XYZ Spring 2012 by seveneightfive magazine

[everything for Topeka families]

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XYZ Magazine | Vol. II • Issue IV | Spring 2012

[ what’s inside ] 44 Imagination • The Keen Eye puzzle asks kids to scrutinize some spines • Spring Reads features Belpré Medal winners • The art project finds a new use for those old, stubby crayons • The eavesdropping is juicy in Heard + Noted • What’s the Story prompts young authors to use their wildest imaginations.

28 cool kid’s room

32 homeless in Shawnee County 26% of Shawnee County’s homeless residents are children. Read one writer’s experience meeting 4 families on hard times during this year’s Point-in-Time count.

8 1 Sunday pot roast, 3 delicious meals

We’ve got some delicious recipes that will make weekday dinners a breeze.

14 the family spin

How to make the family bike ride safe and comfy.

16 sometimes you’ve just gotta dance! A photo collage and a hilarious yet horrifying scenario of kids dancing to LMFAO’s ‘club music.’

20 wiggle worms play chess too When six-year-olds play chess at Topeka Collegiate’s chess club, things get conpetitive and seriously fun.

22 green cleaning

Ditch the bleach and Windex and grab some vinegar and Borax. Environmental dad Dennis Etzel Jr. gets you acquainted with Spring green cleaning.

& MORE

Aka’ne is smitten with pink and green and her room not only reflects her favorite colors, but also her plans for the future.

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 letter from editor 6 family calendar 10 - F.A.B. - Find A Babysitter 18 cool kid’s bday 22 environmental parenting 28 cool kid’s room 42 recipe 43 - 47 imagination section

[ letter from the editor ]

[ everything for Topeka families ]

perspective by Leah Sewell

y family, it seemed, was sick from mid-December to midMarch with scant breaks in between. It was a rough winter, full of trips to the doctor’s office, sleepless nights and shut-in days. When a final, nasty bout of the flu felled every last one of us in late February, it would have been pretty easy to feel sorry for my feverish self and lament the hand of fate that dealt us this season of pestilence. But fate also dealt me some perspective in the form of Janice Watkins’s story for this issue of XYZ that arrived in my inbox with the force of a spring thunderstorm. “26% of Shawnee County homeless residents were children,” she cites from this year’s Point-in-Time Count, the annual effort to collect a census of the city’s homeless population. Talk about perspective. For the most part, readers, we are blessed. We have roofs over our heads, plenty of space for our kids to grow in and the support of family and/or friends to help us in times of need. This issue of XYZ is full of blessings - a little girl’s pride for the bedroom she helped design, the tendency for kids to throw inhibition to the wind and just dance when the mood strikes, the chance to strap on a helmet and go for a bike ride with your family and the exquisite feel of spring sunshine on your face after months of cold and illness - they’re things that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Janice’s story should by no means be a vehicle for guilt; be happy and thankful for what you have and give to others when you are able. The stories she shares, rather, are a vehicle for compassion and bind us together as a community that unfortunately contains families facing unfair circumstances. I hope that by reading this and the other stories that span the spectrum of childhood - the good and bad - you find some new perspective the way that I have, squeeze your kids tight, then go sanitize the heck out of the toys and change the sheets. Spring is all about new beginnings. - Leah

on the cover adventure race an 11-yr-old boy’s dream bday

homeless families in Shawnee Co. the reality

Spring by Tara Tonsor See{k} Design

Kerrice Mapes Publisher Leah Sewell Editor-in-Chief Writers Regina Budden Rio Cervantes-Reed Anthony Davis Chelle Decker Dennis Etzel Jr. Cale Herreman Bailey Marable Kerrice Mapes Leah Sewell Janice Watkins Photographers EJ Drake Gary Krohe Sarah Long Colin MacMillan Megan Rogers Art + Production Kerrice Mapes Justin Marable Leah Sewell Advertising xyztopeka@gmail.com 785.249.3126 Kerrice Mapes Rio Cervantes-Reed calendar Heather McKee Marketing / Website Social Media / Distribution Rio Cervantes-Reed Leah Sewell Kerrice Mapes Heather McKee Administration Elizabeth Bell Reprints + Permission No part of XYZ may be reproduced in any form without prior consent from seveneightfive designs. For permission requests, call 785.249.3126 or email kerrice@seveneightfive.com Opinions or advice of columnists are not necessarily those of the publication. XYZ MAGAZINE xyztopeka@gmail.com P.O. Box 750491 Topeka, KS 66675

XYZ Contributors

[ our gang ] our staff would love to hear from you! have something to say? email xyztopeka@gmail.com kerrice mapes was born with a thick-head of dark brown hair and vocal cords that wouldn’t quit. In school, check marks quickly became her favorite glyph. She has always pushed the rules and socialized too much - things that don’t get her into as much trouble now. She is a legit “cool” aunt, now that Anderson was born, on her 30th birthday. Much love to her little sister Cassie and her new journey into mommy-hood. leah Sewell Leah used to make magazines out of construction paper, glue and cut-up family photos. She was grounded a lot as a kid. Today she’s a poet, freelance graphic designer, editor of XYZ magazine and mother to Sylvia, 5, and Oliver, 3. colin macmillan Colin is a professional photographer right here in Topeka, where he currently heads the Wedding Division for Nathan Ham Photography. You’re sure to bump into Colin, his wife Grace, and 3-year-old son Liam at any of the numerous events going on in Topeka. heather mckee Heather is a mom who’s usually gone against the grain but is slowly turning into your typical “soccer mom.” She spends her days caring for her 3 year old son and afternoons picking up her girls from school and their various activities. In her spare time, she loves to do photography. cale herreman ► Cale Herreman is a Topeka-based father and writer. He is left-handed and enjoys cookies. Janice watkins Janice is a Topeka-native and mother of two. By day she is a non-profit guru and by night she is the bearer of many hats, including aspiring writer. justin marable Justin currently resides in the Kenwood neighborhood of Topeka with his wife and three daughters. He works full time at his home as an artist, husband and father. Visit www.justinmarable.com to see more of his artwork. bailey marable ► Bailey is mother of Olive, Willow and Kassy, and an Art Teacher at Royal Valley High School. She teaches metalsmithing classes for adults, makes jewelry and is very involved with the ReThink Topeka Movement.

Make a big splash with your next event call 783-8883 blueplanetcafeevents@gmail.com

sarah Long In fourth grade, Sarah wrote for an assignment that she wanted to be a writer and a photographer when she grew up. She is now living her dream in Topeka with her family. Chelle Decker Chelle is happily Mom to Teddy Mac. She works for jhP and Country Legends 106.9. During playtime, she enjoys volunteering at TCTA. EJ Drake ► Born and raised in Topeka, EJ loves the art of photography. Rio Cervantes-Reed A born and bred Kansan, Rio’s sense of wonderment as a child matured into typical adult confusion. She’s active in too many local groups, watches too much tv, and spends too much time on social media pursuits, but she’ll be okay. She serves as a “Tia” to three nieces and a nephew. megan rogers As a child you could find Megan either outside and barefoot, riding the train at Gage Park or at Showbiz Pizza. She wore a shirt that said “Don’t Tickle Me” but really would beg for more if you stopped. She had a naturally curiosity about the world and still does. regina stephenson Regina is a freelance writer and a newlywed. In her bustling Topeka nightlife she takes a lot of time to be a professional aunt to three lively adventurers: Connall (4), Fiona (3) and Sean (1). Aunt Regina’s former occupations include (but are not limited to): Witch, princess, singer, teacher, rich person, Barbie soap opera director, swamp monster, mermaid, artist, fairy, puppy, vampires, homeless crime fighting magician, undersea explorer, librarian, Jedi, archaeologist, nun, dragon rider, undertaker, mummy victim, actress, general imagineer and any combination thereof.

community calendar

Have an event you want to see featured here?

spring 2012

We want to get your family-friendly events listed in our calendar. Just contact our calendar editor at mckee.xyz@gmail. com. Your event could be featured online and/or in print. Please keep in mind that we publish on a quarterly schedule.

compiled by Heather McKee

Egg Hunts + Bunny Visits

December 21 | March 21 June 21 | September 22

Info @ SNCO or Topeka Parks & Rec sites

Egg Hunts

Bunny Bash

4/1 | Lake Shawnee | Reynolds Lodge Under 8 yrs | 12:30p

3/31 | 11a | 1 -5 yrs Paris Comm Ctr | Crestview

Moonlight Egg Hunt

4/5 | Shawnee North | 5-12 yrs | 8p

4/7 | Auburn Comm Ctr | 9a 4/7 | Garfield | 1 - 10 yrs | 11a

4/7 | Shawnee North | under 9 | noon 4/7 | Central Park | 1 - 10 yrs | 1:30p

Tulip Time 4/1 - 4/24 • FREE • Various locations www.topeka.org/parksrec/ wardmeade_events.shtml

Farmers Market

Open April 7 www.topekafarmersmarket. com

NOTO Saturday Market Godzilla & Friends

5/4 (Friday evening - 7pm to 10pm) and May 5th (Saturday - 10am to 10pm with lunch & dinner breaks) http://godzillafriends.org

Touch-A-Truck 5/3 http://www. topeka.org/parksrec/index.shtml

Open April 7 ww.notoartsdistrict.com

Mini Train + Carousel

Open April 13 (weekends) + 5/21 (7 days a week). www. topeka.org

ReThink Topeka April 19th An annual art exhibition taking place throughout downtown, featuring music, poetry, food, art and kids’ activities. http://rethinktopeka.com

traditional Topeka spring events

THEATRE! The House at Pooh Corner School time theatre at TPAC 3/28 | 10a | www.tpactix.org

Clarissa’s Closet

Helen Hocker Theater March 23 - 31 (varies dates / times) www.topeka.org/parksrec/ hocker_ticket_info.shtml

Miss Nelson is Missing Topeka Civic Theatre April 6 - 15 www.topekacivictheatre.com

Laughing Matters Junior

Topeka Civic Theatre April 14 + June 2 | Improv Comedy Troupe www.topekacivictheatre.com

NOTO

Take in a little

NOTO Art Classes

http://notoartsdistrict.com/category/classes All classes are held at the NOTO Community Arts Center, pricing is for all dates, and all ages; unless otherwise noted. Mar 27, April 3rd & 10, 4:15-5:15pm Outdoor Mosaics – $25 3rd-8th grade Mar 29, April 12th, 19th, 26th 5:30-7:30 pm Love to Draw – $25 Apr 9, 4:15-5:15pm Earth Day Terrariums – $13 Ages 9 and up, unless accompanied by an adult Apr 17, rain date April 24, 4:15-5:15pm Nature Printing – $10 May 5, Art Exploration with Bailey Marable $13 PreK - Kindergarten 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m, 1st3rd grade 11:15 - 12:15, 4th - 6th grade, 1-2pm May 7, 4:15-5:15pm Love our Mothers – $13 May 1 & 8, 4:15-5:15pm Flower and bug art – $10

Events coming up at the Kansas Childrens Discovery Center http://www.kansasdiscovery.org

3/31 - 10 - 3, Alice’s Adventure in Nanoland! Nano Days at KCDC! Alice will lead you on an adventure in the world of “small” -- come explore all things nano! 4/14 - Storm Wrangler, storytelling and book signing by author Coert Voorhees 4/21 - Earth Day! For details, visit www.kansasdiscovery.org 5/12 - KCDC is excited to host the 2012 Kansas Yo Yo Championship! 6/1 - Discovery Center’s 1st Birthday and ribbon cutting for the Outdoor Learning Environment!

��

Spring Daily Programs at KCDC Tuesdays - 3:30PM, Strap on your tool belt and join Doc Wood in the Real Tools Workshop. Wee Wednesdays - 10:30AM, Calling all moms (and dads), come meet n’ play with your little ones in our Toddler Grow area. Meet parents from around town and enjoy free coffee. Thursdays - 2PM, Science 101 with Mr. Javin Serious Fun Fridays - All day, Serious fun activities for the whole family.

Sunday pot roast by Chelle Decker photos by Sarah Long | Joyful Photography

veryone loves pot roast, and in the world of cooking, it’s quite easy and fairly inexpensive to make. Best of all, you can turn on the crock pot, leave the house for 7 hours and come home to an amazing aroma and an easy to throw together meal with mashed potatoes and carrots. However, the same-old, same-old meal can be revved up for leftovers with a lot more pizzazz and enough variety that the kids won’t moan, “Pot roast, again?” A four pound pot roast can easily be divided to make enchiladas, Italian beef sandwiches, barbeque beef and more. Let your imagination be your guide and cook ahead on a Sunday to make Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday’s dinners a snap!

Pot Roast: the main attraction 4 pound pot roast (choose the variety you prefer, I recommend the eye of round because it’s super lean with less fat, but some people prefer the fat for tenderness)

½ TBSP seasoning salt ½ TBSP black pepper 5 cans of Rotel tomatoes 1 can of tomato sauce

Spray a skillet with cooking spray. Sprinkle all sides of a roast with seasoning salt and pepper while browning the entire outside in the skillet. Place the roast and all the other ingredients in a crock pot on low. Time varies depending on the size of the roast being cooked, but it will take at least 5 hours. More lean roasts should cook up to 12 hours to assure tenderness. The longer the roast is cooked the more tender it will be. Be sure to check the crock pot occasionally to make sure there is still plenty of liquid with the roast. After the roast is done and seems to be falling apart, remove it from the crock pot. Slice the meat or shred it according to use. Reserve the remaining tomato mixture as it can be used as a soup starter.

3 delicious meals Italian Beef Ciabatta rolls Shredded beef Banana peppers Marinara (or pizza) sauce Assemble a sandwich with all ingredients. For added calcium, 2% mozzarella can be added and the sandwich can be toasted.

Barbeque Beef Barbeque sauce (we like to buy local – Uncle Sunny’s sold at the Farmer’s Market is excellent) Shredded beef Wheat roll In a bowl, mix the shredded meat with the barbeque sauce. Assemble the sandwich. Baked sweet potato fries are an excellent and healthy accompaniment for this sandwich.

Enchiladas 18 white corn tortillas 2 cans enchilada sauce Shredded beef Roasted Rotel tomato mixture from roast ½ cup 2% cheddar cheese ¼ cup green onions ¼ cup black olives Mix some of the tomato mixture leftover from the roast into the shredded beef for flavor. Warm each corn tortilla individually in a frying pan to make the tortilla pliable. Pour the enchilada sauce on a deep plate or baking pan. Dredge the warm tortilla through the sauce. Fill with shredded beef. Roll and place in a baking dish. Repeat this step to create the desired number of enchiladas. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas in the pan. (Use approximately 1 TBSP each). Place the enchiladas under the broiler for about 5 minutes. (Leave them long enough to crisp up the outside of the tortilla.) Remove from the oven. Sprinkle pan with cheddar cheese. Top the enchiladas with green onions and black olives for decoration. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. XYZ xyztopeka.com 9

F. A. B.

(find a babysitter) compiled by Rio Cervantes-Reed

XYZ

mined its sister publication, seveneightfive, for the best in upcoming events for you and your partner or for a guys’ or girls’ night out on the town. Call the babysitter, get a cab on standby and have a F.A.B. time!

Topeka Civic Theatre

785-357-5211 or visit www.topekacivictheatre.com for reservations: Laughing Matters improvisational comedy is always a great choice for date night or GNO. Performances are scheduled for April 6 & 7, and May 12. Want to take grandma out for the night? Check out Senior Class, the Laughing Matters off-shoot made up of performers of a “certain age,” (55 and over). They have performances scheduled for April 21 and June 9. Doors open at 7p, show starts at 8p. Don’t miss the Tony-award winning play, “Avenue Q.” On stage through March 31, this decidedly adults-only puppet show is, “... part flesh, part felt, and packed with heart.” William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” has been called the best play ever written. Catch this classic on stage from April 20 to May 5. Tickets go on sale to the general public on April 10. The “Great American Trailer Park Musical” is billed as, “deliciously campy and trashy...” Part of TCT’s Studio Series, this is for adults only for sure, so grab your friends and go! Our fave five-star dive, The Dutch Goose is only a few blocks away, so make a night of it. Tickets go on sale, April 24. On stage May 4 - 20. Over 150 zany characters played by a cast of four? Okay, “The 39 Steps” sounds like a must-see. Throw in the description: Alfred Hitchcock meets Monty Python. Yeah, get your tickets when they go on sale May 22. On stage June 1- 23.

Topeka Symphony Orchestra Call the symphony office at 785-232-2032 for tickets.

The Fabulous Finale, April 14, is the last show of the 2011-12 season. Featuring pianist Julius Kim, it begins at 7:30 p.m. at White Concert Hall on the Washburn University campus. 10

xyztopeka.com XYZ

Topeka Performing Arts Center

Call 785-234-2787 or visit www.tpactix.org for tickets A regular on the stages of David Letterman and Conan O’Brien, comedian Brian Regan has established himself with his blend of sophisticated humor and physicality. Don’t miss him when he hits the TPAC stage on Saturday, April 28. Tickets on sale now.

. . . 3 , , 2 UP 1WAKE

Born in 1977 in New Hartford, New York, Joe Bonamassa was only 10 years old when he caught the attention of B.B. King, and went on to open shows for him and perform on-stage with Buddy Guy, Robert Cray and Gregg Allman, among others. Don’t miss this blues prodigy when he visits TPAC on May 2, 2012. Tickets on sale now.

BOOMER!

When you see the Boomer sticker ask your child about their storytime adventure.

Saturday Night Fights, April 21, 5:30 p.m. doors open, 6:30 p.m. fights start. Boxing and MMA take center stage at the Kansas Expocentre, 17th & Topeka Blvd. for Danger-Fire Promotions’ fight night. “Like” their page at www.facebook.com/ DangerFirePromotions for details, including the fight card.

Asking children about storytime  Builds their vocabulary  Allows them to re-tell a story

wine tastings every third Wednesday of the month. You can enjoy new acquisitions and old standards paired with cheeses and friendly advice. Optional dinner specials are also available. The cost is $6 person. Call 785-215-8460 for reservations.

Wine tastings are hosted the first Wednesday of every month at New City Cafe at Gage Center, beginning at 5:00pm. Taste four different wines for only $10. If you have dinner that same night, your server will take $10 off your dinner entrée. Call 785-271-8646 for reservations.

For more F.A.B. events, visit seveneightfive.com

 Makes story sharing a fun and important thing to do  Helps you to raise a reader Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library’s most popular Storyteller, Boomer Bear, visits 84 licensed daycares and preschools. You can also see him at the library every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at 10am for Preschool Storytime.

Ice & Olives, 29th & Croco in Thunderbird Square, hosts

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3/1/12 XYZ xyztopeka.com

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Great selection, great brands at the best price. buy, sell and so Much More! Children & Maternity Clothes Unique Gift Items & Toys Baby Equipment Coats & so much more!

3703 SW Burlingame Rd.

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$55 per child | families w/incomes > $25,000 $35 per child | families w/incomes < $25,000

For more information: Kristy Larson 633-3310 Dee Ann Meredith 783-2014 www.melodybrownff.com

drama

June 4 - June 15 | 9â&#x20AC;&#x201C;11:30 a.m. Robinson Middle School

June 4 - 15, 2012

Fun Factory of Arts, 2012

explore get out and enjoy the weather, the fresh air and the best of Top City this spring.

We’ve put together a handy-dandy list of places to go and sights to see while you’re out and about in Topeka. Best of all, they’re all FREE. Visit our site and sign up for our weekly email blasts for up-to-date events and activities and while you’re there, check out our comprehensive guide to Topeka for families, “Tackle Top City” Great Mural Wall of Topeka 20th & Western | Walk the length of this massive mural, still being created by local artists

natural setting for portraits. The park also is a meeting place for area garden clubs and for those who enjoy lunch around the picnic tables.

Landon Nature Trail

Cedar Crest / MacLennan Park

785.272.8683 | Open sunrise to sundown.

785.272.9024 | 1 SW Cedar Crest Rd.

Landon Nature Trail is a rail-trail being developed on 38 miles of the former Missouri-Pacific Railroad from Topeka, south, to Lomax Junction, eat of Pomona Lake in Osage County. This historic 123 year-old “Mo-Pac” railed corridor was originally built in 1886 by the Kansas, Nebraska, and Dakota Railroad.

Monday: 1 – 3:30 pm

Reinish Rose Garden Gage Park Open Sunrise ’till 11 pm The Rose Garden features more than 6,500 plants and 400 varieties of roses. The flowers are in bloom from May to October each year. Specifically, the Tulip blooms fill the rock garden the second and third week of April. The annual flowers in the Rock Garden are at their best June – August. Learn more Botanical Gardens 785.368.3888 | 124 NW Fillmore Street | Old Prairie Town at Ward Meade Historic Site A special feature of the gardens is Anna’s Place, a Victorian Reading Garden. This quiet and peaceful place includes a water garden with a footbridge, a gazebo and benches. Those who choose a self guided tour of the gardens will find more than 500 varieties of flowers, shrubs, and trees, all labeled with their botanical names. The outdoor locations are so visually rich the entire park is a popular spot for area professional photographers looking for just the right

Tours of the governor’s residence last about 30 minutes and start every half hour. Reservations needed if more than 10 people in a group. Learn more. Miles of trails at MacLennan Park offer a chance for Topeka area families to get back to nature without leaving the city. There are also big rolling meadows of tall grass that change colors with the seasons – perfect for frisbee or kite flying. Shunga Trail / Crestview Park The Shunga Trail is a paved recreational trail for walking, jogging, skating, biking and running that stretches from the northeast corner of Topeka to the southwest corner. Crestview Community Center and Park at 4801 SW Shunga Drive is a good place to start taking to the trail. Nearby, the Heartland BMX track is a challenging loop of terrain for bike enthusiast kids. Truckhenge | 30-acre Catfish pond & folk art | 4124 NE Brier Rd, Topeka, KS | Directions: On private land just inside the gate to the Victory Sand and Gravel property. East edge of Topeka. I-70 exit 366. Drive north two miles on Hwy 4. Take the Seward Ave. exit. Turn left on Seward, then an immediate left on Kincaid Rd. Truckhenge is one mile straight ahead. | Hours: Viewable any time. Call Ron and maybe he’ll give you a tour. (Call to verify) | 785-234-3486 You can take your kids out to Trunkhenge to fish on their catfish pond (they charge by the pound – so if it’s not a lucky fishing day, you don’t have to pay too much). We’ve heard it’s definitely an experience, and one that’s been hailed by KansasTravel.org, too. XYZ TOPEKA

the family spin by Leah Sewell • photos by Sarah Long | Joyful Photography

The Church family, Jenny, Tatum and Michael, take a spin through Gage Park

It’s time once again to take a daily cruise, see the neighborhood from a bike seat perch and feel the freeing breeze of spring air against your face. Got kids in tow? Even better – you can pass along your love of cycling to the next generation and enjoy the activity and exercise as a family. But bicycling with little ones can have some parents feeling a little apprehensive, and with good reason. There can be dangers to bike-riding in both neighborhood and trail settings that parents should make themselves and their children aware of so that bike rides can be fun and safe for the whole family. XYZ spoke with Marty Shukert, principal of RDG Planning and Design, who was hired by the City of Topeka to design the Bikeways Master Plan, about areas of concern and ways to keep your family safe on the group cruise. Here are some of the major points we discussed: 14

xyztopeka.com XYZ

1. 2.

3. 4.

Don’t be too scared to bike with your kids, but exercise caution. “In most cases you’re perfectly safe,” says Shukert. “You’re even safer if you behave predictably and follow the rules of the road.”

Get familiar with the rules of the road and make sure your kids are too. There are many sites that have good, sound advice about ways to make your family bike ride a safe one*, and any bicyclist should be familiar with the general bicycling safety precautions that can be found by visiting nsc.org (the National Safety Council) and checking out their safety fact sheets. “Spend time with your kids talking about good bike riding habits,” advises Shukert. “Use different materials that are available to talk about safety. Be cognizant of safe riding practices, and make it a family event.”

Build a foundation for safety. The duty to teach your child the basics of riding a bike doesn’t end once they float away solo from the guidance of your hand. It is important to help your child learn the finer details; things like balancing, making safe turns and navigating hills and slopes safely. These things may come as second nature to a seasoned adult bicyclist, but kids could use some further insight from a pro.

Safety gear should be second nature. Helmet, helmet, helmet. If all children wore bike helmets, 39,000 injuries would be prevented annually. It should be as commonplace as wearing shoes. Bells and bright colors are always a good idea as well. “Be visible. Wear bright clothes. Always ride with a bell. This is especially important when riding on trails where people should always be in the habit of ringing a bell if you come upon a pedestrian,” says Shukert.

Children shouldn’t ride at night, and any safe adult knows that lights, reflectors and bright neon clothing is essential if night riding becomes necessary.

Find the safest setup for your family.

If two parents are riding, it’s best to have the grown-ups at the lead and the tail and little ones in the middle. Toddlers can ride in bike trailers (just make sure it’s bright and outfitted with reflectors) and beginning two-wheel riders can learn a lot from riding a bike caddy – a version of the tandem-bike, for kids (if one is affordable or available). Shukert recommends that parents stay away from attachable bike seats. “They’re very dangerous,” he says. “They create imbalance.”

Always play defense. Your mom told you this when you were 16 and driving a car solo for the first time, and it rings true for cyclists as well. People driving cars at high speeds will not always be watching out for cyclists, so cyclists need to act defensively. “If you’re passing a parked car, stay at least 3-4 feet away from it,” says Shukert. Even parked cars can be a danger when parked drivers suddenly open a car door. And if you approach a high traffic intersection, your best bet may be to defer to the sidewalk and crosswalk and walk your bike to stay on the safe side. “There’s no shame in getting off the bike and walking it across the street,” says Shukert.

Learn more. Visit nsc.org for more information about safety tips and practices, such as using turn signals and other street-riding tips. Or stop into a Topeka-based resource center for bicyclists at the Topeka Community Cycle Project, 423 S. Kansas Ave. Thurs. 5-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. XYZ xyztopeka.com

sometimes youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve just gotta...

d a n ce 16

images at top by Sarah Long / Joyful Photography | images at bottom by Megan Rogers / Trees and Bees Photography xyztopeka.com XYZ

But what do you do when your kids want to dance to LMFAO?

by Tony Davis

very parent knows that children will do some very unexpected things as they grow, and as life is almost always stranger than fiction, there is absolutely no way to predict these little bursts of the odd. In my family, one way this has occurred is in the type of music my kids enjoy. My oldest son, 12 going-on-13, loves Ozzy Ozbourne and System of a Down; understandable considering they are two of his mom’s favorite bands and he grew up listening to them with her. This isn’t so shocking to me because I know several kids who are into music that is “before their time” and they are actually better connoisseurs of music than I am as an adult. When my two younger sons, ages three and two years old, came along, I figured that history would repeat, and they would develop a taste for some of the music either my wife or I play regularly. My two little guys can’t stand most music designed for children; which is fine with me, since too much kiddy music starts to wear on my sanity. The odd part was that they weren’t responding to any of the other music we were playing. I know my sons like music; one is constantly singing little nonsense songs to himself, and the other dances given the slightest provocation. There had to be some music they liked…

The answer came during a day of running errands around town; the little guys were being cooperative, and I was pretty focused on arriving to our next destination, so it was my wife who first noticed that suddenly both my sons were dancing in their seats, giggling. It took me a second to register that they were responding to a song on the radio; a song I believed at first to be inappropriate for a two- and three-year-old. The song was “Sexy and I Know It” by LMFAO. Later, I took a closer listen to this song and group that had managed to catch the attention of my sons. It wasn’t as bad as I thought at first; the lyrics are more goofy and ridiculous than raunchy and inappropriate. While I wasn’t about to let them watch the over-the-top music video, the song itself was fun and I just had to be mindful to explain any questions that might come along. For my family, we believe that sheltering children from everything is impossible, and we would rather carefully expose them to some things “beyond their agerange” and allow them to ask questions, hopefully giving them the tools to better interpret new situations as they grow. Music is no different. Now my youngest sons have a few new songs to their personal playlists, and we have a better idea of what kind of music may be their style. I’m not a huge fan of “club music,” but it beats endless repetitions of “Wheels on the Bus.” XYZ TOPEKA

ArtLab Family Days & Summer Classes Saturday, April 14, 2012, 1-4pm Earth Day Family Day in the ArtLab FREE!

Mulvane Art Museum and ArtLab

Earth Day is April 22! Visit the Twist & Turn Exhibition for inspiration! Then come to the ArtLab to create artistic bird houses and feeders to shelter and feed your fine feathered friends! We will be using Non-Washable Acrylic Paint -- Please dress for a mess!

Saturday, June 23, 2012, 1-4pm FREE! Peanuts Friends and Family Day! Drawing! Painting! Collage!

Morning and afternoon classes available.

Razzle Dazzle Weekday, evening and Saturday Workshops! Summer Weeks: Classes for people of all ages, such as: June 11-15 June 25-29 July 16-20 July 30-Aug 3

Imagination Station and Fun Messy Art! for ages 4-6. Artists to Archaeologists and Robots! for ages 7-9. Build a Better Butterfly and Tie Dye & More for ages 10-13. Ribbon Bead & Glass Jewelry and Acrylic Painting for Teens and Adults. Ceramic classes for all ages! And Much Much More! Catalog available in mid-March! Visit our website: www.washburn.edu/mulvane

Lower Level Mulvane Art Museum 17th & Jewell

Hours

Tues. 10-7, Wed.-Fri. 10-5, Sat. & Sun. 1-4 Admission to the Museum and ArtLab is FREE! 785-670-1124

Look, Create, Understand! XYZ xyztopeka.com

cool kid’s bday

amazing race

by Kerrice Mapes photos provided

A birthday with adventure

y their 11th birthday, most children have probably already gone the ChuckE-Cheese, Going Bonkers, bowling and skating party route. While all are great, how do you make this year amazing? Amy BurnsBrooke asked herself that when she came up with a creative idea. “Eleven-year-olds tend to have that, ‘been there, done that,’ attitude. To keep their attention, you really have to do something different.” Grant’s birthday is in January before school starts back up, so they chose to have a weekday afternoon party. Theme? Grant’s Amazing Race. The nine party guests (all boys) were split evenly into three teams, using colored handkerchiefs to show which team they were on. Then, all in their matching race shirts boarded a limo to begin the “race.” The race consisted of a series of clues and locations around Topeka where they performed tasks to get points. The individual with the most points won a prize at the end.

1: KS Museum of History This was an individual race with trivia questions that corresponded to different items outside on the grounds of the Museum. Each individual was then scored on the number of questions they answered correctly.

2: Washburn Stadium

party plans

Yager

Each team of boys had to throw three footballs into a laundry basket and then run to the Bell Tower. Points were awarded for the first, second and third place teams. Those points were then added to each individual score.

3: Ward Meade Park

When they arrived at Ward Meade Park they got back into their teams and taken into the park where the found a bunch of “cheap” instruments. They had 5 minutes to put together a song and perform it. The parents played judges and rated each performance.

4: Gage Park

Each team had five minutes to find an animal in the Animal Park and recreate

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• • • • • •

Carlos Transportation Company | 233.5466 Limo service booked on a weekday afternoon for reduced rates. Created clues and purchased odds and ends to complete tasks Created t-shirts at Reliant Apparel, downtown Topeka | 783.8622 Hired Jazzercise instructor for short demo class at Fairlawn Plaza Mall | 383.3831 Pizza and beverage Prizes for top four places

A little competetion and physical activity makes this a unique birthday option perfect for 11 year old boys. it using clay. They were scored based on the best clay representation, again, with the parents as judges.

5: Fairlawn Plaza mall

Mom arranged a Jazzercise class. They performed three songs and the boys were judged on coordination, enthusiasm, good manners and keeping their hands to themselves. “The boys really liked this. They got into it and had a lot of fun,” said Amy. They ended at Grant’s house where they added up the points and announced the winner. Pizza, video games and air hockey closed out the party. “It was a great party because 11-year-old boys need physically activity. This was a fun outlet for their energy. Plus, they were all tired by the time the party was over.”

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chess is for wiggle worms too At Topeka Collegiate, chess club is concentrated fun

by Cale Herreman • photos by Colin MacMillan / Nathan Ham Photography

alking down a hall at Topeka Collegiate after school on a Monday, I did not know what to expect. I was there to visit their Chess Club. Chess, I understand: it’s a game that requires patience, careful thought, and sitting in a chair looking at plastic statues. What I didn’t understand, though, is how they get five and six-year-olds to do all that. They’re not known for doing “sitting” or “patience” well. Assistant coach Dan Decker had already described to me the impressive focus of students in a tournament: “Five hundred kids, from Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade, sitting in a gym, maybe a foot or two next to somebody else playing another game, for anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour. There’s no talking, there’s just chess.” Of course, I didn’t come to see a tournament, or anything with real stakes. The boys and girls listened to coach David McCoy explain the concept of ‘pinning’, and did a couple moves on a vertical chessboard with magnetic pieces. But when it was time to pair up and play a few practice games, I started to see the squirmy, excitable side of these children. Rising from their chairs and eagerly reaching for their pieces, they announce their thoughts. Too quickly, I hear, “Checkmate! No! Check!”

b y J a n i c e Wa t k i n s • p h o t o s b y E J D r a k e | e d r a k e p h o t o g r a p h y

I spend a few minutes watching two First Grade boys play. Owen is too excited to even sit down for a moment as he tries to save his king from Jordan’s rook, bishop, and queen. Seemingly every move he tries puts him in deeper peril. Finally, Jordan announces, “Yup, it’s checkmate.” Owen thrusts his hand across the board. “Good game!” His opponent returns the handshake. “He’s so hard to beat!” Owen tells me. “Did you stay up all night to practice?” he asks Jordan. Kerri Entgelmeier, Jordan’s mother, has high praise for the work of the coaches. “Mr. McCoy has done an awesome job inspiring the little ones to get involved.” He also encourages parents to help develop students’ chess skills, leading her to ask: “Could you send home some sort of cheat sheet?” As I watch these kids play, it starts to make sense. They are willing to (mostly) sit still and think because they are competitive, and they are having fun. Decker says: “Not

every kid is athletic. They can use their brain to fulfill their competitive nature.” I ask the First Graders why they’re in Chess Club. Owen says, “Because my dad signed me up.” Thinking another second, he has another answer, “Because I like chess!” Jordan says, “Because I want to be better at chess.” His mother has another idea. “He has a lot of friends doing it, so it’s a big social thing for him.” When asked how chess has affected him, she says, “Mostly I think it’s the critical thinking skills, he actually stops and thinks about what he’s doing before he makes a move, and that carries over into other parts of what he’s doing.” So the idea of young kids sitting and focusing is not so crazy, after all, if the kids are into something that makes it worth it. Parents should consider getting that dusty old chess set out of storage to share with their kids. Be warned, though: they can learn to beat you pretty fast. XYZ TOPEKA XYZ xyztopeka.com

Environmental

Parenting

green cleaning Spring Cleaning - The Non-Toxic Way by Dennis Etzel Jr • photos by Sarah Long / Joyful Photography

y wife and I are advocates for non-toxic cleaners, which we would define as cleaners that are often name-brand products with unnecessary chemicals that add to the environmental waste. Even as the sewage water is “cleaned,” these remains are burned off and let loose into the sky. Trust me: we live in Oakland and there are nights one can smell the plastic coming from the water treatment facility. We also use cloth towels, napkins, and handkerchiefs for everything, which was a hard switch for me, coming from a paper-towel family. As environmentalists, we have to think of ways to cut down unnecessary paper use. As parents, we need to keep safe, healthy environments for our children and save a nickel or two.

We put together a list of ways to switch over for your spring cleaning projects. If you are interested in more ideas and tips, “Organic Housekeeping by Ellen Sandbeck” is such a good book. We highly recommend it, so please go check it out from the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library. Check eartheasy.com for complete information on ratios of homemade formulas and always keep cleaning supplies out of the reach of children.

instead of:

Windex, Lysol, bleach, toilet cleaner

why not use •Vinegar in a spray bottle with a small piece of copper (anti-fungal—but do not use on marble) •Hydrogen peroxide •Baking Soda (sprinkle on a damp cloth) •Borax in a spray bottle (2 tsp to 2 cups hot water)

for dishes: •Salt or baking soda helps with tough dishes •Clean the coffee pot with lemon juice and salt

for the bathroom: •Pour 1 cup of borax in the toilet overnight for an easy clean the next day. •Borax or baking soda also fight scum •Vinegar with copper for fungus

laundry: •Borax with warm water is a replacement for bleach •White vinegar for cleaning •Line dry in the sun to help remove stains

instead of: Febreeze, air fresheners

why not use

•Vodka, essential oil and distilled water •baking soda or vingegar mixed with lemon juice (place in small bowls throughout the house) •Oregano oil (kills bacteria, too)

odds + ends: •Use old towels instead of paper towels, cloth napkins from estate or garage sales and handkerchiefs for children with runny noses. •Turn down your water heater as the weather gets warmer to use less energy and lower your monthly bills, too. XYZ TOPEKA

Environmental

Parenting

green+ clean swap

wrap b y D e n n i s E t z e l Jr. illustration by Stella Robbins

stor y and photo by Heather McKee

hree years ago, Alba Blocker read an article about how to be more earth friendly, with a list of 10 green ideas. One of those ideas, was to start a local swap. So she did! At the beginning, I was lucky to get 10 people. Some months I had 1-2 and even none. I used to show up at the parking lot about 10 minutes before and wait until at least one person showed to open the doors and set up. The numbers have slowly increased and now we are get at least 50 people regularly.

The Green & Clean Swap is usually held on the first weekend of the month. Anyone is welcome, even if they don’t have anything to bring & swap. Some months there is a theme - bathroom, winter gear, kitchen, outdoor, etc. The “theme” items are set on a giant table in the middle of the room, and each person or family then picks a table and sets up the rest of their things. You are welcome to bring anything you no longer have a use for - even food items. Alba has even seen items come back to the swap, or families ask to have it, when the current family is done with it. But the swap isn’t just about getting together once a month. The swap has grown into a community - families reducing their cost for clothing, and helping other families to do the same. There is also a Facebook group - the Green & Clean Swap Club. It started about a year ago, as a way for people to continue to swap items between the monthly get together. Items are posted to give away, or when someone is looking for something - and usually there is a response in less than a day. The next Green & Clean Swap is the first weekend of April. The location & information can be found on FB by joining the Green & Clean Swap Club https://www.facebook.com/ groups/133382734387. XYZ TOPEKA 24

xyztopeka.com XYZ

Many men would never wear a child like that she said with the fabric laid out evenly divided on each side of me around from the back crossed up in front to hold his body then over my shoulders crossed again down the back back to the front to tie to secure it’s a puzzle to him fastened inside a place for walks with my long stride when he wants to stay awake his head tucked for sleep in my bosom—under my jaw—

Y U M Foodie discounts and kid approved items for dining out in Topeka, family style.

@ xyztopeka .com

Girls on the Run

How Topeka 3rd through 8th grade girls find friends, confidence and velocity. b y J a n i c e Wa t k i n s • p h o t o s b y E J D r a k e

n a windy afternoon, the sun casts blinding rays in the gleaming eyes of more than a half dozen girls as they run to various landmarks, based on whether they are more like a mountain or a beach, more like a fork or a spoon and finally, more like a cucumber versus a jalapeño, prompting one mousy haired tween to exclaim “I’m like a jalapeño because I am spicy!” Assistant Coach, Heather Torrey inquires to the group as to what the different responses have taught the girls about each other and the immediate consensus is “people like different things”, which is promptly met with a resounding “and that’s ok!” The completed “warm-up” exercise has offered the girls one of the key elements taught during lessons implemented during Girls on the Run, presented by the YWCA – embracing individual and unique gifts. Girls on the Run, is a national non-profit program that is presented locally by the YWCA. Operating since fall 2010, and currently in its fourth active season, the program

currently serves nearly 100 girls at eight different program sites in Shawnee County. “Girls on the Run is an evidence-based after-school program that innovatively weaves training for a 5K run with lessons that empower girls to respect their bodies, honor their voices and embrace their individual and unique gifts,” says Amy Pinger, Council Director of Girls on the Run of Topeka, presented by the YWCA. The curriculum targets girls in third through eighth grade, living in Shawnee County and focuses on the key components of self-care, self-awareness, cooperation, resisting peer pressure, gossip, bullying, healthy eating and learning about community, over the ten week training program. “Lessons provide girls with the tools to make positive decisions and avoid risky adolescent behavior,” adds Pinger, “as well as the opportunity to interact with positive adult role models.” Stormy R. from Jay Shideler Elementary has been participating in the program since its inaugural season in Shawnee County,

MORE INFO Topeka sites: noting it has taught her how to stand up to bullies and has made her a more confident person. “Well at first it sounded fun and it helps you be more confident,” beams Stormy. “Plus, I wanted to learn to be a better runner,” she adds, bounding off to work on the running portion of the practice, leading the pack with ease. Katherine R., a third-grader from Jay Shideler Elementary is experiencing the program for the first time at the season’s inaugural practice. “I’d heard a few people talking about it and making friends doing it,” exclaims Katherine of her decision to join the program. Torrey, in her second season as Assistant Coach at the Jay Shideler site notes her enjoyment of the increasing confidence and pride of the group, but the overall physical aspect, as well, with the ultimate result being the capstone 5K held at the end of the season. “Even if a kid comes from a two-parent household and is happy and healthy – it’s something they can do,” notes Torrey. “If they don’t like softball, don’t like soccer – it’s something they can do to stay active.” “The season-ending 5K event brings together participants from all Topeka Girls on the Run, presented by the YWCA sites to celebrate their physical accomplishments and a chance to realize the goals they have set for themselves,” declares Pinger. Katherine, looking forward to her first season-ending 5K and proclaims “It’ll be fun to try.” XYZ TOPEKA

Berryton Elementary Christ the King Elmont Elementary Jay Shideler Elementary Tecumseh North Tecumseh South Shawnee Heights Elementary Highland Park Central Elementary Girls on the Run, presented by the YWCA, is always looking for new program sites, volunteers, financial supporters and donations of clothes, socks and shoes for girls in need. For more information about the Girls on the Run, presented by the YWCA, visit www.ywcatopeka. org, or call (785) 233-1750. The 5K is scheduled for May 12, 2012 and is open to all participants.

AKA future sis

cool kid’s room

by Rio Cervantes-Reed • photos by EJ Drake

pon seeing eight-year-old Aka’ne, Lover Chancler’s daughter, I had an immediate clue what to expect for this issue’s Cool Kid’s Room feature. She was all decked out in a ruffled pink and green plaid shirt with green-toned pants.

Entering her room, with its bold pink and green stripes, I was not disappointed. Aka’ne’s bunk bed was mostly white with pale pink and seafoam green accents. Her bedding was Dora the Explorer and a cute ragdoll was even wearing pink and green. She grabbed a painting that was propped against the wall by the top bunk. It was painted in pinks and greens by St. Louis artist Billy Williams, a Kansas State graduate and family friend. “I’m obsessed with pink and green,” Aka’ne shared with me. No doubt. “I used to be obsessed with purple, because of K-State,” she says matter-of-factly. Oh, really? So why the switch to pink and green? “My mom is in AKA. Their colors are pink and green.” AKA is Alpha Kappa Alpha, a sorority for African-American college women founded in 1908 at Washington D.C.’s historic Howard University. So, are you going to be obsessed with new colors next year? “No! I always wanted to be AKA, and I will be AKA forever, so my colors will be pink and green forever!”

Her love for the expression of color goes beyond Aka’ne’s walls. “I love to paint nails, I do my own, and my sister’s and my best friends.” This Tecumseh North student also loves math, and is already doing algebra. “My mom went to K-State, my dad likes KU, so I’m torn. But I like animals, so that will probably decide which school I go to.” An eight-year-old making plans like this had me confounded. Outside her academic pursuits, Aka’ne’s hobbies were closer to normal for a girl her age. “I’ve been dancing since I was two. I like Hip-Hop. Oh, and I’m a Belieber.” I learned this was the nickname for the diehard fans of Justin Bieber. What’s your ragdoll’s name? Aka’ne showed me the bottom of her doll’s shoe, which had the name, “Aimee,” stitched on it. “Do you know what Aimee means?” I asked her. “It’s French for, ‘beloved.’” Aka’ne hugged her doll. “Yes, I love her.”

XYZ TOPEKA

cool kid: Akaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ne age 8

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[ entertainment ]

Peanut Butter Hamster the band all the kids are talking about by Cale Herreman photos by Gary Krohe

n a Saturday afternoon at Ice & Olives, Terry and Melissa Wright are setting up. The two, wearing orange and black bowling shirts, are connecting amplifiers to microphones, a little sound board, a guitar and an iPod. Though busy, their eyes smile at the children and adults in the room, promising a fun, energetic show. When two o’clock comes, Peanut Butter Hamster will be ready to play. The moment arrives: Terry makes introductions, and they begin. The music is bright, bouncy rock and roll, woven from the couple’s voices, Terry’s guitar and the studiorecorded backing track, which lives on the iPod. Part of the group’s stated mission is to make “music you and your kids will love.” Between songs, Terry elaborates on that theme. 30

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Families today are “so spread out, we’ve got to spend more time together.” Indeed, for one number, the Wrights bring their own children up to sing.

The joint is hopping. One little girl is jumping up and down so hard to the music, that I’m afraid she’ll break the floor. Parents and kids are together enjoying a concert, eating cupcakes. Some of the kids are on their feet dancing, some wiggling in their seats. Looks like they like it. The music is made to be interesting for the adults, Terry explained to me, while the lyrics are “aimed at the kids,

teaching them lessons, trying to encourage positive choices, moral values, the golden rule.” The messages are pretty direct, with songs like “Fit and Healthy,” “Mind Your Manners,” “I Wanna Play Outside” and “I’m So Happy.” Toward the end, the Melissa sneaks into the audience, looking for volunteers. Three kids come to the front to contribute verses to “Old MacDonald.” As Terry said later, “We like to get kids involved, make them be the star.” Today’s stars were a little quiet, but not too shy to make animal noises. This wrapped up a 45 minute set. Terry and Melissa wrapped everything up and thanked the audience. Now the adults got up. The room was cheery: people milling about and talking, kids running and laughing. As people walk to the door, they say goodbye to the Wrights. Some nice family time. Mission accomplished. XYZ TOPEKA

Peanut Butter Hamster’s next concert will be at Ice & Olives (3627 SE 29th - 29th & Croco) April 28. See iceandolives.com for more info. Their CD, Good Clean Fun, is available at CD Tradepost locations, or their website, www.peanutbutterhamster.com.

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day trip how to take a little vacation, I-70 style by Rio Cervantes-Reed • photos contributed

s much as we love Topeka and all it has to offer Topeka families, sometimes we just have to get away. However, watching our money and time like we do these days, jumping on a plane to enjoy a Brady-style Hawaiian vacation, or even taking a long weekend Kansas City can be difficult for many families. We have a suggestion for a fun day-trip that’s just up the highway. Read on... A quick 45-minute drive west on I-70 (Exit 328) you’ll find the mighty little town of Wamego. Nicknamed the “Queen City of the Kaw,” Wamego has a thriving arts and theatre community, and like Topeka, appreciates a good tulip festival. Held on Saturday and Sunday, April 14-15 at Wamego City Park, the Tulip Festival features bulbs from Holland which serve as a perfect setting for the park’s giant Schonhoff Dutch Windmill. Children will have a fun time running around the mill, and there is a ramp to its base for those pushing strollers or using wheelchairs. Although you can visit the mill anytime, during the Tulip Festival you will find food vendors, homemade ice cream, inflatable bounce houses for the kids, a petting zoo and free entertainment. Wamego is also home to the Oz Museum, located at 511 Lincoln Avenue, just blocks from the City Park. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., this homage to all things “Wizard of Oz” does the classic 1939 family movie justice. Auntie Em’s Gift Shop has everything you need for your collection, from lunch boxes and figurines, to adults’ and children’s t-shirts, to witty magnets, mugs and more that make great gifts for grandma. Step through the screen door and enter the Technicolor world of Oz. The prerequisite Yellow Brick Road will take you past displays and memorabilia from the movie, and all things Oz, including earlier silent movies that featured characters from Frank L. Baum’s books,

t o p l e f t : T h e O z M u s e u m , c o u r t e s y K a n s a s D e p t . o f W i l d l i f e , P a r k s & To u r i s m top r ig ht: S chon hof f D utch Windmi l l, by Mar y Ly n B ar nett

also worth the exit and items from the more recent Broadway hit, “Wicked,” which serves as a prequel to the “Wizard of Oz.” (XYZ tip: visit the museum website, www.ozmuseum.com. Click on “Extras,” to find a scavenger hunt sheet for the kids to use during their visit, and crossword and word-find puzzles to reinforce what they saw during their visit.)

After or before visiting the museum, a visit to Toto’s Tacoz is a must with its bright, eclectic decór, as if the Yellow Brick Road took a detour through Mexico. Toto’s Tacoz has a children’s menu with prices ranging from $2.99 to $4.29. On the high end, the Chickadilla is a chicken quesadilla, or the low end includes choice of a Munchkin Taco, which is just meat and cheese in a soft tortilla, or a Kiddy Quesadilla, melted cheese sandwiched in a tortilla and cut into kid-friendly pieces. Adult menu items aren’t priced much higher, (the eponymous Toto’s Taco is only $3.89) and even includes, “Light Fare,” with low calorie, low fat options. Adults will also enjoy a quick jaunt into the nearby Oz Winery to stock up on gifts for the oenophiles on your list. These Kansas-made wines have fun names and labels playing on themes from the, “Wizard of Oz,” such as Drunken Munchkin Cabernet Sauvignon, Can’t Find My Way Home Chardonnay and Auntie Em’s Prairie Rose Blush. You may want to plan your trip to include a show at the beautiful and historic Columbian Theatre. Your teenager will enjoy their staging of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” running on the weekends from July 13-22. For more information and tickets, visit www. columbiantheatre.com. If you can’t get there for a show, call for tour information (1-800-899-1893). I got lucky and walked in as a bus pulled up for their tour, and I just joined those kind folks! Just keep in mind, the theatre will be interesting to older children who are into the history or Kansas and the United States. (The art panels that adorn the Columbian come from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, which was also known as the World’s Columbian Exposition.) XYZ TOPEKA

Your family’s travels up I-70 can include a couple of other stops, too.

Alma Creamery The Alma Creamery is accessible from Exit 328. The retail store is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tours for groups from 2 people up to 100 are welcome but must be scheduled in advanced. Email them directly at info@almacreamery.com to set up your family’s 30 minute tour. Children will enjoy seeing how the cheese and other dairy products they consume gets from the Kansas farmer to your kitchen.

Grandma Hoerner’s At exit 324, Grandma Hoerner’s, makes delicious jams, preserves, applesauce, pie fillings and more using all-natural, organic ingredients. They offer tours for senior, student, church, travel, educational and local groups. Schedule your tour at their website: www.grandmahoerners. com. If you and your family want to stop in to shop, their hours are Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

image courtesy indydemocrat.com

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DeAnn Ishman and her three children: Kaylena, 14, Anthony, 11 and Leeann, 7

homeless

in Shawnee County a glimpse into the daily realities of 4 Topeka families b y J a n i c e Wa t k i n s â&#x20AC;˘ p h o t o s b y M e g a n R o g e r s / Tr e e s a n d B e e s P h o t o g r a p h y 34

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snapshot. That is how the day was described, as a snapshot.

Get a picture. Gather data. Better understand the scope and needs of those who are lacking a home. On a startlingly warm day in January, I, along with 70 other volunteers, combed the streets, the crevices in between bridges, the muddy banks of the Kansas River and posted at the Topeka Rescue Mission to gather a Point-In-Time Count of the homeless population in Shawnee County.

With Shawnee County reporting a higher percentage of homeless individuals than the national average, the importance of the Point-In-Time count could not have been greater – gather the data as a requirement for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD ). HUD funding for the county equals housing, housing for the 55% increase in homeless individuals from 2009 to 2011, with the fastest rising population being families. I went to twist my wedding ring, as I prepared myself to encounter children without homes, children that could be the same age, height and even have the same sparkling eyes as my children, but it was not there. “Dress down for the occasion,” is what they told us at training. “Don’t call any attention to yourself. Don’t wear any jewelry. Be prepared.”

11% of Shawnee County homeless residents report that they are a single adult with children.*

Ironic, because that day was actually my fourth wedding anniversary – a day that is celebrated across the walls of my home in black and white photographs with shiny dresses, sparkling champagne and smiling faces. A day that I will now recall with a different set of images – that of the families and children that were on that day without a home to hang photos on the wall. I pulled up the sleeves of my hooded sweatshirt and prepared for my volunteer shift. continued on the next page >>

DeAnn Ishman stares lovingly at her three children: Kaylena, 14, Anthony, 11 and Leeann, 7; the type of stare that hints at wanting to shield them from the dark corners of the world, the type of stare that says “I am glad you don’t fully understand.” “It’s like playtime. They have so many kids to play with,” Ishman sighs, with a hint of sadness in her voice, as she gestures to the crowded common area of the Hope Center, the women and family-oriented shelter of the Topeka Rescue Mission, filled with cots and people in every corner.

Leeann, 7, shows off her stuffed animal collection in her shared family room at the Topeka Rescue Mission’s Hope Center

Anthony, commonly referred to as “Bryant Gumbel” within the walls of the Hope Center, laughs and cozies up to my side, ready to give me the dish on any “guest” of the Center – their street name, their story, their fears. Having stayed at the Hope Center once before in 2007, he refers to himself as an “old hand” about what goes on at all hours of the day.

Center again in October 2011, due to financial strains. Her roommate abruptly moved away and she was given five days to vacate her apartment. Already unemployed and attending cosmetology school, Ishman found no other option.

Ishman sought shelter at the Hope

Now five months later, Ishman tries hard

“We stayed with a relative at first, but we thought it was better to come here and get stable and get on our feet.”

not to show the wear on her family. “The resources list is exhausted. There are either too many people, or not enough housing.” Anthony smiles at Kaylena who is fittingly reading a fantasy novel across the two twin beds she and her mom have pushed together. Ishman looks out the window and stares into the bright Winter day, as if anywhere else, but her single room.

7% of Shawnee County homeless residents report that they are in a household with two adults and two children* “A vehicle will see us walking and pull over and flash money at us and it makes us feel like what are they thinking about us? Do they think we’re dirty or nasty people?” Louis Cantrell spews with a raised voice. “I’ve always been told life is how you make it, but it’s hard out there being a big family trying to make it,” he sighs. “Hard.” After losing his job in October 2011, Louis and his then family of six were facing an eviction, with their fifth child on the way. He tried to house his family with his sister for a brief stint, but there was not enough room. He thought it would be a short-term, that he could get back on his feet, get a job again, but five months and 60 to 70 job applications later, he realized how tough it would be. Cantrell notes the seemingly revolving door of individuals in and out of the shelter and utters, nearly inaudible under his breath – “Nobody’s better than anybody here. We are all here for the same reason.” “There is a lack of shelter,” Cantrell says adamantly. “Some people think they are just too good to come here, or are embarrassed, if there was not a place to come, who knows where I would have ended up.” 36

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“Nobody’s better than anybody here. We are all here for the same reason.” - Louis Cantrell, resident of Hope Center and father of 5 children With a family of seven confined to one room, things have been difficult for the Cantrell family, with an unorthodox Christmas behind them and raising their newborn in a confined space of one room in the Hope Center.

While working on his GED, admitting to an increased knowledge in budgeting and being patient with his finances, he adds that the stay has brought him and his family closer together, but promises “I am going to try my best not to end up back in this place.”

Following threats from another family member to shoot her and burn down her house, with her and her children, as well as her new granddaughter inside, she had no other option, but to seek assistance from a shelter. With traditional domestic violence shelters “We’ve got all of our not providing her with kids and we are not used 5% of Shawnee County homeless residents any options if she wanted to being all together – report their cause of homelessness as domestic to be sheltered with her literally in your face all newlywed husband, the time,” he says. “I’ve violence.* Washington packed up been through a lot. I try her family and entered to understand what everyone is going “I felt safe,” Brandy Washington says the Hope Center. through.” directly.

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Kaine, 17, holds six-month-old Lyric

Brandy Washington & her granddaughter, Lyric.

With the added pressure of caring for her six month old granddaughter, Lyric, Washington is adamant about providing her family with everything she can. “It’s a blessing that it’s here [the Hope Center], but it’s a struggle. Every day it’s a struggle.” With Lyric only a couple of weeks old when the family sought solace at the Hope Center, she was exposed to a lot of germs, notes Washington, causing the entire family to battle a bout with Bronchitis.

“a lot of landlords ... assume that because you are homeless, you have a drug or alcohol problem ... normal families have hard times too.” - Brandy Washington, who is raising her granddaughter and 17-year-old son at the Hope Center 38

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“It didn’t matter. I felt so safe at first. I wasn’t in a rush to leave – let’s get all the way back on our bearings, all the way back on our feet, but now it’s been setback after setback,” Washington sighs with tears in her eyes. “A lot of landlords instantly frown when they hear you are at the Mission. They assume that because you are homeless, you have a drug or alcohol problem,” she says on the verge of more tears. “Normal families have hard times too.”

26% of Shawnee County homeless residents were children.* “It’s like a prison,” 17-year old Kaine utters and I am instantly unsure if he is referring to his stay at the Hope Center, or the fact that he is a homeless teenager. “I don’t want anybody to know,” he continues. “It would result in one of two results - pity or disgust.” Kaine an active teenager has been keeping the fact that he is homeless from the majority of his high school. “Three of my friends know it, I wouldn’t tell anyone else,” he says adamantly. “You see all of these kids and if you don’t dress the right way, or if you dress a certain way you get picked on for how you dress - you just don’t want to draw attention to yourself.” At 17, he and his mom agree that being a resident of the Hope center draws extra challenges - an automatic quiet hour from 7:30 - 8:30 at night, chaperones to and from the restroom, even in the middle of the night, and no access to many of the teen staples, including most electronic devices, a computer and a TV, which are forbidden. “I am 17. I don’t want to go to bed at 9 o’clock,” he fumes. His mom pleads for a brighter future for her “genius” son, as she describes him, and it is evident that this 17-year old is more resilient than most at his age. “In a weird way, we’ve all bonded,” Kaine adds.

18% of Shawnee County homeless residents report having employment.* Mike Montgomery stares lovingly at his wife, Stefanie, who has just returned home from work, as Kierstyn, 7, bounds around the house with her feisty feline. Although they only received the keys to their new home within the week, the living room is already adorned with school certificates and family photos, as their two dogs lounge next to Mike’s armchair. “We had come from Salina, where I had lost hours at my job. We had to come to where we thought the work was and we had to try,” Mike notes of their journey just three months prior. “We didn’t know what to do, we knew we had to make it,” adds Stefanie. “The camper was old and the wheels were nothing and I looked at my husband and said ‘we have to go as far as we can to try and make it.”

Kierstyn, 7, reunited with her pet cat in her and her family’s new home in Topeka.

They made it to Topeka and found themselves living in the very camper that had hauled their life from Salina - in a Wal-Mart parking lot. When the temperatures began to drop, someone told them about the services offered at the Rescue Mission and they were driven to seek shelter. They fostered their three animals with the assistance of the PANT program and began their stay at the Hope Center. continued on the next page >>

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“It opened my eyes to how real life it is to have things one moment and lose it the next - it really can happen,” notes Mike, nodding his head grimly. Now settled in their new home, with their qualification for housing through the Rapid Re-housing Program, Mike, Stefanie and Kierstyn are trying to acclimate to their new surroundings.

“What’s strange for us, is this is all we know about living in Topeka - there is the office, the locked gate and the people to talk to right when you walk in the door,” Mike adds of his three-month stay at the Hope Center. “It’s feeling like normal,” adds Stefanie, doting on her ability to grab her dogs and go for a walk. Mike glances at her across the room. “Or as normal as normal can be,” he adds.

The HUD definition of “unsheltered” includes persons residing in cars, abandoned buildings, alleyways, parking garages, under bridges, etc.* I encountered “Aimee” on a jaunt around Lake Shawnee. With the unseasonably warm Winter, I was taking full advantage of being outdoors and so was Aimee. She approached me, when she spotted my “Everybody Counts” button that I had received from my participation in the Point-In-Time count. She brushed her long, brunette bangs out of her eyes and immediately engaged me in conversation about the project. I informed her of the reason for the count and she informed me that she was homeless, but had not participated that day and doubts that she would if someone approached her. 40

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As we talked, I learned that she and her two children had been staying in her old station wagon for about a week. She had fallen on hard times and felt she had no other choice. I informed her of the services at the Rescue Mission and she politely responded “Not for me. I don’t trust the system.” She pointed to her car nearby and I spotted two blonde heads of curly hair peeking at me over the back seat. I sent them a wave and they ducked for cover. I asked Aimee what I could do to help her and she told me that I just had. “You listened,” she smiled. Several weeks later when we saw our first dusting of snow for the season, I went looking for Aimee and her station wagon. She was nowhere to be found. Close to where I remember her “camp,” I found several discarded juice boxes and a tattered Barbie doll that had been left behind. It’s an image that I won’t forget. A snapshot.

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All information provided by the Shawnee County Homeless Task Force 2011 Point-In-Time Count results. 2012 results are not yet available.

snapshot: 326 individuals responded to the 2011 Point-In-Time count. Of those: • 50% had been homeless for 31 days to less than 1 year • 35% had been homeless three or more times in the three years prior • 6% stayed in a car, on a street or under a bridge, abandoned building, camping out, etc. • 49% have been in the Armed Forces • 41% identified as having a severe mental illness • 29% had children The 2012 Point-In-Time “unofficial” results indicate over 500 individuals responded as homeless, with an increase in unsheltered respondents and unaccompanied youth.

Go online to read Janice’s personal take on her experiences as a Point-in-Time Count volunteer & more stories of the families she encountered. - xyztopeka.com XYZ xyztopeka.com

[ recipes ]

versatile tilapia recipe and photos by Josh Luttrell

love tilapia; it’s such a simple, mild and easy to cook fish. It’s cheap, fast, and versatile. This recipe may have some new flavors combinations for some, but I promise you will love this recipe as much as I do. Especially when you realize how quick and easy it is.

Moroccan spiced Tilapia (makes 4) 4 tilapia fillets Salt and ground black pepper 1 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground coriander 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 1 cup mandarin oranges 1 1/2 tbls of chili garlic sauce 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Season both sides of tilapia fillets with salt and black pepper, cumin and coriander. If you have Old Bay seasoning sprinkle that on there as well and omit the salt. Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over mediumhight heat. Add tilapia fillets and cook about 3 minutes minutes per side, until fish is fork-tender. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine mandarin oranges, cilantro and chili garlic sauce. Spoon the mixture over the fish before serving. A squeeze of lemon or lime if you have it wouldn’t hurt either. XYZ TOPEKA

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heard + noted what Topeka kids are saying My 7 year old asked if her grandma got money. After asking her what she meant, I realized she was talking about grandma being retired. My daughter was curious about how she paid for things. I tried to explain to her that now that she is retired the government gives her a little money each month for all the years that she worked. After thinking about this for a little while my daughter asked me if I could retire. I chuckled and told her, “I’m too young to retire.” She quickly stated, “You’re telling me that they (government) think that the 30’s are young?” submitted by Renee One of the hygienists from my office went to Wanamaker Elementary preschool the other day to talk about brushing in honor of National Children’s Dental Health month. One of the kids asked, “Can we see your car?” Tracy sort of sat there and the teacher quickly rescued her and explained that after visits from police officers, firefighters, etc the children are very interested in what kind of cars the guest speakers drive. submitted by Julie At the grocery store the other day, Lily (5), notes a very large, pear shaped older woman down the aisle from us. In her best “stage whisper” she says: “Mommy! That lady has a HUUUGGGE booty!” “Shhh!” I reply,”She might hear you!” Lily responds in confusion,”*gasp* Doesn’t she know?!?” - submitted by Laurel “Mama, are underpants a need or a want?” -Alec, age 5 - submitted by Amie “Mama, I want to be you. You get to wear earrings and glasses. And sleep with daddy. And you’re the fastest stirrer in the world.” - Remingtin, age 4 - submitted by Brandi At Carlos O’Kellys Jackson (age 6): I would like a taco and a jello please. Waitress: Would you like a crunchy or soft taco? Jackson: I want my taco crunchy and my jello soft. - submitted by Karla

In church on Sunday getting ready for Communion and Sam (9) leans over and says “there’s underage drinking in church!” -submitted by Michele

Did your child say something witty, funny, cute, repulsive or profound? Share it with us on Facebook (search “XYZ Heard and Noted”) or email us: xyztopeka@gmail.com

tFood weenage Critic Local food reviews by food aficionado Grant, age 11.

The Basics: Cook’s American Grill

1938 SW Gage 271.1415 Hours: Monday - Saturday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. American Food| Family owned Visit: Tuesday Dinner | Not first visit

Cook’s is one of my favorite restaurants. I love it so much that after I had a surgery and the doctor told me I could eat regular food again, it was the first place I wanted to go. I was craving their mashed potatoes and gravy.

Ambiance + Service: Cook’s is a family-owned diner and the decor is homey and casual to match, nothing fancy. I don’t mind, however, because the food is so good. When you walk in, you order at the counter and they give you a number. You then seat yourself at a table. They have trivia cards on the table, so you can play with your friends and family or just quiz yourself. This is a bonus. I also like that Cook’s is the kind of place where even a younger kid could go order some dessert at the counter or refill their drink all on their own.

Food: I usually get the chicken tenders with honey mustard and mashed potatoes and brown gravy. I like that they let me substitute the potatoes for the french fries that normally come with the kids meals. The kids menu is good and the meals come in cool cardboard cars. My mom likes Cook’s because they also have some healthy options and good salads too. My dad really likes the chili and the chicken fried steak. I didn’t have dessert at this visit, but I’ve had them before and they are good. They have brownies, cakes and pie plus eight flavors of ice cream. My favorites are the chocolate fudge brownie and cookies n’ cream ice cream cone.

Last Thoughts: There’s no real down-side to going to Cook’s except the door to the bathroom is kind of heavy, which makes you think it’s locked sometimes. Cook’s is always busy. It seems like every age-range enjoys eating there. The food is always good and I always know what to expect. I’ll definitely go back - again and again. XYZ TOPEKA Grant enjoys trying new restaurants and interesting foods, like Bisen and Elk burgers, Escargot, and Sushi. When not eating his three squares, his interests include tennis and reading. His favorite Topeka hangouts include the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, The Topeka Zoo, playing tennis at Woodvalley and the movies.Grant loves animals and thinks he might like to be a Biologist when he gets older. His favorite subjects in school are science and reading. Visit www.xyztopeka.com to see Grant’s upcoming reviews of Taco Casa, Hanover Pancake XYZ xyztopeka.com 43 House and more. Updated monthly.

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ros • el Dîa d e lo s Lib s N iñ o

These books, available for check out from the library, can help you and your family celebrate el Día de los Niños/el Día de los Libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), a national, annual celebration of children and literature. Attend the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library’s El Día celebration May 4 from 6 to 7:30 pm in Marvin Auditorium. Families of all backgrounds are welcome. Each child in attendance will receive a free book (while supplies last).

Celebrate at TSCPL May 4 | 6 - 7:30p

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iscover great stories for kids in the works of Belpré Medal winners. The Pura Belpré children’s book award is given by the American Library Association to Latino/Latina authors and illustrators who create books that honor and celebrate Latino culture and experience. The award is named after the first Latina librarian of the New York Public Library, Ms. Pura Belpré. The list below specifies whether the book earned the award for illustration or writing.

DÍa emphasizes the importance of advocating literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

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DÍA!

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b y T o p e k a a n d S h a w n e e C o u n t y P u b l i c L i b r a r y Yo u t h S e r v i c e s staff member Jason Lamb • photos contributed by TSCPL

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Spring Reads

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2012 Belpré Author: “Under the Mesquite” by Guadalupe Garcia McCall (ages 14-18) In this novel in verse, 14-yearold Lupita takes care of her seven siblings while her mother fights cancer. She finds solace in writing poetry as she struggles to find her place in a bicultural Texas town. 2012 Belpré Illustrator: “Diego Rivera: His World and Ours” written/illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh (ages 3-8) With colorful pictures, Tonatiuh shows us the famous artist as a mischievous little boy, then later as an art student, and finally as an artist using all he’s learned to create his own unique style. 1996 Belpré Illustrator: “Chato’s Kitchen” written by Gary Soto, illustrated by Susan Guevara (ages 3-8) Chato the cat is doing what he does best: catching mice. To lure three in particular, he and his friend cook up fajitas, quesadillas and other tasty food. But they might not like the surprise the mice bring! 2010 Belpré Illustrator: “Book Fiesta! Celebrate Children’s Day/Book Day” written by Pat Mora, illustrated by Rafael López (ages 3-8) Kids tell all the places they read for El Diá, or Day of the Book/Day of the Child. The only thing better than where we read are the many places books can take us! 44

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2011 Belpré Author: “The Dreamer” by Pam Muñoz Ryan (ages 8-14) Pablo Neruda is a famous poet. But did you know he had a rough childhood? He was very shy and was made fun of by his own dad. In this fictionalized biography, see how he perseveres. 2010 Belpré Author: “Return to Sender” by Julia Alvarez (ages 8-14) To save their Vermont farm, Tyler’s family hires Mexican workers to help. Tyler befriends one of them but then learns the workers might be in the U.S. illegally. Can Tyler’s new friendship withstand the border that separates his county and hers? Also a current William Allen White award nominee. 2002 Belpré Author: “Esperanza Rising” by Pam Muñoz Ryan (ages 14-18) It’s the Great Depression and Esperanza and her mother have to move from Mexico to America. Leaving their life of luxury behind, they must find ways to adapt to a life of labor and assimilate to a new place and culture.

2011 Belpré Illustrator: “Grandma’s Gift” written/illustrated by Eric Velasquez (ages 3-8) The author visits his grandmother for Christmas in New York’s Spanish Harlem. But the real story is their visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. There young Eric sees a painting that changes his life and sets him on course to be an artist.

There are 5 little differences between these two photos. Can you tell what they are?

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by Colin MacMillan / Nathan Ham Photography

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Answer key at xyztopeka.com

IMAGINATION

crayon blocks project and photos by Bailey Marable Bailey is an art teacher at Royal Va l l e y H i g h S c h o o l a n d m o m t o K a s s y , 9 , Wi l l o w, 3 , a n d 1 - y e a r - o l d O l i v e .

Do you have a drawer that looks like this? Maybe it’s a Tupperware container… or the bottom of your purse! Wherever it is, this surplus of crayons can be rescued. Collect them—peel them—sort them—bake them—and USE them again! I went on a short search for a used mini-muffin tin for this project. After not finding what I wanted at ONE store, I bailed on that idea and went to Wal-mart. $5 later I had a minimuffin tin prefect for melting crayons. You could also use those great silicone-baking molds that come in all different shapes. My recommendation is that you don’t use this for food after melting wax in it.

The collecting and pealing of crayons was actually a lot of fun for my 4 year old. She loved picking colors and slowly removing the labels. I helped to get them started (with my fingernail mostly) and she did the rest. If you don’t have a “happy helper” like I did, I suggest an x-acto knife to help speed up this step! After the crayons are pealed, they may need to be broken into smaller pieces to fit into the mold you choose. We talked about the color wheel as we filled the muffin tin…. I baked these for about 7 minutes at 275 Degrees. Please set a timer! When they come out, let them cool about 15 minutes and they should pop out without any problem. After they were done, my helper enjoyed stacking these like blocks for a long time. Then she colored. What to take this project a step further? These little crayon blocks are great for making rubbings. You can look for textures anywhere! Inside we did a rubbing of the tile floors and wood trim. Outside we did

rubbing of our floor mat and sidewalk. After the fun of making rubbings wore off—we went to work cutting the rubbings into shapes. We talked about what the different textures could be. Glue these down to construction paper and you have a nice little art project! XYZ TOPEKA

Want your child to be a featured artist in XYZ and/or Warehouse 414? Contact Bailey Marable at baykivo@gmail.com

what’s the story? by Justin Marable

What does the anteater tell the prairie dog? What could possibly be inside the mysterious trunks being dropped off in the wild? Make up a story for this picture! If you’re really proud of it, send it to XYZ Magazine and we’ll print your story. That’s right, you can be a published author. So get scribblin’! xyztopeka@gmail.com