XYZ Magazine Topeka Summer 2012 by seveneightfive magazine

[everything for Topeka families] [ everything for Topeka families ]

tton-o stormont-vail & cotton-o’neil

three levels of care

s of Stormont-Vail HealthCare provides a variety of levels of care. If a medical need occurs when your primary care physician is not available, you have three options: Mild

The ClinicModerate at Walmart by Stormont-Vail Severe

9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays

Located inside the north Topeka Walmart and providing minor health services without an appointment for patients ages 18 months and older. Staffed by advanced practice nurses and a physician assistant.

Mild

Moderate

Cotton-O’Neil ExpressCare Severe

With three locations in Topeka and one in Osage City, these urgent care clinics, complete with lab and X-ray services, are available to patients of all ages who need treatment for a minor illness or injury.

You do not have to be a Cotton-O’Neil patient to be cared for at ExpressCare.

ExpressCare – Croco: 2909 S.E. Walnut Dr. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends ExpressCare – Urish: 6725 S.W. 29th St. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends ExpressCare – North: 1130 N. Kansas Ave. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays

ExpressCare – Osage City: 131 W. Market 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends

Mild

Moderate

Severe

Stormont-Vail Emergency and Trauma Center

Open 24 hours a day, every day, and designed for sudden, serious injury or illness. Located one block west of Eighth and Washburn.

Call Health Connections’ Ask-A-Nurse at (785) 354-5225 evenings and weekends for help finding the most appropriate level of care.

stormontvail.org

o’neil

XYZ Magazine | Vol. III • Issue I | Summer 2012

[ what’s inside ]

f ca 44 Imagination

• The Keen Eye puzzle has us seeing green

• Summer Reads recommends kids “dream big” and teens “own the night” • The art project turns a simple scribble into a masterpiece

• Your submissions left us blushing in Heard + Noted • What’s the Story features an unconventional road and prompts the Pulitzer winners of tomorrow to look beyond what’s over the rainbow.

34 metamorphosis

This extravagant event is more than just an over-the-top birthday party, it’s one girl’s metamorphosis from girl to “little lady.”

9 fortune tellers

We’re looking at bringing back an old favorite and re-learning that an afternoon of “Retrofun” can be had with a single sheet of paper.

10 kid crooners

Formerly reserved for bars and lots of liquid courage, two tiny aspiring singers are re-writing the script on karaoke. They’re belting at the mic and breaking barriers.

14 Timekeeper remembered

14 years after the death of dynamic Topeka teen artist Anna Riphahn, her artwork endures and inspires.

16 the lemonade stand tycoon We’ve developed an elaborate business plan to turn a simple stand into a surefire success.

12 take me out to the 20 hoopery Topeka ballgame Hula hoops aren’t just You don’t have to travel far for a true baseball experience. The Topeka Golden Giants take a swing at families and having fun.

for kids. One Topeka mom is crafting and burning inches at the same time.

& MORE

cool kid’s room

Ashley’s travels, hobbies and accomplishments are extensive and her room reflects this 14-year-old’s desire to capture every moment.

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 letter from editor 6 family calendar

8 - F.A.B. - Find A Babysitter 19 environmental parenting 18 cool kid’s bday 28 cool kid’s room 32 day trip 41 d.i.y. sewing 42 recipe

43 I was a tweenage food critic 44 - 47 imagination section

[ letter from the editor ]

[ everything for Topeka families ]

parenting a toddler b y J a n i c e Wa t k i n s

s soon as the final bell rang in May and the annual rendition of School’s Out was belted across the mowed lawn of my son’s school, I knew what was upon me. Summer may bring less homework and longer days, but it most certainly brings longer nights, more activities and hectic scheduling with the absence of the school day to occupy my pre-teen’s time. In addition, as I planned for three long months of profuse face sweating, I also planned to add more to my plate than just constant calamine lotion applications on my toddler’s constellation of mosquito bites. I planned to take over as the “Chief,” as my doting husband puts it, of this publication. XYZ turns two with this issue and just as parenting a toddler, so is editing a toddling magazine; learn as you go is my mantra. Adaptability, patience and even disciplinary tactics have all been useful tools as I have taken over the reins of this beauty from the incomparable Leah Sewell. I have been with Leah on this endeavor since day one and have come to love it just as much as she has. XYZ has been my third child for the past three months, as we prepared to bring this glossy page-turner to your wanting hands. I have had sleepless nights wandering how best to approach topics, nightmares over comma splices and quotations, and deep belly laughs that have turned to tears and vice versa as I have watched XYZ grow and take its first steps under my watchful eye.

Kerrice Mapes Publisher Leah Sewell Art Director Janice Watkins Editor-in-Chief Writers Rio Cervantes-Reed Tony Davis Chelle Decker Lacey Gerhardt Cale Herreman Josh Luttrell Bailey Marable

Just like a parent, I cannot express how proud I am of the finished product, of the staff of capable writers, of the staff of stunningly amazing photographers, the creativeness of the management and of course, the coparenting that Ms. Sewell has provided in her new role as art director. I am immensely proud. And now that XYZ has, much like a toddler, gone from a teetering walk into a full blown run, I plan to stop and enjoy the sounds and sights of summer, as I hope you and your families will. I plan to soak up some sun, take in a lemonade stand or two, ward off the pests of our backyard, while chasing rabbits and fits of giggles, stop on a bench and peruse the work of the late local writer Anna Riphahn, and inhale a hotdog (or three) at the ball park.

Regina Stephenson Janice Watkins Photographers EJ Drake Sarah Long Colin MacMillan Megan Rogers Art + Production Justin Marable Leah Sewell Advertising xyztopeka@gmail.com 785.249.3126 Kerrice Mapes Rio Cervantes-Reed

Marketing / Website Social Media / Distribution Rio Cervantes-Reed Kerrice Mapes

cover

by Megan Rogers Trees and Bees Photography

by Megan Rogers

Leah Sewell Erin Snethen

calendar Heather McKee

Enjoy – Janice

“Summer Days”

Kerrice Mapes

Megan says, “This photo takes me back to a simpler time, when summer days were warm and carefree. With not a worry in my head, the biggest decision of the day was should we have a lemonade stand today or run through the sprinkler instead.”

Heather McKee Janice Watkins 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 XYZ MAGAZINE xyztopeka@gmail.com P.O. Box 750491 Topeka, KS 66675

[ our gang ] our staff would love to hear from you! have something to say? email xyztopeka@gmail.com

3 5

8 11

your library is the place to

start reading Getting baby’s library card = your first step to raising a reader + receive a free t-shirt for baby. You and baby can Bee a Reader by signing up at summerfest.tscpl.org and win prizes.

For class times pick up ConnectNow or visit www.tscpl.org

Baby Bookworms (birth - 18 months) Musical Storytime with Kyler (all ages)

XYZ Mag Summer 2012 1-2 page vert ad.indd 1

5/25/12 9:14 AM

community calendar summer 2012

Have an event you want to see featured here? 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

September 21 | December 21

Enjoy an outdoor concert this summer! Concerts in the Park - every Sunday at 7p.m. at Gage Park Amphitheater, Free

Topeka Golden Giants Baseball

Concert at Ted Ensley Gardens - June 24 at 6 p.m., Ted Ensley Gardens are at Lake Shawnee, Free Music from the Tower - July 1 at 6 p.m., Topeka High School, Free Summer Sunset Concert - July 27 at 6 p.m., Old Prairie Town, $2, 10 & under free Top City Thursday Concert Series - Every Thurs. through August, from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. in front of the Celtic Fox (8th and Jackson)

Topeka Golden Giants - home games through July 11. In 1887 they were known as Goldsby’s Golden Giants, and played for just one season. But now they’re back for the 7th year, to play right here in Topeka! Tickets are just $5 a piece, and can be purchased at Bettis Family Sports Complex or at Hy-Vee. For more info check out topekagoldengiantsbaseball.com

Penwell-Gabel Summer Soulstice Art Fair

Friday, June 22, 5:30 p.m., at the Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, 6th and Gage Festivities include a live painting session by Cally Krallman and other artists, a children’s activity tent, beautiful scenery and light refreshments. Free admission and parking. Call 234.6605 for more info.

Take in a little

THEATRE

Lucky Duck - Helen Hocker, June 29 & 30, July 1, 6, 7, & 8 Sound of Music - Topeka Civic Theater, July 13 - August 11 Pinkalicious - TCT Academy (kids!), August 10 - 19

(for the whole family!) Fun Fly, hosted by the Topeka Kite Fliers Topeka Kite Fliers host the Fun Fly on the first and third Saturday of each month. Come out and bring your kite or just come and watch as they paint the sky. They fly single lines, dual lines and quad line kites. They will also assist anyone who would like to learn to fly kites. The Fun Fly is held behind the Fire Station at 21st & Urish.

Big Screen Under the Stars June 30, 9 p.m. Bring the entire family out to the Bettis Family Sports Complex and enjoy watching the Big Screen Under the Stars! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions are available. Gates open at 8 p.m. Questions, call Shawnee County Parks & Rec at 267.1156

Zoo Animals LIVE at the Library 1st Thurs. of every month, 3:45 p.m. Meet some of the Topeka Zoo animal residents up close as Rachel Kilian, Education Specialist, helps you separate animal fact from fiction. Free. For more info check the calendar on tscpl.org

Discovery Center

SUMMER special events

Register for camps at www.kansasdiscovery.org Outdoor Music with Americana Music Academy Sat, June 23 @ 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. - Make your own instrument! Ice, Ice, Baby! is back! Sat, June 29 Â 1 - 4 p.m. - Wet and dry ice experiments and watch ice cap expeditions on the big screen. www.kansasdiscovery.org

Check Topekaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full events calendar, topeka365.com for more events

F. A. B. (find a babysitter) by Rio Cervantes-Reed

XYZ mined its sister magazine, seveneightfive, for the best upcoming events for you and your partner, or for a Girls or Guys Night Out (GNO) in Topeka. Call the babysitter, get a cab on standby, and have a F.A.B. time! Topeka Civic Theatre at 357.5211 or visit topekacivictheatre.com for reservations) The Shape of Things to Come is a story of sexual manipulation in a Midwest college town. Sounds juicy to us! Tickets go on sale June 22-30. This production is on stage June 22 – 30. Laughing Matters improvisational comedy is always a great choice for date night or GNO. Performances are scheduled for August 17 & 18. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Topeka Performing Arts Center (Call 234.2787 or visit tpactix.org for tickets) Grape Escape is Topeka’s premier wine and food festival with silent and live auctions to benefit the Topeka Performing Arts Center. There will be lots of swirling, sniffing and sipping going on at the 15th Annual Grape Escape 2012, A Toast to the Arts on Friday, August 3 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the TPAC box office.

Wine Tastings New City Cafe in Gage Center hosts wine tastings the first Wednesday of every month beginning at 5 p.m. Taste four different wines for only $10. If you have dinner that same night, your server will take $10 off your dinner entrée. Call 271.8646 for reservations. Ice & Olives (29th & Croco in Thunderbird Square) hosts 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 215.8460 for reservations.

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

Sometimes to express ourselves creatively, we need a little liquid encouragement. Two businesses in Topeka are well aware of this and provide the space for you and your friends to have a great time discovering your artistic side. Just don’t forget to include a designated driver! Potwin Pottery in Gage Center can host your group for an evening of pottery painting and partying! Bring your own refreshments including wine, beer or liquor and have a great time. Call 228.5700 to schedule your party. Paint Therapy Uncorked (29th & Fairlawn) provides an opportunity for you to bring a friend or two, or five to create a masterpiece. Billed as, “...where Van Gogh meets Merlot,” your small group can register on-line at painttherapyuncorked.com for your session. Bring your favorite libations and enjoy!

fortune tellers by Leah Sewell photos by Sarah Long | Joyful Photography

s children, we were all blank slates brimming with potential. Our lives were yet to unfurl; the possibilities were endless. Our teachers, parents, caregivers, even society at large, seemed bent and obsessed with priming us into healthy and morally sound grown-ups. It seemed that adulthood was when the real pulp of life would become available to us. No wonder we were completely preoccupied with predicting the future. My best friend Elizabeth and I pulled daisy petals to determine our future husbands, penned elaborate games of MASH to find out if our shelters would be shacks or mansions and acted out awfully grown-up (and in retrospect, cringe-worthy) scenes

with Barbie and Lady-LovelyLocks. We wished and wondered and philosophized about what the future would bring. One of the tools of determination at our disposal was a square sheet of paper. We’d sit at the school playground all summer, clad in jellies, Izod tank tops and twodays crimped hair. We’d take the paper out, smooth it against the texture of the sidewalk and work our magic on the logical folds. We’d ruminate about the possibilities of our lives and write the various pursuits down in wobbly pencil strokes on each panel. Next was a rhythmic pinching and opening of the fingers. And finally, our futures laid bare as a clean white sheet of paper. XYZ TOPEKA

| courtesy of origami-fun.com XYZ xyztopeka.com

kid crooners

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

s plates of steaming rice make their way to sticky tables and couples begin to leave with bellies full and receipts in hand, each set of feet stops suddenly as the lyrics of Adele travel from the microphone to each wall of the crowded restaurant. As each head turns to see the source of the mature crooner, a wave of surprise travels across each face, as if in tune to the melody. The source of the simultaneous smiles is 10-year old, Shawna Wilson, who embraces her turn on the stage and sways to the lyrics with ease. Shawna, who has just graduated from the fifth grade and is prepared to take center stage in the halls of French Middle School come fall, has been using the stage of Los Charros’ Thursday night karaoke as a “practice stage” for her hopeful future, for almost two years. “When I first started I was shy, now I’m just so used to it I don’t even get butterflies anymore,” says Shawna. Mom, Kim Wilson, sits in the crowd with a smile on her face, as her daughter wows the crowd. 10

xyztopeka.com XYZ

you’re looking at the new faces of the Topeka karaoke scene

“We come here [to Los Charros] quite a bit. Shawna showed interest and the least I could do was let her try and she got hooked,” notes Kim of her daughter’s love of karaoke night. Shawna, who deemed herself as a “future singer” during her 5th grade promotion in May, has been impassioned with singing since a young age. “I’ve got video of her singing John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt on a pink karaoke machine she had as a kid,” reminisces Kim. “I’ve been singing since I’ve been able to talk,” Shawna quickly adds. With Shawna finding her footing at karaoke night, it was only a matter of time before she developed a fan base – enter her best friend and neighbor, Jory Barnshaw. 9-year old Jory, who is preparing to enter the fourth grade at Whitson Elementary, shares Shawna’s passion in singing and enjoys hearing the crowd cheering him on each week. With his lucky, winking fox hat atop his head, Jory now joins Shawna on the karaoke stage each week, despite his initial trepidation.

Los Charros 4111 Gage Center Dr. 228-8922 Karaoke: Thurs. 7-10 p.m.

“The first time I came Shawna signed me up,” Jory says excitedly. “I had to hold onto him so he wouldn’t run off,” laughs Shawna. “Eventually, he overpowered me when we sang together and now I can’t get him off the stage,” she giggles. “I’m hooked,” Jory confirms. “He has been singing forever,” Jory’s mom, Kim Barnshaw notes. “When he would hear music as a baby, he would jump up and down. He has always wanted to be the center of attention.” While karaoke may not come to mind as a family-friendly activity, conjuring images of smoky bars and late nights, the

restaurant setting is ideal for families and provides Jory and Shawna an opportunity to be the center of attention, if just for a few songs each week, and they revel in it. “I like when I hear people going ‘woo hoo’ and screaming,” smiles Jory. Shawna and Jory don’t plan to stop taking the stage anytime soon and just as soon as they exit the stage after having finished a duet of Picture, other children, with soda popmustaches and sweaty palms are lining up to submit their choice of song to the emcee. “Just being able to see people smiling when I am done is worth it,” beams Shawna. XYZ TOPEKA

XYZ xyztopeka.com

take me out to the Topeka ball game Topeka giants

hen the heat of summer rolls across Kansas, the fever of baseball is upon us. Suddenly ESPN is running stats on pitches, homeruns and base stealing. People look with hope to the Kansas City Royals. The sun beckons us to grab the nearest lawn chair, wood bench or plastic folding seat, pull it up and watch the innings fly by. It’s one of those mixed-feeling sort of experiences for people with kids. The excitement of base running and batting always seems to get lost amid the bathroom breaks, billion dollar hotdogs, sunburns and jogging up and down bleachers, not to mention that the nearest pro team is an hour and a half away. Parents looking for a way to skip all the worst parts of baseball season and go right to the game don’t have to drive too far. They can see up and coming baseball stars get their start here in Topeka when they go see the Topeka Golden Giants. “Our players are collegiate players from all over the countries, from colleges in 16 states,” said Kevin Crisham, chief marketing officer and part-owner of the Golden Giants. “A lot of them will go on to play in the minors, and maybe one day even play in Major League Baseball. All the people who play on teams like the Royals were once playing on one of these summer college teams.” by Regina Stephenson • photo by EJ Drake | edrake photography

Crisham, who only recently took charge, is already trying to be more aggressive about making the Golden Giants a family affair. The first game, on May 29, hailed an open, free ticket gate for children. The team plans on 3-4 more children-get-in-free days, as well as having a standard free-for-kidsunder-34-inches policy. For families with 35-inch and taller members on regular admission days, the price is still only $5 per person. “My goal is that a family can go out there and, for under $40, can have a great day,” Crisham said. “For a family of four to go to the Royals is about $140, a minor league game is still $80 to $100, while ours is $30 to $35.” Aside from cost, Topeka Golden Giants games offer a lot of other family friendly opportunities. There are competitions like the Subway base run, where three children picked from the stands race around the bases, and, over home plate, tag their parents, who have to scarf a six-inch sub to try to win. Or there are the cheerleaders, whose job it is to

focus on keeping the crowd, especially its younger members, entertained. One of the benefits is that the players are in college, and most attend their respective universities on scholarships, which Crisham said provides a twofold example for young sports fans. “You get to see some of the top collegiate players in the country and [kids] can see where hard work and hitting the books can get you. Most of the players are on scholarship, which means they’re not just lifting weights outside of the classroom. They’re not just athletic, they’re smart,” said Crisham. “And it shows that you can go on to college with sports and scholarship, and you can chase your dreams. That’s what these boys are doing, chasing their dreams.” Of course, some of the allure of the Golden Giants comes down to their location at Jerry Robertson Field at the Bettis Family Sports Complex at Lake Shawnee. Any parent who has ever had a whining child at a sporting event can relax at the idea that there’s more than the team to entertain their child.

Cheer on your Topeka Golden Giants!

“If I’m a 5-year-old kid, my attention span is not going to last as long as a two hour baseball game,” Crisham said. “If a child gets bored, parents can walk around, maybe see some of the other games going on, maybe seeing kids in their class or from their block playing on some of the other fields will occupy them, and they can always walk down by the lake if that’s what it takes.” What kids often enjoy most about the games ends up not being the baseball, which is why the Topeka Golden Giants keep a variety of kid-activities on hand. From face painting to after-game dance music, singing between innings and participating in contests, you never know what fun things will happen at the games. Crisham said their aim is to make the experience something that both parents and kids will want to repeat. “I like to say that it’s like going to the carnival and a baseball game broke out,” Crisham said. XYZ TOPEKA

TUESDAY, JUNE 26 (single game 6:55 p.m.) vs. Rossville Rattlers sponsored by Diamond Dreams WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27 (single game 6:55 p.m.) vs. KC Blues sponsored by Diamond Dreams THURSDAY, JUNE 28 (single game 6:55 p.m.) vs. Wichita Wheatkings sponsored by St. Francis Hospital "Breast Cancer Awareness" FRIDAY, JUNE 29 (single game 6:55 p.m.) vs. Lindsborg Knights sponsored by Skinny’s supporting Cappers SATURDAY, JUNE 30 (single game 6:55 p.m.) vs. Salina Blue Jays sponsored by Harley Davidson in support of MDA THURSDAY, JULY 5 (single game 6:55 p.m.) vs. Salina Blue Jays sponsored by Diamond Dreams FRIDAY, JULY 6 (single game 6:55 p.m.) vs. Park City Rangers sponsored by McDonalds and supporting the Ronald McDonald House SATURDAY, JULY 7 (single game 6:55 p.m.) vs. JOCO Blues sponsored by Allstate

See topekagoldengiantsbaseball.com for a full schedule

SUNDAY, JULY 8 ***Walter Johnson Baseball League ALL STAR GALA*** presented by Stormont Vail Healthcare Adolescent Cancer (events 11:55 a.m., Game time 2:35 p.m.)

Timekeeper remembered by Cale Herreman 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

fourteen years after her death, a dynamic Topeka teen artist still inspires through her enduring work

ome people among us have rare talents and accomplish great things. Many books have been written to analyze the traits of such people, to help the rest of us understand them. Anna Riphahn, who died fourteen years ago this November, was surely among these ranks. Though only in high school, she participated in art; soccer; music; performance arts; engaged in a lively social life; and, in whatever spare time she could possibly have left, wrote and illustrated books. How could anyone maintain such an active schedule? “As a baby, she never needed much sleep,” her mother, Julie Riphahn, explains. “Drove me nuts.” Indeed, the talents that would bring her acclaim appeared at a fairly early age. Her father Bill Riphahn, himself handy with a pencil as an architect, admits, “She surpassed me in drawing back when she was in fourth grade.”

With ample energy and prodigious talent came big ambition. Julie recalls, “Her first grade teacher said, ‘Someday, I bet you’ll have your own children’s book.’ Anna came home and said, ‘I just don’t want to wait that long!’” As a teacher, Julie learned about the National Written & Illustrated by... Awards Contest. She wanted to encourage her middle school students to participate, but thought it would be a good idea to work out the kinks at home with Anna first. The competition involved not only creating the content of a book, but also binding the pages and putting it in a hard cover. Many items needed to be learned, like the fact that stapling is not a good way to go. Anna took to this enthusiastically. Her book, Rock Berry Muffins, won Third Place. This got her some scholarship money, but not publication. The next year, she tried again with The Desserted Planet (sic), and won Second Place. “She still wasn’t satisfied; she wanted to be published!” Julie says.

xyztopeka.com XYZ

Anna’s self portrait. Her parents say she looked run ragged in this painting, because Anna really worked herself until she was run ragged. Also featured is her miniature wood model, named “Bob,” that she used to help her learn to draw figures.

Her third submission to the contest was The Timekeeper. The text was a rhyming poem about a magical man who brings order to a land where time does not exist. The colorful, lively illustrations had a level of detail that made the book a shoo-in. The Timekeeper won first place, but that was just the beginning of a labor-intensive process. Dave Melton, publisher and editor, had ideas for improving and refining Anna’s work before the book could be published. Due to the fact that Melton’s office was in Kansas City, and that the family was game for making the trip from Topeka, meant that he could work with Anna on her book more than he could with previous contest winners. Anna ended up redoing the art for each page several times. “I don’t know many humans, let alone kids, who have the patience to do that,” says Julie. With so many changes and redos, the family created a system that often found Bill using a matte knife to carve out pieces of Anna’s pictures. “You can’t keep redrawing it,” he said. “We’ll just have to put lipstick on whatever [Melton] wants changed. It became a patchwork. But it all comes out in the wash.” After nine months and forty trips to Kansas City, The Timekeeper was published. “[Melton] had never done a book this detailed. By the end, it was so stressful for her, for him. There were times in the process when we wondered, ‘Can a thirteen year old have a nervous breakdown?’” The work was now over: the book was printed, shipped, and in bookstores. Anna was now a real author and illustrator. Soon, she was also a public speaker, and her book’s foremost saleswoman. She spoke at clubs, at conferences, and at schools. “She was a very good speaker. She probably enjoyed that as much as she enjoyed the art,” Julie notes. Speaking engagements meant a lot of travel, mostly in the Midwest, but once as far as Chattanooga, Tenn. “We got to travel with her so much those last few years, and it was so much fun,” Julie remembers. continued on the next page >> XYZ xyztopeka.com

1. A close look at some of the many paintings of Anna’s that her parents display in the sunroom of their home. 2. A piece that Anna painted left handed (she was right handed, but she decided to try something different that time). 3. A case study of the progression of a butterfly’s metamorphosis from one of Anna’s sketchbooks. 4. The sunroom of Anna’s parents’ home, that is full of her paintings and her work. Most of these were done at the Art Institute of Chicago, where Anna studied one summer. According to her parents, Anna painted any person who came in off the street and who would sit for many hours for a small wage, some of them homeless. 5. Memorial to Anna Riphahn at Ward-Meade Park Botanic Gardens (1st and Fillmore)

xyztopeka.com XYZ

> Original pieces that Anna worked on for The Timekeeper. These were extremely detailed pieces of art, some of which were cut out and pasted together in places with an Exacto knife.

>> continued from the previous page

Asked what she told the students she spoke with, Julie answered, “One of her big things was, your first effort at anything probably isn’t your best work.” This is something that anyone, of any age, should learn. It takes time and practice to really get things right. Patience and determination are important tools. This applies to the fiercely talented, as well as the ordinary. The success of The Timekeeper led to Anna illustrating two more books, The Fuzzy Wuzzy Caterpillar and Annie Mae

Jumps the Broom. Her love of creating led to her thinking about attending an art institute after graduation. It is impossible not to wonder what she would have created next, had her life not been cut far too short. At the end of her infamous book, the main character, the Timekeeper tells the people, “Be of good hope and be of good cheer. Be kind to each other. Be glad that you’re here.” As Anna’s life illustrates, time is never enough. XYZ TOPEKA

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repellant 101

Environmental

Parenting

by Heather McKee | photo by Heather McKee

lenty of non-chemical ways exist to keep the bugs off your wee ones in the summer. If you’re going to be outdoors for extended periods of time, try to wear lightweight pants and sleeves, hats, shoes and socks (with your pants tucked into them). Once the heavy heat and humidity reach typically high Kansas levels, however, most people, especially kids, protest to wearing so many clothes. While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommend using an equal combination of DEET, picardin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 for skin protection against mosquitoes, many concerns arise with the use of DEET, which may cause neurological damage. Several varieties of natural repellants are available, which you can purchase at just about any store, or you can make your own. To understand the CDC-recommended combination, it is important to understand that many of the elements are natural. Picaridin was made to resemble the natural compound piperine, which is found in the group of plants that are used to produce black pepper. IR3535 is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring beta amino acid. Those, as well as lemon eucalyptus, have all been found to be safer for kids and the environment, more so than anything containing DEET. Citronella has long been the most popular, most widely known insect repellant and has been in use longer than most other natural repellents. Studies have shown, however, that when applied to the skin, citronella only kept bugs away for about two hours, compared to other repellents using the chemicals listed above. Other natural products have similar short lifespans: soybean oil (1-3 hours); Skin-So-Soft (original formula, 10 minutes); Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard (22 minutes); and other natural oils of geranium, cedarwood, clove, peppermint and thyme (around 20 min.). This is compared to an average 6 hours of active repellant for products containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus. In essence, natural remedies do work; you just have to be vigilant about reapplication. If you want to go all natural, the best bet is to find the right combination of natural oils for your family and you. A good basic combination is 3.5 oz witch hazel; 1/2 t. lemongrass oil; and 1/2 t. citronella oil, then mix, shake and use. You can add other oils listed above to get just the perfect mix for you. With all things, read the labels. Some oils are not suggested for use on kids under a certain age. No bug repellent is suggested for use on babies younger than 2 months, and some oils are not suggested for use on children under 3 years. For more information, consult with your pediatrician, or visit your local pharmacy or health food store. XYZ TOPEKA

how to avoid ticks The tick population is reputedly larger this year due to the mild winter in Kansas. Ticks can spread Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, so you’ll want to be particularly vigilant about those nasty critters this year. • If kids are playing outdoors often, check them for ticks every two hours, paying special attention to scalp, behind the knees, underarms and waistbands. • Avoid walking in high grasses or coming into contact with bushes and brush. This is where ticks hang out waiting to hitch a ride. • Keep the lawn trim, and clear clutter from the landscape where your children play. • If you or your child need a tick removed, don’t use soap, alcohol, nail polish or a lit match. These things will most likely not result in the tick detaching. Simply go for the tweezers and pull the body up and out at the site of attachment, clean the site and apply medicinal ointment. XYZ xyztopeka.com

y r e p o o h

Don’t let the kids take all the hula-hoop glory. by Cale Herreman 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

“M

y hands h ave to be b u s y, ” says Natalie Davis. “If it looks like fun, then I have to try it at least once. If it’s not illegal,” she adds with a nervous giggle. She is hula hooping in her front yard. The drivers of passing cars look like they don’t know what to make of her, but she looks like she is definitely having a good time, as does her daughter, who grabs a small hoop and gives it a few spins before running off.

Natalie’s own history of hooping does not begin in childhood, but late last year, out of a grown-up need. “I really don’t like to exercise,” she admits, so she started looking for a fun way to get that done. The magical cornucopia of the internet provided her with YouTube videos of hula hoopers, and an inspiration was born. Hooping, by the way, burns seven calories per minute. She tried to buy a hoop for herself at a store, but “dinky little store hoops” didn’t cut it, and didn’t seem to be a good size for adults. So she of the busy hands thought that maybe it would be easier to just make one. (See, she’s serious about trying things out!) When she tried out her homemade hoop, “I kept it up for 45 minutes,” which led to soreness, but it was the first time she had successfully hooped ever. “I hear people say things like, ‘I can’t do that, I’m uncoordinated.’ Anybody could do it, if they really want to.” Also, anybody could make one, but getting the materials might be weird. “I go to the garden store, buy hundredfoot rolls of irrigation tubing. I always get asked what I’m doing that for.” Apparently that has uses other than the manufacturing of hula hoops. A long loop of that black tubing, held together with a hard plastic hose connector, and decorated with colorful electrical tape makes a hula hoop. She made several, in child and adult sizes and brought them to playgroups. They were a hit, and friends started asking her to make some for them. “I realized some of my friends had hooped when they were younger,” but hoop fever was catching: “about half the people I made hoops for had never

been able to hoop before I did this.” She has moved beyond spinning the hoop around her middle, and does chest hooping, wrist hooping, jumping into spinning hoops. It looks impressive, but she’s modest about her developing abilities. “I took some hoops to a concert in Lawrence, and a girl asked to borrow one. This girl totally showed me up!” XYZ TOPEKA

Natalie’s Crafts page: mypurposefulbirth.com/p/natalies-crafts.html Hoop-making instructions: jasonunbound.com/hoops.html 7 calories per minute: webmd.com/fitness-exercise/ news/20110210/hula-hoop-workouts-burn-calories XYZ xyztopeka.com

A birthday with style.

primped

by Kerrice Mapes 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

ost ladies love to get pampered and have their hair, nails and makeup done, which is why spa days are huge for mom getaways. The pampering doesn’t have be exclusive to moms and the 30 plus crowd, or even cost hundreds of dollars. Kid’s spa parties are an alternative to the at-home makeover/sleepover parties of the past. Salons across Topeka are offering a combination of updo, polish and makeup applications, so your little princess can relax with friends while getting all gussied up. “For our clients who have young girls who want to do a party, we just encourage them to book the appointment like normal and let us know it’s a special occasion,” said Jennifer Falley, owner Envy Salon. “We are happy to accommodate our clients and make their daughter’s day special!” Kelly Mumford, general manager of Regency Beauty Institute, notes that kid’s spa parties have been a service offering for quite some time.

“Our afternoon parties are a huge hit. It frees up time for the parents and allows for a unique party during the week,” said Mumford. Afternoon parties at Regency start at 3:30 p.m., last approximately 90 minutes, and include an updo, nail polish and age-appropriate makeup. “So if your daughter is young, it’s just a little blush and lip gloss,” explained Mumford. “For girls around age 12, we can start talking about other makeup applications, if desired. Our goal is for your daughter to look like a princess, not a beauty queen.” Regency Beauty Institute is refined and looks like a modernday salon, despite the fact that it is actually an on-hands beauty school. “Students must complete 320 hours of classroom work before they get to work with real customers,” said Mumford. “The parties are a great way for the students to interact with all ages of clients and help make the girls feel special.”

cool kid’s bday A stop at the beauty spa makes the average birthday into a fancier affair.

One downfall in the nontraditional spa party is missing out on the traditional birthday party elements, such as blowing the candles out on a cake. Due to Kansas State Board licensing, salons are not allowed to have cake and other food items on the premises during open hours. Most do not have a “banquet room” for present opening or cake eating. To make the spa experience a memorable birthday moment, some additional ideas to incorporate into the full experience, include: • Starting the party after-school and completing the afternoon with a frozen treat. Orange Leaf is affordable and allows party goers a plethora of flavors and toppings to choose from;

Madison, Ainslee and Sylvia get ready for their session at Regency Beauty Institute

• Booking a limo and transporting the “divas” to and from the salon; • Incorporating the spa experience into the beginning or end of a traditional slumber party; • Hire a photographer for an afterbeauty photo session following the spa party; or • Bring in your own tiaras and incorporate a princess theme into the day. XYZ TOPEKA

Places to check out Regency Beauty Institute RegencyBeauty.com 1930A SW Wanamaker Rd 272.0784 Parties of 4 or more, 12 and under (best for parties of 4 – 8 ) $12 per person Includes updo, polish (fingernails) and makeup (age-appropriate)

Times: 3:30 – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday 10:30 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. Saturday BStreet Design School 3602 SW Topeka Blvd 267.7701 Your Own Salon - ask your stylist what they can offer your daughter

lemonade tycoon how to go above and beyond the commonplace stand

b y To n y D a v i s photos by Megan Rogers Tr e e s a n d B e e s P h o t o g r a p h y

xyztopeka.com XYZ

t’s summer. It’s hot. School is out. Looking for a project to get kids outdoors, learning and making a profit? Two words: lemonade stand. Running a lemonade stand can teach children responsibility, planning, basic business principals and creativity. And, with a successful stand, they could see a direct payoff from their labor in the form of cold hard cash. A lemonade stand can turn into a very rewarding enterprise—if you and your child put in the time and the muscle. Here are some possibilities for maximizing lemonade stand success: Get a recipe – People can get lemonade in soda machines, at restaurants or in powdered form from the store. Having hand-squeezed lemonade can really set you apart, or having a special flavor, such as mint. Visit “xyztopeka.com/category/xyz-recipes” for a stellar lemonade recipe that will wow your customers. Compare prices – Shop around and compare prices to keep costs of supplies low. Look for supplies at local farmers markets or check the weekend newspaper ads for sales. Pick a good spot – If you’re going sidewalk-side, make sure your stand is visible from the street, free of obstructions by trees or parked cars. If your home is in a residential area that doesn’t see a lot of traffic, ask a relative or friend in a higher traffic part of town to camp out on their lawn for a weekend. You could even offer to pay “rent” (and budget the cost into the business plan).

make it inviting

Know your price – Once you’ve purchased supplies, work with your child to determine how much it costs to make a batch of lemonade and how many cups you get from each batch. Divide the cost-per-batch by the cups-per-batch to get the base cost of a single cup. From there, factor in additional cost for profit. Plan for the weather – Rainy days are obviously a nogo for lemonade stand success, but even sunny days can call for some weather prep. A canopy or beach umbrella can provide much needed shade for you, your child and for customers. Be a brand – name your stand, and spend a little extra time working on an eye-catching sign (or several signs), and play up your key selling point. Advertise – Promote your child’s stand on Facebook and Twitter to trusted friends. Ask a neighbor whose home is near a busy street to place a sign in their yard directing traffic to your site, and make fliers to tack to posts. Make it inviting – You don’t have to begin lemonade stand construction by visiting the lumber yard, but even a simple folding table can be more inviting with the addition of a tablecloth and some small decorations. Have fun – If you and your child are having fun, the customer will follow suit. Keep the atmosphere positive with big smiles, good manners, some summer tunes on the radio, and lots of sweet sips of summer’s signature drink. XYZ TOPEKA

count your lemons before you squeeze @ KCDC b y J a n i c e Wa t k i n s

s part of the Kansas Children Discovery Center’s (KCDC) exhibit, Moneyville, children have an opportunity to learn about operating their own business and testing the practicalities of opening their very own lemonade stand, without having to brave the blazing heat or beg their parents to purchase products at a trip to the grocery store. Enter the lemonade stand in Moneyville. “It’s an interactive exhibit, kind of like a computer game that kids put information into the computer, such as how much things will cost versus how much versus how much they plan to charge,” says Andrea Etzel, Marketing and Public Relations for the KCDC. “It’s really about financial literacy and encouragement of a child understanding how money works.” Etzel notes that while financial literacy is great for all ages, the lemonade stand has been particularly great for older children. “It’s the mathematics of it all. It keeps them informed that if you keep costs low and charge more for the product, you will have more money. And everybody loves to have more money,” laughs Etzel. “Still it’s funny how much some charge for lemonade. I’ve heard kids charging $5 and even larger than that at times.” To put your budding entrepreneur to the test before committing to running an actual stand, visit the KCDC. Open: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m. Closed Mondays

[ music ]

love songs that kids will love

by Leah Sewell photos courtesy Rabbit!

hear the music? What followed has been weeks of listening to this album on repeat at least twice a day, against my will. The tables have turned. Oh, the irony. But Rabbit!, billed as “kids’ music for adults” really isn’t bad. It’s actually enjoyable before you hit that level of repetition that would drive anyone batty. The melodies are infectiously cute, but in an artful way, with definite Beatles and early punk influences mixed in, and lyrics that are clever and deep enough for grown-ups to appreciate:

t makes sense that Indie-pop band Rabbit! has released a double album that benefits the Fender Music Foundation, an organization devoted to providing music education and resources to kids. Kids totally love Rabbit!’s music. They love it almost too much. Case in point: My five-year-old Sylvia is always wary of anything I acquire on her behalf with the insistence that she’ll enjoy it. “I don’t want to listen to new music!” she protested when I started up “Connect the Dots” on the car stereo. By the third track, she was forced to admit, against her will, that she liked it. And would I please stop talking so she could

I wish I was a camera

I would take a picture of

all the small and subtle stuff

everything we can’t give up

A couple of the songs made me do a double-take on the lyrics with just-ever-so-slightly adult connotation. The topic of love gets frequent treatment in the songs, so buyer beware. You might want to give it a listen before your kids get attached to a song that features the chorus, “I’ve got a recipe for making love / I’ll show you what it’s made of ” unless, of course, your wee one, like mine, thinks they’re talking about cupcakes. “Connect the Dots” is full of feel-good music perfect for kids rediscovering freedom over the summer holiday. Apparently this is the soundtrack to my daughter’s summer, and unless I get control of the car stereo anytime in the near future, it’ll be mine as well. XYZ TOPEKA Download “Connect the Dots and Go For It” on iTunes. It’s a mere ten bucks for 33 songs, and half of all proceeds benefit the Fender Music Foundation.

[ music ]

songs you know by Lacey Gerhardt

recently had the pleasure of seeing Jimmy Buffet live at the Sprint Center in Kansas City. More than once during his performance, Jimmy Buffet thanked the audience for raising their kids on his music. This got me to thinking, “why am I not raising my boys on this music?” It’s carefree, lighthearted, good-time music. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that Jimmy Buffet was perfect for my boys. After all, the littles love pirates, and Jimmy himself admitted to be a “pirate, 200 years too late.” And just like that, I decided it was time to introduce the boys to Songs You Know by Heart (1985) from Mr. Jimmy Buffet. I introduced the album to the boys as their new pirate music. With a set-up like that they had no choice but to jump right in. Our favorites: Track 1: Cheeseburger in Paradise - My tiny tots love cheeseburgers so an entire song designated to “heaven on a bun” gets four toddler thumbs way up.

Track 13: Volcano – The calypso sounds and steel drum beats keep the song fun and the chorus lyrics are easy for the boys to understand and sing along with. We are now a merry band of buccaneers as we sail to and fro, singing and bopping to our beachy, pirate tunes. There are many other great songs on the album and I even find myself singing “A Pirate Looks at Forty” to my youngest as a lullaby. Sure, there are some songs on the album that I skip when the boys are in the car. I just don’t know if they’re quite ready for the always classic “Why Don’t We Get Drunk.” Overall, Songs You Know by Heart has completely replaced The Itsy Bitsy Spider on our morning voyage to daycare and this Captain of this ship couldn’t be happier! XYZ TOPEKA

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cool kid’s room • Ashley Beteta • age 14

memorabilia

he walls of 14-year old Ashley Beteta’s room read like the timeline of her life.

b y J a n i c e Wa t k i n s • p h o t o s b y C o l i n M a c M i l l a n Nathan Ham Photography

“It’s all my memories,” smiles Ashley as she motions to each corner of her room and the various items placed around the pink, green and purple walls. From the memory of her first day of Kindergarten in Topeka, having transferred from Missouri mid-year and meeting her best friend, Karsen, which is documented in a framed crayon drawing, which reads “BFF. It’s true I don’t lie” to her middle school promotion certificate placed on her wooden shelf, Ashley’s elementary school years are carefully documented throughout her unique space. The accomplished teen, preparing to enter Washburn Rural High School come fall, is an oboe and clarinet playing beauty, archeology pursuing scholar, budding writer and photographer and gifted Girl Scout. Each item in Ashley’s room speaks to some detail and piece of her story. The stuffed animals carefully lined on her bed were bestowed upon her for being an award-winning cookie seller in the Girl Scouts, or acquired at summer camp. A shadow box in the left corner of

her room is a replica of a knife from a dig that she took place in as a member of the Kansas Anthropological Association. Pristine dolls with antiquated, miniature furniture are carefully posed in displays on the wall by her door, some gifted to her by her grandmother. One shelf is entirely dedicated to shells she has collected from her travels to the beach and is accompanied by smiling photographs, capturing various swim suits, summer tans and travels. A bowling pin, signed by all partygoers, reminds her of her eighth birthday, atop her shelf. Joining her memorabilia, you can often find her cats, Patches and Kinka, perusing about, or protecting the space until she returns. Her space continues to expand in its uniqueness, as new memories and memorabilia are acquired. Ashley had the opportunity to participate in a photography camp at Stanford University last summer and possibly plans to travel as part of the foreign exchange program in the future. Ashley may be an atypical teen, given the depths of her pursuits and the cleanliness of her room, but her room still contains staples for most teen girls – the Hunger Games trilogy and the Kansas Driving Handbook, posted prominently on her dresser. “I really want to” Ashley eagerly replies when questioned about the possibility of Driver’s Ed and passes a wanting glance to her parents that is anything but atypical. XYZ TOPEKA XYZ xyztopeka.com

Camp Hope

where kids with cancer can just be kids.

by Regina Stephenson • photos contributed by Camp Hope

boy races across a campground, his leg jutting out quickly as he sprints, followed by his metal limb, a prosthetic. His running mate, an older girl, jogs alongside, encouraging him as the sun shines on her hairless head, the first time in weeks that she’s gone a whole day without a wig. They join their camp friends, other kids in similarly varied degrees of health. To an outsider, this hodgepodge of kids might seem bizarre, but to everyone at the camp, it’s an indication of what their camp is all about: hope. Camp Hope is a week-long camp for children who are cancer patients and survivors, sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Held in the third week of June at Camp Adrich, near Great Bend, Camp Hope, accredited by the American Camping Association, is in its 30th year of providing a free camping experience.

“It’s a place for kids who’ve had cancer to feel just like any other kid and learn to be comfortable with their diagnosis,” said Stephanie Weiter, Regional Vice President of the American Cancer Society. Since many of the 90 plus camp attendees are still in treatment for the disease, the medical staff is on call, not just for cuts and bruises, but to make sure that kids can safely participate in the activities they choose. “The kids get to pick, and depending on physical abilities, we help them modify their activities,” said Weiter. “We can’t always let them do what they want, but we try to get as close as possible. We try to let them do everything you could do at a regular camp.” The activities help stave off many campers’ biggest stumbling block: homesickness. Weiter said that is the toughest part of camp for some, but they have tried to combat that with varied techniques. Campers can chose to email their families once a day, only attend the day camp, or even attend part-time. John Kaberline, or, as some campers may know him, Johnny Five, first attended Camp Hope at age 8, and was really homesick. “I just focused on the activities though, there’s a lot of fun stuff to do,” said John. Kids are assigned to house parents in groups of two or three, where the adults help them adjust to camp and keep track of things like bedtime and hygiene for the younger campers. One of the advantages of having such a range in ages of campers, mostly from 7 to 17, with some older and some younger, is that they can better share their experiences of fighting cancer together, and sometimes see what the future can look like, said Weiter. 30

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“Some of the little kids are tough, sometimes I’m really surprised at how tough they are,” said John. “The people who are still fighting it are more emotional though because they’re still feeling the pain.”

Brown, the mother of two children who died from cancer, as a way for children to experience a fun summer camp in spite of any disabilities or medical limitations that accompanied their disease.

“When a camper doesn’t come back, that’s the hardest part,” said Weiter. “It’s tough to see. Although we’ve made amazing strides, as long as we’re losing campers, we still have a ways to go.”

John was once one of the tough little kids. Diagnosed with leukemia at age 2, he finished treatment when he was 5. Now, age 12, he’s going back for his third camp.

Having that network of people due to their shared cancer experiences, has made a difference in the lives of kids like John.

Kaberline is proud that her son has decided to forgo traditional summer camps like his beloved sport camps in order to attend Camp Hope. He has already started to pass on his experiences to camp mates by sharing his story, but Kaberline said it’s as much about what he has to teach as it is about what he has left to learn.

“He’s really realized how important it is,” said Michelle Kaberline, John’s mother. “He’s been teased a lot because he’s shorter than other kids his age. The chemo might have stunted his growth, we won’t know until he’s finished growing. He gets teased for being short, but not at camp, at camp everyone else gets it and understands what he’s going through.” That is the point of Camp Hope, said Weiter. It was started by Donna

“Kids at camp have had at least one strong affliction in their life. They can support each other where sometimes a normal kids won’t get it, like with what chemo can do to you,” John said. “They know what you’ve been through, they know how you suffered and how hard you’ve fought to survive.” In the end, it’s survival that is the ultimate goal, and the very real struggle to stay alive is the dark cloud that sometimes looms over the otherwise pretty sunshiny camp.

“Camp Hope really showed John how many other people are really affected by cancer,” Kaberline said. “We’ve talked about it before, but I don’t think he ever realized that many people’s lives had been touched.” XYZ TOPEKA

To find out more, volunteer or sign a child up for next year’s Camp Hope, call (785) 273-4422.

XYZ xyztopeka.com

day trip: Flint Hills Discovery Center by Rio Cervantes-Reed • photos contributed

riving through eastern Kansas it’s easy to become mesmerized by the ebb and flow of the hills, getting lost in the landscape and imagine the rich history of the territory. In 1806, Zebulon Pike, on his way to discover the infamous mountain in Colorado that now bears his name, encountered hard ground, largely consisting of limestone and was inspired to note in his journal that he had encountered “ruff flint hills.” It was in this spirit of exploration and a need to share the history of the region that the Flint Hills Discovery Center opened in Manhattan, Kansas. “The Flint Hills Discovery Center seeks to educate individuals about the rich ecology, biology and history of the Flint Hills region,” according to Jaclyn Collins, Public Relations Coordinator for the Center. “The Center hopes to inspire visitors to go out and explore the Flint Hills and become stewards of the region.” The Center certainly has a great start on fulfilling its mission. Within the first month of opening in April 2012, they welcomed over 10,000 visitors. Part of the success can be contributed to “The Immersive Experience”, a definite must-see attraction. This 67-foot wide, triple-high definition audio-visual film presentation is about 15 minutes in length and runs every 20 minutes. Collins says, “This show presents how the Flint Hills region came to be and provides viewers with an appreciation for the Flint Hills. What makes the film so spectacular is that throughout the film are surprise features such as: wind, fog, snow and glowing fireflies -- things that individuals of all ages enjoy!” And the Center definitely does appeal to all ages. Considered a premier learning center, it houses over 10,000 square feet of exhibits. The first floor is home to the interactive permanent exhibits about the Flint Hills, while the second floor includes the Family Fun Zone, a traveling exhibit (which is currently sponsored by the National Science Foundation), and temporary gallery. Public seating areas with free Wi-Fi are also

all photos courtesy of the Flint Hills Discovery Center

available on each floor. Some of the other unique features found within the public areas include the outdoor terrace located on the third floor and the gift shop and gateway kiosk located on the first floor. The outward appearance of the Center is also notable, as Silver or Gold LEED certified design features were used during the construction of the building. One of these features is the “green roof,” which is terraced with limestone retaining walls and native plantings. The building itself has a facade of limestone, the bedrock on which the Flint Hills themselves lay, the very limestone that inspired their name. Through Labor Day, the Flint Hills Discovery Center opens Monday through Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday the Center is open until 8 p.m., and closes at 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, it is open from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. After Labor Day, the Center will close on 5 p.m. daily except on Thursdays, when it is open until 8 p.m. Admission rates: Adults: $9; Military, Students & Seniors (65+): $7; Children: $4 (under 2 are free) For more information call the Center at 785.587.2726, or visit their website at flinthillsdiscovery.org.

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metamorphosis the Mexican tradition of la quinceañera marks a girl’s complete transformation

story by J a n i c e Wa t k i n s photos by Amy Robinson

indy ReyesAlvarez inhales a deep breath and slowly exhales, as she gathers an armful of silk and satin fabric, showing a peek of sneakers hiding under the sparkles and jewels of the swaying hoop of her deep blue ball gown. Cindy winks and steps into the full crowd of guests, embraced by gasps and awes, as the twinkle of her gown catches the rotating light from the dance floor. The birthday girl has very much embraced her role as the Quinceañera – a princes of sorts, as she completes her journey from little girl into little lady. 34

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“I have been dreaming of this since I was eight,” beams Cindy. This iconic Mexican celebration of a girl’s fifteenth birthday is something her family has been conceptualizing since Cindy made her screaming entrance into the world as an infant and the hospital personnel announced she was “perfect for pink.” Her mother, Angelica Alvarez, has been actually planning the details, scheduling and symbolism of this important day for over one year. “One, it is tradition,” states Angelica without assumption. “So it was just expected. Two, she is a well-behaved girl and she deserves it.” Just as important as the celebration of the quinceañera is to the Alvarez family, so too is the importance of the symbolism, weaved throughout the day-long celebration. Commencing at 7:30 a.m. on the celebration day, Cindy participates in a traditional, Catholic quinceañera mass. At the mass, Cindy enters in her gown, is presented with a specific homily by the attending priest and is given the gifts of a necklace, ring and bracelet, as well as the traditional Bible and rosary – all

(left) - Cindy receives her bracelet at mass. (upper right) - Cindy’s tiara awaits her at the reception (bottom right) - As part of the celebration, Cindy transitions from flats to heels.

representing symbolism of her relationship with God and her closeness to the Virgin Mary. “It talks about the experience of being thankful for the fifteen years that I have been given,” says Cindy of the message in the mass. At all times Cindy is accompanied by her quince court, which consists of seven damas and seven chambelanes, or seven pairs of couples attending her throughout the day in a nearly regal accompaniment. Cindy herself is accompanied by her Chambelan de Honor, her chosen escort for the entire event. Often times the quince court has more than just the task of donning their formal wear for the day, as months of practice go into the coordination of the court. Cindy’s court is no different, as her court of fifteen has been practicing afterschool and on weekends for the big event. After the guests have reconvened in the afternoon and the guest of honor has had a chance to nap, guests dine on a traditional meal of rice, tortillas, beans, pork, and chicken complete with mole. The court is then announced and enters, putting their months of practice to work in an intricately choreographed waltz. continued on the next page >>

Once the waltz is completed the coronation commences in full swing, leaving Cindy looking frazzled and not bedazzled, for the first time all evening. “I wanted it to be here and now I just want time to go slower. I feel like I’m ready, but I’m not ready for it to be over,” Cindy sighs. Following the waltz, Cindy is seated and adorned with her tiara, as she fights back tears. Cindy has chosen the theme of “butterfly” for her entire event and the gift of her tiara is one of the final steps in her journey. “A butterfly starts as a baby and then it sets itself free. I feel like that is what I am doing,” exclaims Cindy. Her metamorphosis continues as she is presented with her first pair of heels. Her stepfather and grandfather remove her sneakers and each of them places a high heel on her feet, as if in a true Cinderella moment. She then proceeds to share a dance with each her stepfather and grandfather, causing Angelica to release tears from just beyond the dance floor. “It means that I no longer have a little girl,” Angelica muffles. “My little girl has turned into a grown woman.” Once Cindy has tested out her new heels in a spin across the dance floor with her stepfather and grandfather, boxes of champagne are dispersed throughout the hall in preparation for the toast. This gives Cindy and Angelica an opportunity to thank the padrinos – close friends and family that have “sponsored” different elements of the day through the gift of monetary donation. From the cake to the traditional gifts the quince princess receives to the video, the padrinos have all contributed in some way to the success of the celebration and the nearly $12,000 price tag for orchestrating the festivities. “I feel like celebrating such a special day with close friends and families,” Cindy says. “There is just nothing like it.”

(top) Cindy looks on at her seven damas. (center) The entire quicenanera court. (bottom) Cindy opted for blue, plaid DCs under her ball gown prior to receiving her heels. 36

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As the guests continue to celebrate into the night, Angelica has surprised Cindy with the gift of the popular, Banda La Revuelta, a traveling thirteen-piece Hispanic band. Guests continue to skirt about the floor and

“I have cried. I have been sad. I have been stressed. I have been happy,” proclaims Angelica (mother of the quince princess). “It’s an accomplishment. I have done a good job.” dance to the music in a skippy waltz-type fashion, as Cindy takes a breather and Angelica looks on with a smile across her face, as she rubs her aching feet. “I have cried. I have been sad. I have been stressed. I have been happy,” proclaims Angelica. “It’s an accomplishment. I have done a good job.” Cindy catches Angelica’s eye across the floor and even with the blare of the horn reverberating the walls of the hall, her eyes speak volumes – she is filled with thankfulness and love at the experience of her quinceañera, truly transformed. XYZ TOPEKA

(top) - Cindy dances with her grandfather (bottom) - Cindy serves cake to her reception guests.

all photos by Amy Robinson Amy E. Robinson Photography 554.8432 facebook.com/amy.robinson.9237 wix.com/kansasphotographer/amysphotos XYZ xyztopeka.com

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heard + noted what Topeka kids are saying After a minor meltdown my son, 2 1/2, says “Don’t dry my tears, I’m not done crying.” – submitted by Barbara Overheard in our driveway, among the neighborhood kids playing basketball -- Lily (6), to one of the older boys, “Well, you have less balls than I do!” – submitted by Tony Davis (5) was walking into Tae Kwon Do class last night and a couple of little girls smiled at him, ” Man, Mom, I’m attractive to girls. I can’t help it, I just am. That’s the way it is.” – submitted by Summer. Bebe (Age 5): Daddy, if you want me to draw and color you a picture, from now on it will cost a quarter.” Me: A quarter? Finn (Age 7): Better make it a dollar, Bebe. Me: A dollar?! Bebe: Yeah, for Mommy it’s a quarter. For you it’s a dollar. Me: Why do I have to pay a dollar? Bebe; Mommy appreciates art more than you do. – submitted by Shannon. Sitting at a stop light with my 3 year-old maniac and she tells me “Drive mommy!”. I tell her I can’t it’s a red light. She then says “red means stop and green means go”. I say That’s very good Lidiya, then she says “and yellow means run people over”. – submitted by Mahriah I asked Alec (5) about his mid-term testing. He informed me that he had not done any testing, only “office work.” – submitted by Amie. We’re so excited about our new stainless steel fridge. I look over and Finn (7) is putting his hands all over it. “Stop! You’re making fingerprints!” I say. Finn’s reply, “I thought you said it was ‘stainless’.” – submitted by Alex. In the van, on the way to dinner, my 3-year old cracked us up. As soon as we got into the van she exclaimed how thirsty she was. Minutes later, throwing a tantrum because she had to wait until we arrived at the restaurant to get a drink, she yells, “I’m still thirsty, so thirsty I can’t hold it anymore!!!” – submitted by Michael. 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 40

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d.i.y. vacation memory game photos and tutorial by Erin Snethen

hat summer vacation you spent all winter dreaming about is finally within your reach. No matter where you’re headed this summer, traveling with kids takes a little planning. What’s the best way to arrive at your destination with your sanity intact? Keep the kiddos busy! Here’s a great project to keep your preschooler occupied on the plane or during your next road trip.

Felt Memory Cards Help your preschooler learn their shapes, numbers and ABCs, or get creative with their favorite animals or cartoons. I decided to use the following shapes: circle, triangle, square and heart. Wool or Craft Felt: Bottom Layer: 8 - 3” squares Top Layer: 4 - 1 1/4” shapes (cut 2 of each shape) Cotton Print: Middle Layer: 8 - 2 1/2” squares Glue stick Contrasting Color Thread Hand sewing needle or sewing machine

Start with top and middle layer (example: triangle). To keep layers together while you sew, glue triangle to cotton layer. Staying close to the edge of the triangle, stitch triangle to cotton layer using a straight stitch. Tip: Allow the glue to dry so it won’t transfer to your needle. Glue middle layer to bottom layer. Using a zigzag stitch, stitch cotton layer to felt. Tip: Using the zigzag stitch will encase the raw edge so the cotton won’t ravel. Repeat steps 1-2 for each card. XYZ TOPEKA

printable tutorial: xyztopeka.com

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[ recipe ]

chicken finger salad recipe and photo by Josh Luttrell

• kid-adaptable. • pretty healthy. • really delicious.

his recipe is hands-down one of my very favorite salads. It’s a great summer salad - sweet, tangy, savory and extra crunchy. I usually end up making a salad for me and then deconstructing it for my kids. My very picky daughter loves coconut chicken fingers and mandarin oranges.

Coconut Fried Chicken Salad 1 large chicken breast cut into about 1/2 inch slices. Your pieces should be about a 1/2 inch thick and about 1 inch 1/2 inch in width. Think chicken fingers/strips when it comes to sizing. I get about 7 to 8 pieces per breast. Batter: 2 egg whites 1/4 cup flour 1/2 cup water

1 cup panko bread crumbs 3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut 1/4 cup flour 1 can Mandarin oranges Otts Honey Mustard salad dressing (Otts is the best for this salad, but other brands will do) Shredded Parmesan (Optional) Romaine Lettuce Oil for frying.

Breading: 1/4 cup flour Dip your chicken strips in plain flour, coat in the batter mixture, and then into the breading, making sure it is evenly coated. Heat adequate amount of oil in a skillet for proper frying and fry chicken on medium high heat, turning a few times until golden and done. I usually aim for the coconut to be a nice dark brown. Drain on absorbent paper. Chop your romaine lettuce, dice fried chicken into edible pieces, top with mandarin oranges and honey mustard. Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan. XYZ TOPEKA 42

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i was a

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

The Basics: Hanover Pancake House 1034 S. Kansas Ave. 232.1111 Hours: Monday - Saturday: 6 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Open Sunday til 3 p.m. American Food | Specializes in breakfast | Family-owned Been in business since 1969 Check out the dancing robot who loves pancakes at their website: hanoverpancakehouse.com Grant’s visit: First visit, March 8:30 a.m.

I don’t go out to breakfast very often. I’m not usually in the mood to eat first thing in the morning, but the combination of a day off school and an early morning haircut meant I was ready to eat. With some encouragement from Jennifer at Envy Salon, my mom and I decided to try Hanover Pancake House.

Ambiance + Service When we pulled up we noticed there was a big crowd, which is always a good sign. We were quickly greeted and seated. I noticed the country/homey décor with a big mural on the wall. As I looked around, I noticed a wide variety of people eating there. There were several big groups of people meeting and having fun. We were immediately served with water and the menu. The menu had a lot of options. They had all kinds of drinks too. There were lots of pictures on the menu that really helped me get an idea of what the food was like and what I wanted to order. We placed our order and then checked out the many sauces, jellies and condiments on the table. We also read some of the free papers we picked up at the front door.

very crunchy—cooked to perfection, just the way I like them. The bacon had a nice smoky flavor and had a nice crunch to it, without being over-done. The pancakes were nice, soft and fluffy. I put butter all over them. They brought a small container of warm syrup to put on the pancakes. Be careful, it’s hot when you touch it and WARNING—do not put all your syrup on at once or it will overflow your plate. Live and learn.

Last Thoughts We had great service and enjoyed the music playing in the background while we devoured our food. My mom liked that they brought the coffee to the table in a small pot just for her. I tried her omelet and thought that was pretty good. She tried my pancakes and thought those were really good. We both wished we had more of those delicious hash browns. We were stuffed and had lots of food left over, but not one bite of hash browns remained. This was one of the best breakfasts I’ve had. I don’t go out to breakfast very often, but when I do, I’ll choose Hanover Pancake House again. XYZ TOPEKA

Food When my food arrived, it all looked very good. I got pancakes, bacon and we shared an order of hash browns. My mom got a veggie omelet and toast. The hash browns were

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IMAGINATION

summer reads 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

Summerfest has begun at the Library! This year kids Dream Big and teens Own the Night. Stop by the Library or visit summerfest.tscpl.org to sign up for summer reading and win awesome prizes. Homer by Diane deGroat (ages 3-8) While his owner sleeps, a dog named Homer dreams of playing baseball with his buddies. Can Homer’s team, the Doggers, beat their rivals, the Hounds? Find out in this hilarious photo-art fantasy.

Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes (ages 8-14) Have you ever wanted something so bad, you’d do anything for it? Kitten is just like you, and when she mistakes the moon for a big bowl of yummy milk, she gets wet and dirty trying to get it.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (ages 3-8) This classic by the late Mr. Sendak tells the tale of Max after he’s sent to bed without supper. He travels an ocean in a little boat and befriends monsters. But after a wild rumpus, Max wants to go back home and finds a surprise waiting for him.

Food Fight! by: Stephen McCranie (ages 8-14) In this madcap graphic novel series, Mal is a boy genius inventor who’s trying to keep a low profile and Chad is his talking dog. When Chad has bad dreams, Mal builds a dream portal so Chad can face his nighttime tormentor. Can Chad do it? Find out in this fun adventure.

The Glitch in Sleep by John Hulme (ages 8-14) Do you know the world as we know it is invented and manufactured? Becker Drane finds this out when he applies for a job and finds himself a Fixer for the Seems, the makers of the world. In this first book of the Seems series, Becker must repair a Malfunction in the Department of Sleep. The Watch That Ends the Night: Voices From the Titanic by Allan Wolf

(ages 14-18) In this piece of historical fiction, Wolf tells the terrifying tale of the Titanic through the eyes of several of its crew and passengers and even the iceberg that sank the venerable ship. Extensive research and free verse add gravity and poignancy to the reader’s experience. 44

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The Dream Stealer by Sid Fleischman (ages 8-14) Newbery-award-winner Fleishman gives us bright and brave Susana. When a bandit steals good dreams instead of the nightmares he’s supposed to take, the little Mexican girl stands up to him and travels to his faraway castle where more adventure awaits. A Monster Calls: A Novel by Patrick Ness (ages 14-18) Conor O’Malley is 13 and having problems at school, and a reoccurring nightmare is keeping him up nights. Then a monster appears outside his house and it wants Conor. It’s not the monster from Conor’s dreams; this one wants truth.

keen eye

There are 6 little differences between these two photos. Can you tell what they are? by Colin MacMillan / Nathan Ham Photography

Zombies vs. Unicorns [compiled by] Holly Black, Justine Larbalestier (ages 14-18) You’ve wondered this forever: Which are better, zombies or unicorns. Now you can finally answer this age-old question by reading 12 awesome short stories from today’s best teen authors, including Libba Bray, Scott Westerfeld, and Meg Cabot. Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman (ages 3-8) Interested in the creatures of the night? This book of poems highlights some of them and gives you information about them. Day might be bright and cheery, but this celebration of eveningtime illustrates that darkness can comfort. You’ll look forward to the next sunset. Zzz...The Most Interesting Book You’ll Ever Read About Sleep by Trudee Romanek (ages 8-14) How interesting can sleeping be? Open up the handy book and get the skinny on your slumber, everything from why we sleep to sleepwalking. You’ll definitely see why snoozing is not losing.

The Dream Book: A Young Person’s Guide to Understanding Dreams by Patricia Garfield (ages 14-18) Those crazy dreams aren’t happening just to scare you or make for funny stories with your friends. In the Dream Book, you’ll learn why we dream and what our dreams mean. Knowing this you’ll discover new things about yourself!

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IMAGINATION

scribbles w/ Granddad project and photos by Bailey Marable B a i l e y i s a n a r t t e a c h e r a t R o y a l Va l l e y H i g h S c h o o l a n d m o m t o Ka s s y, 1 0 , Wi l l o w, 3 , a n d 1 - y e a r - o l d O l i v e .

eet Rachel Swift, a 6 year-old Kindergartener (almost first-grader) who loves to scribble! She’s scribbled at home with her “Granddad,” Walter, she’s scribbled at school, and now she has scribbled at the Marable Family Dinner Table. Walter and Rachel spent about an hour on this art project and we used these supplies:

• Pencils

• Heavy Paper or Board

• Colored Pencils

• Watercolors

• Several Sheets of Typing Paper (I ask my high-schoolers to pick up a ream of typing paper from the office and they look at me like I’ve spoken a different language… if you have a similar expression on your face, pretend I said “Copy Paper.”)

• Paint Brushes • A Glass of Water • Glue (I prefer glue sticks for this project)

I asked Walter and Rachel to scribble on a couple sheets of typing paper. Each page should contain only one line, but it should crisscross several times. After some scribbling they spent a few minutes really looking at the pages. Rachel quickly found a basketball on one of her pages. Walter saw a person in a very fancy hat. They traded the other papers for collaboration. Turns out, Rachel had scribbled a school of fish, a mouse, and a car! Walter had made a scribble that really stumped Rachel. As my husband walked by he said he saw a monkey wiping his nose. It was an impressive find.

Next the artists added color to the scribble, helping to make the images stand out. They used this as a time to emphasize some lines and cover over some others. It was at this moment Walter and Rachel’s talent really started to show. I had no idea such great artists had shown up at my doorstep. I gave them some scissors to cut out the images and then they went to work on backgrounds. If you found some fish they need an ocean, right? The background paintings really helped the scribbles to find a good home. A little glue and the artwork was complete! It was fun to see these two generations creating art together. I think the results are fun and playful. Walter told me that he and Rachel do a lot of scribble art when he visits. “You can make something rapidly, and then bring color into it. It is spontaneous.” He also said it is really easy to do— that “you don’t have to be doing much of anything, just having fun.” If that doesn’t sell you on making some scribble art today, I just don’t know what will! XYZ TOPEKA

what’s the story? by Justin Marable

Does this dinosaur have a name? What magical properties does the car possess when rainbows appear? 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

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