EDITORS’ PICKS disability while making positive differences in people’s lives by helping them build skills and access resources. Its children’s services include physical, occupational and speech-language therapies, autism programs and adaptive recreation. Adult services include residential supports, recreation and leisure activities and work opportunities in the foundation’s auto detail, custom furniture and small-engine repair shops, business support center and gift store.
RECREATIONAL BEST PL AC E TO E X E RC IS E
PROFESSIONAL BEST N O N PRO FI T
EASTERSEALS CAPPER FOUNDATION easterseals.com
Established in 1920 by Sen. Arthur Capper, Easterseals Capper Foundation is changing the way the world defines and views
76 | Best of Topeka 2018
SHAWNEE NORTH COMMUNITY CENTER bit.ly/CJshconorth
Built in 1920 as a county poor farm, the community center on the northern edge of Topeka is a beehive of activity designed to improve the health and happiness of residents and provide a safe environment where families can play. Paint flows in the art studio. Fitness seekers stretch in the dance studio. Muscle builders push their
limits in the weight room. The complex also includes hiking trails; sand volleyball and tennis courts; soccer and softball fields; and an aquatic center with a three-pool design, ample green space and a Viking theme.
RETAIL B EST D OW NTOW N R ESTAURANT/RE TAI L
JULI'S BISTRO
juliscoffeeandbistro.com This cozy downtown coffeeshop and bistro presents a long list of drip, espresso and gourmet coffee drinks and a menu laden with flavorful biscuits, breakfast burritos, sandwiches, wraps and salads that make it a popular destination for breakfast and lunch. Think the Train Wreck, an open-faced biscuit sandwich smothered in sausage gravy, or the Cristo Kicker panini, with ham, turkey, Swiss and strawberry jam on Italian bread dusted with powdered sugar and cayenne pepper. Featured drinks: Mother Earth organic coffee and flavored coffees by locally owned Blue Jazz Java.