willing to admit downfalls and be honest with themselves when they needed new tools and skills to make themselves more competitive for positions they desired.

According to Rasmussen, research has shown that people who are optimistic experience greater social support than their pessimistic counterparts.

"This can affect your career," Rasmussen said. "Others are more likely to enjoy being around someone who is realistically optimistic than someone who is pessimistic."

Lopez pointed out the social nature of goal pursuits and people couldn't succeed in getting into graduate school or landing the right job on their own. He said it was important to recognize and utilize all the people that are involved: family and friends who offered support, teachers who provided education and training, mentors and advisors who wrote letters of recommendation, and professionals who interviewed for potential.

"The folks who navigate this transition into advanced education or the job force well are the ones who take advantage of social support," Lopez said. "They monitor their own progress, get feedback from trusted others, and keep creating pathways toward their goals."

Lopez said when recent graduates got frustrated or disappointed, they went back to their support network and reflected on past successes and kept moving forward.

Support systems and communal interaction were healthful ways of dealing with goal achievement or failure. Rasmussen did add that goal setting was personal, but it could be useful to consult others about set goals.

The goals graduates set should be based on their priorities and what they aspire to do with their lives, Rasmussen said.

Juliann Morland, Girard graduate student in international studies, is graduating this summer and will attend law school at Washburn in the fall. She wants to eventually work in the United States diplomatic core or with the United Nations.

"I feel it's very important to come to a place of knowing what blessings and skills you have to offer the world and find the career which allows you to best express these passions," Morland said. "I believe in the concept of what some may refer to as the 'American Dream,' however, more so it is one's ability to make their imaginations their reality."

Expectations were high last year when in August the University of Kansas Parking and Transit Department bought four new buses and launched Park & Rise on west campus to help alleviate traffic woes.

The department has realized the change was good, with increased ridership and permit sales up nearly 40 percent, the first increase in permits since 2003

“We’re excited about the increases,” Donna Hultine, director of the parking and transit department. “It’s good to have it happen the first year our department took over the system.”

This year, 924 students purchased Park & Ride permits, compared to 663 last year when the shuttle lot was located at the Lied Center.

Hultine attributed the rise in riders to the perks of the updated system.

“The investment of the new buses themselves has been a big help,” Hultine said. “They’re newer, air-conditioned and cleaner running. And bus passes aren’t required for the system, so that’s a plus.”

The new system has helped relieve transit problems on campus, but not without some complaints. Park & Ride permit holders have always had the opportunity to email or call the department with their problems.

Danny Kaiser, assistant director of the parking and transit department, said the shuttle system could not have evolved without the complaints it had received all year. Early on, complaints were mostly centered on passengers arrived 30 minutes before class, but were left behind because the buses were full. The students then had to wait the full six to eight minutes until the next bus came along, which made them late for class.

The department responded with a slightly altered the original six to eight minute interval schedule, replacing it with a two-bus shuttle system at the parking lot stops on Becker Drive. These buses worked on a half-hourly schedule and arrived and left within a couple of minutes of each other. Kaiser said the concentration of buses at the peak times covered the demand.

Kaiser said some riders haven’t understood that Park & Ride needed to run strictly as a shuttle. He said that there could be a fixed schedule, but it would decrease the time intervals between buses and make it hard to serve all students during the peak times.

Other complaints included buses waiting too long and buses not picking up riders on the first stop. In the last case, buses would be ahead of schedule and would loop around Becker Drive twice before picking up new riders.

Kaiser noted that the new system changes made the frequency of complaints reduce from several per week to one or two a month.

Jennifer Tierney, Overland Park junior, did not have a Park & Ride permit until this year. She said that even though there were problems with the system, she got to class on time and never had to worry finding a parking spot.

“I’ve had a few bad experiences with Park & Ride,” Tierney said, “but I liked the idea of taking a shuttle and being close to home. It has its problems, but it’s definitely convenient.

Last December, results of a rider survey were published to a transit commission that involved the Lawrence Transit System, KU on Wheels and the Parking and Transit Department. The survey group, Dan Boyle & Associates, Inc., surveyed 294 Park & Ride riders.

The survey showed an overall positive experience among Park & Ride riders, indicating that riders use the shuttle to get to class or work, and they use it regularly.

Jessica Mortinger, KU on Wheels staff member, said that the KU on Wheels administration works closely with the parking and transit department on the system operations.

The parking and transit department and KU on Wheels initially created a joint Park and Ride program, but this year, the department began operation of its own system. Mortinger said even though KU on Wheels no longer helped operate Park & Ride, the two have attempted to boost ridership and create an efficient way to get on campus for off-campus students.

“KU on Wheels and Park & Ride work in conjunction with each other,” Mortinger said. “We provide every Park & Ride permit holder with a free bus pass, and the parking and transit department provides us with a financial contribution.”

The parking portal opened on May 4 last year and had sold 73 Park & Ride permits through June 1. So far this year, the parking and transit department has sold 70 permits. With enrollment getting underway, students are still selecting their transportation options. Hultine said that even though the numbers are low, expectations are high for an increased amount of riders.

“We just started selling them on-line when enrollment started so it's too soon to tell,” Hultine said. “Last year, around this time, we had 73. We ended up with 924.”