"Space" is the one word response to why they chose Reno County to relocate after a thorough evaluation of their options. Dan Brizendine and Jennifer Randall are both native Californians, and had remained there after marriage. As their three children were getting older, the family decided they wanted to escape the exploding growth and resultant problems, and started investigating the advantages of living elsewhere.

Dan's passion is refurbishing older buildings and restoring their splendor. Jennifer is an accomplished artist. She concentrates on large format paintings, so she doesn't want to be constricted by a small studio, plus her gallery has to have lots of room to appropriately display the finished pieces.

"The older area of downtown with those spacious buildings was very appealing to us," Jennifer relates.

The Brizendine-Randall family also carefully evaluated key factors for them such as school systems, safety, and cost of living before making their decision.

Space applies to this area in multiple ways, but Jennifer sums it up with, "It's given us such a sense of freedom."

She says, "It's not just a place. It's a lifestyle. A refreshing outlook." She stresses that Hutchinson is not a typical small town. "It is amazingly big in terms of amenities, culture, and zest for life."

Their children are happily active here. Son Cody takes trumpet and piano lessons, and likes to skateboard. Their two daughters study dance, take piano lessons, and enjoy horseback riding. Calico is in to ballet and also studies violin. Rebecca prefers tap dancing, and in her spare time likes to skateboard.

Jennifer says the quality of the instruction here is very impressive."  There are wonderfully talented and passionate people here." She cites Karen Russell, a nationally-acclaimed horse trainer and riding instructor; and Betsie Andrews, a highly respected dance instructor and founder of ArtisTree, a performing arts center. Hutchinson Community College is also a great resource for their family according to Jennifer.

"We've discovered there are a lot of really high-quality people here," she concludes.

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