XYZ Topeka Magazine

[everything for Topeka families]

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lunch with love colorful & healthy midday fuel

winter 2011-12 | xyztopeka.com

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XYZ Magazine | Vol. II • Issue III | Winter 2011-12

[ what’s inside ] 30 4th and Inches

This Topeka teen garage band has big ambitions and its first “real” gig. Read about this talented group and their high-energy sound.

32 families who volunteer

At the Topeka Rescue Mission, kids can learn to be compassionate toward others and grateful for what they have, and at the Helping Hands Humane Society, cat toy play is the preferred way to spend an evening.

35 zombie-cute

The cool kid’s room this issue will have you practicing your zombie lingo while uttering “aww’s” at the same time.

38 the life of the child actor Child actor and performer John Katz juggles the hectic schedules with aplomb and a ton of natural talent. His ambition is to be a Broadway star, and he’s getting an early start right here in Topeka.

10 lunch with love

How to beat the picky bug and offer your kids something healthy for lunch that they’ll gobble right up.

14 shared responsibility

Local agencies let you know exactly how to react when you witness or suspect child abuse.

20 reuse. get organized.

Ten ways to reuse common household items to banish the clutter and get organized.

24 friend of the book

The Friends of the Topeka Library started out small, but now is responsible for huge annual donations to TSCPL’s programs.

26 ad astra

If you only ever look up at the night sky when you’re taking out the trash and couldn’t find Orion if your life depended on it, XYZ writer Cale Herreman can get you and your kids on the path to stargazing.

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 letter from editor 6 yum, yum - local dining options 7 - F.A.B. - Find A Babysitter 8 family calendar 18 cool kid’s bday 22 environmental parenting 35 cool kid’s room 42 recipes 44 - 47 imagination section

[ letter from the editor ]

[ everything for Topeka families ]

accidental advocacy

by Leah Sewell

Kerrice Mapes Publisher

S

everal months ago, I caught sight of a friend’s Facebook status wherein she discussed – with outrage – watching helpless as she witnessed a child being hit by his parent in a parking lot.

Comment after comment surfaced with people saying that they too had seen something similar, and the formation of the story you’ll find in this issue of XYZ started with that post and the questions it churned inside me when I read it.

I assigned myself the story and had no idea what I was diving into. I did research and I delved into a sad but very prevalent issue that affects children and families right in our midst. While speaking to the kind and helpful workers of SRS, the police department and a child psychologist, I learned some information that I now hold, weighty as a brick, in my mind that cannot be erased.

I wondered if the subject was too heavy for this magazine. I wondered if the statistics and law jargon-laced details were too heavy for myself.

But there’s this wonderful thing that happens to the staff of this magazine when they encounter an injustice or a situation that needs a helping hand: they become fervent advocates themselves. When we did a story on Big Brothers Big Sisters, we all jumped at the chance to help raise funds for the organization with Bowl for Kids’ Sake. Last issue, we published a piece on adopting foster care kids, and now we’ve partnered with Adopt Kansas Kids to showcase kids in need of forever families on our website. In this issue, Cale and Megan visited the Helping Hands Humane Society to do a piece on volunteering, and within minutes of arriving home, they were sharing photos of homeless animals on Facebook and urging friends to adopt.

I think there is a special perspective that comes from being a parent. We’ve each had our share of this deep and unbreakable love. And when we witness disparities in the lives of other families, other sentient beings, even, we are able to see past the economical, political and social factors that have a tendency to divide, and to say, simply, “That is not okay because someone is feeling hurt,” the way we want to immediately right the wrongs, however trivial, that our own children experience.

I hope, in covering the organizations and issues that affect Kansas families, XYZ also puts a fire beneath you, its readers, to advocate and volunteer and help right the wrongs in our community to make it a better place for ourselves and our children.

Leah Sewell Editor-in-Chief Writers Regina Budden Rio Cervantes-Reed Anthony Davis Chelle Decker Cale Herreman Bailey Marable Kerrice Mapes Leah Sewell Janice Watkins Photographers EJ Drake 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

on the cover Lunch with Love

by Sarah Long Joyful Photography joyfulphoto.com

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 budden Regina is a freelance writer who is soon to be a blushing bride. 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.

Y UM U M

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

Submit your favorite discount and menu items to xyztopeka@gmail.com

by Kerrice Mapes + Rio Cervantes-Reed

Please check with restaurant as specials change.

Check out websites for menus and other specials.

Hanover Pancake House 1034 S Kansas Ave. | 232.1111 www.hanoverpancakehouse.com BREAKFAST Bobcat breakfast is $6.79 for one egg, 1/2 order of sausage and pancake.

XYZ LIKES They’ve been serving hungry Topekans for over 40 years.

Jade Garden Chinese 2038 SW Gage Blvd | 271.2038 EVERYDAY Kid-friendly choices on the appetizer menu, including fried chicken strips and shrimp. Prices begin at $3.99 XYZ LIKES: They are open almost everyday.

Boss Hawg’s 2833 SW 29th Street | 273.7300 www.bosshawgsbbq.com SUNDAY $2 kids’ meal w/ purchase of adult meal and beverage every Sunday.

XYZ LIKES: The kids’ menu includes items titled “Baby-Boss” and asks kids to name as many famous pigs as they can. (We came up with six).

Sweet Pea’s 1306 S Kansas Ave. | 354.9115 EVERYDAY Kids 3 & under eat for free.

Kids up to age 11 are $3.99 XYZ LIKES: Sides are served family-style.

[ local flavor ] Los Charros 4111 SW Gage Center Drive | 228.8922 EVERYDAY $3.75 “Los Ninos,” menu for ages 12 and under, features full child-sized meals adding rice and beans to faves such as quesadillas and tacos. For the less-developed palette, the little one can get chicken fingers or a hamburger, served with fries.

XYZ LIKES: For a buck and a half more, parents (or your teenager) can order the smaller meal from the children’s menu. Now how many Weight Watcher’s points will that save us? Hmmm....

Blue Planet Cafe 110 SE 8th Ave | 783.8883 | www.blueplanettopeka.com $4.95 kids’ meals provide a choice of PB&J, grilled cheese or a fun noodle dish, each with a side dish. Bakery items are available, too.

XYZ LIKES All items are fresh made daily and include vegan options. Plus, it’s just really awesome there.

Via’s Pizzeria 738 SW Gage | 215.8421 www.viaspizzeria.com EVERYDAY Personal 6’’ pizza with one topping $4.99 XYZ LIKES: The kids’ corner is filled with kid-friendly items and Via’s is “XYZ picky eater” approved.

Topeka Steakhouse 526 SE Dupont Road (East on 6th St.) 379.9994 EVERYDAY Children’s plates $4.49 XYZ LIKES: Long tables in the big room allow for large family gatherings.

HuHot 5900 SW Huntoon | 271.8190 www.huhot.com MONDAY Kids 12 + under eat free after 4p with adult purchase of drink and meal.

(Regularly $4.99) XYZ LIKES: You can make your own dish. You’re the chef...and it’s fun to watch the cooks.

Jason’s Deli 6121 SW 12st Ste 400 | 478.4144 www.jasonsdeli.com (menu online) WEEKENDS Kids eat for $.99 Sat. + Sun. During the week JD Pickle menu items are under $4.

XYZ LIKES: A organic salad bar option for kids + a lot of other fresh choices on their menu.

O’Dooley’s 1930 SW Westport Dr # 100 | 273.0131 www.odooleys.com EVERYDAY Every night kids’ menu includes meals $4.99 or under.

XYZ LIKES: Sing-along with Kyler Carpenter every other Monday night beginning December 19, 2011.

Lupita’s 732 S. Kansas Ave. | 234.6340 EVERYDAY Mini-Me menu - most items are less than $2.50 XYZ LIKES: It’s family-owned and located downtown.

Hazel Hill is just a few doors down and perfect for dessert.

Blind Tiger Brewery 417 SW 37th Street | 267.2739 www.blindtiger.com SUNDAY 1/2 price kids meals all day, 12 + under.

XYZ LIKES: Fried pickles.

Buffalo Wild Wings 1227 SW Wanamaker | 783.2999 www.buffalowildwings.com WEDNESDAY Kids’ meals $1.99 every Wednesday.

XYZ LIKES: They have cool trivia machines for entertainment at your table while you wait for dinner (or lunch).

babysitter

find

a

events

by Rio Cervantes-Reed

XYZ culled its sister magazine, seveneightfive, for the best upcoming events for you and your partner to check out. Call the babysitter, get a cab on standby and have a F.A.B. time! [Follow @ seveneightfive on Twitter for up-to-the-minute FAB events.]

12.31 New Year’s Eve

2.11 Ghost Tours of Kansas

North Star Supper Club | 1100 NW 25th St | 8p | $17 Ghost Tours of Kansas will host a special Valentine’s Weekend North Topeka Ghost Tour on February 11. The tour departs North Star at 8p and lasts approximately two hours. Visit www.ghosttoursofkansas.com for reservations.

Ring in the 2012 in style. Here is a sampling of some events going on around Topeka: Holiday Inn | 605 SW Fairlawn Road Party with Charlie & the Stingrays Call 272.8040 for pricing options Lucky Dog’s | 1930 SW Westport Dr. Emotional Feedback New Year’s Bash Office Downtown | 124 W. 8th Street Blues & BBQ with Josh Vowell & the Rumble | $15 per person/$25 per couple Includes party favors, champagne toast at midnight, breakfast.

Call 354.9380 for reservations Office Too | 3251 S. Topeka Boulevard Masquerade Party featuring Dueling Pianos $40 per person/$75 per couple | Includes full meal, party favors, champagne toast at midnight, breakfast.

Call 506.8934 for reservations Pigskin’s | 2833 SW 29th Street Party with DJ Dreux | 9p-2a | No cover Food + drink specials | Champagne toast + balloon drop at midnight Ramada | 420 E. 6th Street New Year’s Eve Bash 2012: Six great bands, one great price Call 234.5400 for pricing options Topeka Civic Theatre | 3028 SW 8th Avenue Laughing Matters Improv Comedy Show| Doors open at 9p, show starts at 10p | Call 357.5211 for reservations For a full list, check out the seveneightfive New Year’s Eve Party Guide on-line at www. seveneightfive.com.

2.11 “All you need in the world is love and 2.12 laughter”

Topeka Civic Theatre | 357.5211 for reservations The playwright August Wilson wrote, “All you need in the world is love and laughter.” The point is driven home in time for Valentine’s Day by the Laughing Matters troupe at the Topeka Civic Theatre.

3.2

Rodney Carrington TPAC | 7p | 214 SE 8th St | www.tpactix.org Carrington will perform a mix of his comedic songs and stand-up comedy for this stop on his, “Laughter’s Good,” tour.

3.2 - “Avenue Q” 3.21 TCTA | Show March 2 - 31 | 357.5211

This decidedly adults-only puppet show is, “... part flesh, part felt, and packed with heart.” Tickets go on sale to the general public on February 21. Call 785-357-5211 for reservations.

1.14 2.12 3.10 4.14 First Wed Third Wed

Topeka Symphony Orchestra White Concert Hall | 7:30p | 232.2032 Enjoy a night at the symphony with the Topeka Symphony Orchestra.

Wine Tastings New City Cafe | Gage Center | 5p | $10 | 1st Wednesday 4-part wine tasting. Stay for dinner, take $10 off your ticket.

Ice & Olives | 29th + Croco | $6 | 3rd Wednesday You can enjoy new acquisitions and old standards paired with cheeses and friendly advice. Optional dinner specials are also available. Call 215.8460 for reservations.

community calendar Have an event you want to see featured here?

winter 2011-12

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.

December 21 | March 21 | June 21 | September 22

compiled by Heather McKee

Winter Wonderland

Thru 12/31 • 6-10 p.m. $8/vehicle Lake Shawnee • Tinman Circle

Kansas Silent Film Fest 2/24-2/25 • FREE • Washburn University’s White Concert Hall

St. Patrick’s Day

Parade 3/17

www.tarcinc.org www.kssilentfilmfest.org

Topeka Roadrunner Hockey & Ice Skating topekaroadrunners.pointstreaksites.com

Almost every night at a Roadrunners game is a promo night (Fridays & ksexpo.com Saturdays at 7:05, most weeks). Go on Dec. 31 for an early New Years Eve Bash, or Jan 21 for Youth Hockey night. Tickets range from $18 for club seating to $7 for children’s general admission. When there’s not a hockey game, there are plenty of opportunities to take the family ice skating. Check out the Expo’s site for skating times.

Bed race 9am at 6th & Jackson Irish sing-along at Assumption Church, 10am, Parade starts at Noon, followed by a Celtic street fair at the 6th Ave Ballroom topekastpats.com

traditional Topeka winter events

New Year’s Celebrations “Noon” Year’s Eve at the Discovery Center

Living the Dream's Drumming for the Drum Major, Drumline Extravaganza

Open 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., with special events at Noon, and possibly a ball drop, KCDC style!

Jan 12th 7pm FREE with a canned food donation Topeka Performing Arts Center

Gage Bowl

New Year’s Eve - 6-9 p.m.,

Everything’s included - food, drawings, bowling. $69 for up to 6 bowlers, if paid before 12/29, $80 after.

New Year’s Day - Quartermania, 3pm till close.

$5 participation fee, then all things are a certain number of quarters.

Example - shoe rental = 2 quarters, a hamburger = 6 quarters.

272-188 or gagebowl.net for more info & to register. *Check XYZTopeka.com for more events and ideas for stay-at-home NYE closer to the date*

Originally developed as an event to showcase the talented youth of Shawnee County. In its 5th year, Drumming for the Drum Major will now feature high school drumlines from all over Northeast Kansas.

Disney Live!

Presents Three Classic Fairytales Feb 4, 1pm & 4pm $25 $55 | Expocentre

Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald & Goofy as they bring to life the magical, timeless fairy tales of Cinderella, Beauty & the Beast, and Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs. Check out ksexpo.com or http://disney. go.com/disneylive for more info and to purchase tickets. *Watch XYZ and Topeka Parents after Jan. 1st, for info on how to be entered to win a family 4 pack of tickets to Disney Live!

AND a 1 year subscription to XYZ*

Harlem Globetrotters

Feb 5, 1pm $17 and up | Expocentre

The Harlem Globetrotters introduce their class of newcomers, highlighted by the Tallest Pro Basketball Player, the Shortest Globetrotter Ever, and the team’s First Female in 19 Years.

Check out harlemglobetrotters.com or ksexpo.com for more info & to purchase tickets.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

2/10 & 11 & 2/17 & 18 7pm, 2/12 & 2/19 2pm $10, $8 & $6 Topeka Civic Theater

Peter Hatcher faces sibling mischief in his attempts to deal with his impossible little brother, Fudge. The play is a humorous look at family life and the troubles that can only be caused by a younger sibling. Based on the book by Judy Blume, http://www. topekacivictheatre.com/boxoffice

images courtesy TPAC, KCDC, KansasFilmFest.org, Harlem Globetrotters, Disney Live!/Feld Entertainment, Inc.

XYZ xyztopeka.com

9

lunch with love

by Chelle Decker • photos by Sarah Long | Joyful Photography

S

chools are trying hard to create new healthier options for kids. But, many children and parents prefer to put nutrition into their own hands and take homemade lunches to school. It’s no secret that many preservative and fat-filled options are available for school lunches.

Advertisers spend hundreds of dollars promoting their not-so-healthy products during children’s television programming. So, what’s a parent To me, it seems the option is easy. Stick with what you know is healthy like fresh fruits, whole grains and vegetables, but make it fun for kids to eat. Take a look at the healthy options that you have in your cupboard and think how you can make it more appealing to your child. Keep in mind, presentation is super important and the more color you can add to a lunchbox, the more attractive the options will look to your little one.

When I hear parents talk about struggling with their kid trying new things, I always suggest taking the child shopping when buying groceries. Take time building and packing lunches with your child and you’ll be surprised how much more they enjoy the meal they’ve taken to school. Letting a child feel invested in their creation can go a long way to combating picky eating.

While you are at the store, talk about the nutrition in the various items you buy. Let your child help make the decision on whether an item goes in the grocery cart based on calories, fat and sodium. Learning to read and compare labels can be great for learning math skills and percentages.

Here are some easy ideas to keep your kid happy with their lunch box:

Add cupcake wrappers for fun and color. Divide up the Tupperware container your child takes to school using wraps in fun patterns like pink polka dots and zebra stripes. Some

j

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grocery stores carry various options, but you can find extra fun patterns at cake decorating stores and online then use the various wrappers to hold grapes, pretzels and more.

Make faces. An average open-faced peanut butter sandwich is far more fun with a smiley face made from raisins.

Find miniature fruits in kid-friendly sizes. I love buying tiny bananas from HyVee that are just the perfect size for my eight-year-old. Cutie brand clementines are another kid favorite.

They look just like typical oranges, but they are extra sweet.

Go-gurt. Pull it out of the freezer, and it is thawed by lunchtime just in time to squeeze from its convenient packaging.

Shake-a-salad. Kitchen stores sell adorable salad shakers. Simply fill the container with lettuce, fill the top portion with your child’s

k l m n

favorite dressing and let them have fun putting it together and shaking it up at lunch time. I like to make a separate bag with dry items such as wheat croutons, cranberries and sunflower seeds for my child to add to his salad for color and added texture.

Make healthy party mixes for school snack time. My personal favorite is teddy grahams, dried apples and yogurt raisins, but you can let your child help create a favorite recipe.

Wrap it up. Tortilla wraps can save a lot of calories and with the large selection of wheat and vitamin added varieties available, it can be a healthier option than regular white sandwich bread.

Don’t forget the pizza. What kid doesn’t have their eyes light up when they hear the word pizza? Believe it or not, properly made pizza can be a healthy treat. Consider using a whole wheat English Muffin toasted with pizza sauce and low-fat mozzarella cheese. Turkey pepperoni and veggies such as green peppers can be added for extra appeal.

It may sound old fashioned, but a thermos of soup can feel like a warm hug after coming in from a cold recess. While many soups pack a lot of sodium, some soup companies are catching on to the need for healthier options.

There are so many ways to make lunches fun for kids. Talk to your child about why nutrition is important and you’ll be building the foundation for a healthy adult.

o p q

r

XYZ TOPEKA

XYZ xyztopeka.com

11

[ local flavor ]

the

picky eater goes out to eat Madelyn Picky Eater fact sheet • age 6, 1st grader, Daisy Scout • Likes to paint, draw and “do fun things.”

• Shuns nearly every condiment and any piece of food that doesn’t share the same consistency as the rest (i.e. the crust of pizza).

• Will consume no spices, including pepper.

• Takes a sack lunch every day, consisting of a jelly sandwich.

• mysteriously, likes edamame and the insides of crab rangoon.

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 edrake photography

“P

eanut butter, mashed potatoes, chocolate cake, bread crust, nothing on a bone, nothing brown, no yellow cheese, no candy with nuts,” 6-year old Madelyn Lampe continues, two minutes into her list of items that there is no chance that she will order, put anywhere near her taste buds or flat-out touch.

Twenty minutes prior, when I first spied this adorable first-grader enter the doors of the Blind Tiger Brewery and Restaurant for our “picky eater” date, I had no idea that such a tiny girl with a mostly toothless smile, shining blonde hair and sporting a bright pink jacket, would turn out to be the biggest foe that I have encountered yet amongst picky eaters.

Mom, Robin, swears up and down that the pickiness slowly progressed over the years, noting that she had made spaghetti for family dinner recently and Madelyn quickly turned up her nose.

“What?” Madelyn interjects. “It had a huge piece of basil in it,” she notes with hand gestures to match the largest piece of basil that possibly anyone has encountered.

With a large selection of appetizers, a decent kid’s menu and everything from pasta to barbeque on the menu, I was sure that we could find something to soothe this picky eater’s palate.

She carefully surveyed the kid’s menu and circled the cheeseburger as

Madelyn

vs.

The Blind Tiger 417 SW 37th St. 785.267.2793 blindtiger.com

her selection with a magenta crayon.

I casually inquired if she had selected after only having been seated for a few short minutes. She nodded her head in agreement and I let out a sigh of relief.

Ten minutes later, I was choking on my previous sighs and gasping for air as I witnessed Madelyn surveying her meal.

First and foremost, the burger came prepared with yellow cheese, something that this picky eater considers one of the most repulsive of all pasteurized products. Mom, Robin, is no stranger to this potential disaster and quickly neutralized the situation with a blanket of red ketchup.

She then started surveying her french fries. Each fry was given a 360 degree inspection before being chosen for possible ingestion. One speck of brown (i.e. unevenly cooked spots of potato) and the fry was quickly discarded into a pile of “do not touch” items on

“Each fry was given a 360 degree inspection before being chosen for possible ingestion.” her plate. She found one particularly disgusting fry, which she refered to as a “pea pod” fry, given its misshapen figure and overall brownness and quickly exclaimed, “Ewwwwww, see what I mean?”

The burger was all that remained and as she took her inaugural bite, she waved her hand dramatically from side to side.

When asked if that was a good or bad hand gesture, Madelyn replied, “It’s an ok.”

“Ok?” I’ll take it. XYZ TOPEKA

6 reasons why magazine advertising works...

1Niche and fully engaged audience.

2

Studies show audience trust magazine content, including ads, and tend to develop a loyal following of editors and writers.

4

6

3

Advertisers gain credibility being associated with a trusted brand and in the right environment.

Printed content has longevity. The ‘pass on’ rate of magazines and the multiple times one reader will refer to each copy (repeat exposure).

The visual impact of printed/tangible content.

5

Studies demonstrate that magazine advertising in conjunction with other mediums creates a higher recall and generates a call to action significantly better than when magazines are not included.

Advertise with XYZ today! call 249.3126 or email xyztopeka@gmail.com

[ resources ]

a shared responsibility b y L e a h S e w e l l • 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

Y

ou’re witness to a public scene of child abuse or you suspect that a child in your life is being abused. What is the right thing to do?

According to the Topeka Police Department and Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, the answer is pretty straightforward: everyone has a duty to protect children in our community.

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Witnessing abuse in public It’s a moral dilemma you might just be unfortunate enough to confront: You’re walking out to your car in the parking lot of a giant retailer like Wal-Mart or Target when you catch the snippet of a commotion and a child’s vocalization. Uh-oh, you might think, Someone is throwing a tantrum, I can totally identify with that.

As parents, we’ve all been through the experience of a public tantrum, and it’s not pretty. You plan to give the poor parent in charge a knowing, sympathetic look as you near the scene on the way to your car.

But in lieu of the common sight of flailing limbs and a hapless mom or dad, you instead find yourself approaching the sight of a towering, enraged parent hitting or roughly handling a powerless child and belittling him or her with a string of profanities. The child is in tears, the parent is relentless. You stop in your tracks, adrenaline pumping. What on earth do you do in this situation?

The line between abuse and discipline can sometimes blur when it comes to children. If this same scenario had occurred between two grown adults, bystanders might be quicker to report the incident to the Topeka Police Department. But when witnesses see a victim of child abuse, the space between wanting to help and actually reporting the incident can get gummed up by questions of, Is this really abuse? Is it my place to report this? Is the child really in danger?

Kristen Veverka, public relations specialist for the Topeka Police Department, has an easy answer.

“Anyone who is aware of child abuse, witnesses an act of abuse on a minor, or who even suspects child abuse in any situation is encouraged to contact the Topeka Police Department,” says Veverka. “Child abuse is a serious crime, and the police would rather get a call that turns out to be nothing than to have an actual case of abuse go unreported.”

This past August, a group of concerned citizens in Boston blocked a 25-year-old mother from exiting a city bus after she punched her toddler son in the mouth.

The crowd called the authorities and kept the mother sequestered until they arrived. The woman was charged with assault and battery and the boy was given over to continued on the next page >>

are you a stressed out parent?

by Leah Sewell

U

nless you’re an oil rigger or a bullfighter, the hardest job you will ever hold is as a parent.

Nothing demands selflessness, patience and marathon-like endurance the way that raising young children can. And compounding it is modern America’s rushed and overworked climate. If you’ve ever lost your cool with your kid, yelled or even spanked, you are not alone. Even the parents who are seemingly the most angelic have blown their top once or twice.

“Parenting is a stressful job,” says Nancy Crago, LSCSW, director of psycho-social rehabilitation at Family Service and Guidance Center. “Most of the people who are parents are also trying to juggle a job, family, running a household and all the stressors we experience in life.

It’s easy in our society to be overwhelmed with all the demands, including parenting.”

But although being stressed out is generally the norm in parenthood, Crago warns that there is such a thing as being too stressed out. Here are some signs that you’re experiencing too much parental stress: 1. You feel like you’ve overreacted to a situation -You react harshly and later feel like that is not how you would typically act.

2. You’re feeling like you’re constantly tired and irritable, and just generally feel like you’re under a lot of stress.

“You probably are taking it out on your kids whether you are aware of it or not,” says Crago.

3. If you’re resorting to physical discipline and that’s not your normal form, that is a sign you’re not thinking through situations and dealing with them calmly.

Crago advises against the use of physical discipline with your children.

“I always tell people that if physical discipline is your only means of discipline, you will be in trouble with that relationship. As a child gets older, that doesn’t work anymore. You will not have established the grounds of the relationship when they become adolescents,” says Crago.

“What they learn is that you control people by hitting them, and they will repeat that behavior.”

4. If you’re not enjoying your time with your kids, you’re probably too stressed as a parent. “Even though it’s a stressful job, if you’re not enjoying it, then you are under too much stress,” says Crago.

XYZ xyztopeka.com continued on the next page >>

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>> continued from the previous page

“The police would rather get a call that turns out to be nothing than to have an actual case of abuse go unreported.”

-Kristen Veverka, public relations specialist, Topeka Police Department

the care of his grandfather.

In this case, the abuse was apparent. The article in The Stir reported that the child bled when the mother struck him. Anyone would be outraged to witness this type of victimization, and the group of bus-riders chose to act. But to the individual in the WalMart parking lot, confronted with a personal decision about whether or not to take action, it may be harder to identify what they are seeing as abuse.

When in doubt, report the incident to the police, regardless.

Roberta Sue McKenna, JD, the assistant director of children and family services at the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) of Shawnee County, says that legal definitions of child abuse and neglect are deliberately vague.

“If a person suspects that a child has been harmed in any way as a result of abuse or neglect, we urge them to call,” says McKenna.

“The statute says that all they need is a suspicion.”

SRS runs a child abuse and neglect hotline at 1-800-922-5330 that is staffed 24 hours a day. Typically, however, SRS is not the best place to report a public incident of abuse that is witnessed by a stranger to the victim.

“If they have the opportunity to get a law enforcement officer, they can intervene more 16

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quickly. If it’s an immediate concern, law enforcement is an immediate responder,” says McKenna.

Suspecting that a child you know is being abused It could be a classmate of your own child, it could be the child of a neighbor, a coworker, a friend or even a family member. You’ve noticed things about this child that give you an unsettling feeling, things like bruises in multiple places in different states of healing or behavioral cues like aggression or seeming fearful. But, it’s not your child. Is it your responsibility to report suspicion of abuse? What if you’re wrong about all the signs?

“If we determine there’s no problem, then there’s no harm done,” says Angela

DeRocha, communications director of Shawnee County SRS. “When the harm is done, is when people are aware of abuse or neglect and don’t report it.”

“Most people who work with children understand that routinely children get bruised and banged up,” says McKenna. “But if the bruises are unusual or the parent’s explanation doesn’t seem to match the injury, generally our philosophy is, ‘When in doubt, pick up the phone, we’ll be glad to process that.’”

Reporting to SRS’s Children and Family Services Unit involves an interview where as many facts as possible are gleaned about the child and their situation. It’s only the first step in a process. State law dictates that the reporter’s identity is confidential. The act of reporting to SRS alone does not mean a child will be taken into protective custody. Trained social workers will assess the information and do background checking before deciding whether or not to initiate an investigation.

“Making contact with the family can be traumatic, and conflict in the family is not good for children.

Throughout child welfare, we talk about a balance of harms. We’re looking at what’s more harmful to the child, and that begins with the decision of whether or not the report is signed for investigation,” explains McKenna.

If the report meets the criteria for SRS involvement, it is investigated by a social worker and if ultimately the child’s safety is discovered to be at risk, a recommendation is made to a court about the next course of action. The court is responsible for any decision to remove a child from the home, whether to be placed in foster care or with a relative.

“We will make every effort to ensure that the benefits outweigh the price the child will pay for that intervention,” says McKenna. “It may be that we determine that while the behavior was understandably a concern, it was within normal range and didn’t justify state intervention.”

Social workers are armed with a toolkit of resources for struggling families and can link them to services such as family preservation. If a child’s safety is found to not be of immediate concern, but the family is experiencing conflict, SRS still may provide services that attempt to keep all the family members safe and together.

“The most important thing to remember is, when in doubt, report, and it’s our job to find out if there’s been actual child abuse going on,” says DeRocha. “As a general rule, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

XYZ TOPEKA

how to combat stress & reconnect >> continued from the previous page

If you’ve been nodding along to any of the above signs, then you can take steps to lower your parental stress levels and regain composure with your children and throughout your life in general. Here are some ways to cope: 1. Tap into your natural support systems - Call your mom, best friend, pastor or your coworkers. It will relieve stress to have support from people you trust and to just be able to have your concerns heard.

2. Spend quality time with your kids. “It takes just a few minutes a day of uninterrupted, focused attention on your child to create a good relationship,” says Crago. Even just 20 minutes a day. Put everything aside, and engage in an activity with your attention focused exclusively on your child. This develops strong bonds and will lengthen your fuse with your child when stressful situations do arise.

3. Strive for balance in life. Take care of responsibilities, spend time with family and – importantly – take care of yourself. It can be a huge task to maintain that balance, but the payoffs are even bigger.

4. Don’t hesitate to seek mental health services if you find yourself in a prolonged pattern of stress and an unhealthy relationship with your kids. “You may need to see a therapist, get out of that bind and get back on track,” says Crago. She suggests a yellow pages search, a referral from a friend or by checking with Valeo. If you need help with a parent and child relationship, you might also give Family Service and Guidance Center a call. Seeking help is nothing to be ashamed of and can only improve your situation.

XYZ TOPEKA

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cool kid’s bday

for little cow-wranglers

party plans A birthday down on the farm

by Regina Budden photos by Josh Rouse

Place: Old Prairie Town’s Lingo Livery Stable Address: 124 NW Fillmore St. Phone: 785.368.3888 Website: www.topeka.org/parksrec/ Cost: $40/hr (two hr min., + $25 deposit) Food + Drink: must bring your own Holds 35 people Open to rent 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. 7 days a week

b y L e a h S e w e l l • 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

While Ward-Meade Park and Old Prairie Town might be known better for its Victorian Tea Party and School House Birthday packages, it also has something that will get birthday cowboys and cowgirls hootin’ and hollerin’ like Kansas cowhands of old.

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“Not only can you have fun, but you can also learn a little about pioneer life and history in Shawnee County.” -John Bell For $40 an hour, you can rent the Lingo Livery Stable loft, a structure hailing from 1870 and containing all the ambiance of a square dancing hoe-down.

The facility is often used for wedding receptions and other gatherings, but would also make a great space for a cowboy or girl gathering.

“It would be a unique place to have a birthday party,” says John Bell, operations manager at Old Prairie Town, a park within city limits that houses 11 historical structures. “Not only can you have fun, but you can also learn a little about pioneer life and history in Shawnee County.”

The Lingo Livery Stable’s original site was at the corner of 7th and Ward in Shawnee County and originally housed livestock, feed and farm equipment.

It was named for the donators of the construction, Hazel and Robert Lingo, and was rebuilt rock by rock using a numbering system.

Furniture is available inside the stable’s loft, and partiers will need to provide their own food and refreshments and decorations. Hay bails and cowboy hats are a must at a Lingo Livery Stable Party.

To reserve the stable for a memorable cool kid’s birthday, contact Old Prairie Town at 785.368.3888 XYZ TOPEKA

XYZ xyztopeka.com

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roller girl jr.

Introducing Topeka’s Junior Roller Derby team, the Chick Whips. 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

G

wen Smashafani emerges as the lead jammer as she skates swiftly past the pack and takes another turn for the boutwinning score.

Her mom, coach, Miranda T Reaver, stands on the sidelines watching and her hand goes straight to her heart as she exhales, nearly overwhelmed with pride.

She joins her teammates at halftime and quickly gives her team a thumbs-up as she catches her breath, finally shouting “This is even better than awesome – we are doing fantabulous!”

11-year old Gwen, with nine other 10-17 year old girls, has joined the Chick Whips, Topeka’s inaugural junior roller derby league and she is loving every minute of it.

“I saw my mom [Miranda T Reaver] start with the Capital City Crushers [Topeka’s women’s roller derby league] and I knew I had to do it. I wish I could do it for the rest of my life,” Gwen exclaims as she bounds off to prepare for the second half of the bout.

The Chick Whips, the product of an idea sprung forth by Head Coach Ritz CrackHer and her daughter, Mini Me, has really been in the making for several years. As a family committed to roller derby with Ritz as a member of the Crushers and Mini Me as a member of the Kansas City Warriors junior team, they embrace the sport whole-heartedly, but not the commute.

“We have been wanting to get a junior team here for years,” says Mini Me, who enjoys her current role as referee and running drills with the young Chick Whips. Mom, Ritz, notes that they ran a clinic to gauge interest with close to forty girls showing interest, but not all being able to commit to the time and length of practices. For now, however, Mini Me is happy with her

your guide to roller derby terminology

assistant role, as she is waiting until the Chick Whips move to a hitting team to join.

Coach Ritz is convinced that the girls are well on their way to becoming a hitting team and joining the likes of the competitive Wichita junior team in battle. For now, however, the Chick Whips have broken into the Chicks and the Whips to bout against one another, with every girl on the floor the entire length of the close to sixty minute bout.

Diva Destruction, 14, is no stranger to the strategy that accompanies their current situation, learning blocks and ways to block the jammers without hitting, since no contact is currently allowed without spending time in the penalty box.

“It’s so fun when you go through the pack – you get an adrenaline high,” says Diva.

Bout– one game or match. A bout lasts 60 minutes and is divided into two 30 minute periods.

Jam– a two-minute period during which the action happens. The jam may last less than two minutes if the lead jammer calls off the jam. There may be any number of jams in a bout.

Calling off the jam– the lead jammer can end a jam at any time by tapping her hands against her hips.

This strategy can help prevent the other team’s jammer from scoring points if the lead jammer loses the advantage.

Diva, also a daughter of a Crusher, has been skating since age 6 and being a part of the Chick Whips, like Gwen, came naturally.

Now, she is ready to embrace the next level.

Pack– the mass of blockers, of at least 4 from each team skating around the track together. Each jammer’s goal is to get through or around the pack.

“I’ve been wanting to hit for forever” Diva exclaims. “When I fall I just get back up, it doesn’t scare me,” she shrugs as she skates off.

Jammer– the skater on the track who can score points.

The jammer is identified by the star on her helmet. The jammer starts each jam behind the pack. After she has lapped the pack once (known as a non-scoring pass), she is eligible to score points for each subsequent skater hip she laps.

Her mom, Princess Lay-Ya-Out, looks on with a tear in her eye.

“I’m so proud. I couldn’t be any prouder.” XYZ TOPEKA

For more information about practices (commencing Jan. 3, 2012) and joining the Chick Whips for the next season (commencing March 2012), contact Sk8away at 785.272.0303

Lead jammer– the first jammer to emerge from the pack, without incurring a penalty, is designated by the referee as the lead jammer. She now has the advantage of being able to call off the jam if she wishes.

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Environmental

Parenting

reuse. get organized. stor y and photos by Heather McKee

I

f you’re near or over age 30, you’ve been raised with hearing the mantra of “Reduce-Reuse-Recycle.” My favorite of the 3 has always been Reuse, and I’m always looking for ways to reuse things, usually resulting in a ‘stockpile’ of random things around my house. Fabric scraps, and the pieces of yarn I cut off my knitting, are always stuck in a bag in my sewing cabinet, because I just know I will find a use for it someday.

The exact week we had the XYZ contributors’ meeting to brainstorm ideas for this issue, I found an awesome idea to add some “catchall’s” to the area next to our front door (part of my ongoing effort to get our house more organized). When the topic of environmental parenting came up, I had a ready-made idea. I love it when things fall into place!

We keep all our diaper boxes; we had already been reusing them to pack things in – clothes for the summer, old toys to give away, etc. - but I wanted something more personal for my three kids.

A quick internet search came up with hundreds of options – but the one I liked best was making personalized “baskets” for each kid. Using fabric I already had on hand (scraps sewn together would make for a cute patch work effect), the glue gun, and the diaper boxes, a little Velcro and printed labels – I created a basket for each kid to throw things in. The fabrics all match their likes or favorite colors.

Since all the bedrooms are upstairs, I’m hoping this will help keep things confined to one place, until the kids put them away.

check out Heather’s blog, re-usethat. blogspot.com for more ideas.

Another favorite reused item in our house is glass jars.

We use them for all sorts of things! They are on the windowsill behind our kitchen sink holding medicine cups, in our art supplies keeping all the paint brushes together, and even in our pantry, containing all the ingredients to make cookies. You can reuse jars for an Ham Photography

Nath photo by Colin MacMillan |

10 reuse quick tips 1. Use cracked cups, as pouring cups in the bath, pool, or water table.

2. Attach rubber to the back of scratched CD’s to use as coasters.

3. Save old tooth brushes, for use as small scrub brushes – they also make cool paint brushes!

4. Wash plastic baggies & reuse them – do not reuse bags that have held smelly onions, or raw meat.

5. Add beans to an old formula or chocolate milk mix container, to make a music shaker.

6. Poke a hole in toilet paper rolls, thread a string through, cover in peanut butter, roll them in bird seed, and hang from a tree for a great winter treat for the birds.

7. Use cracked coffee mugs to hold scrub brushes by the sink, or paint brushes in your art supplies. If the crack isn’t too severe, they can also be used as water cups when painting.

8. Glue lace, or a thin fabric to jars & add a votive candle to the inside for quick, pretty, decorations.

9. Cover empty cans in paper (brown paper bags work great) and have the kids decorate them, for quick and easy personalized gifts. The cans can be used to hold pencils & pens, or even as small planters.

10. Label an empty jar with MEMORIES. Have each person write things down through-out the year. On New Years Eve, take time to reflect on all the fun memories through-out the past year.

canning, to keep buttons, sequins, noodles and any other thing that would fit inside, and even for making crafts.

...because your first haircut is your most impor tant haircut ...

Colin and Grace MacMillan were inspired by Play at Home Mom http:// playathomemom3.blogspot.com (she’s not local, but has awesome ideas!)

- to attach the lids of a few jars to the underside of a shelf in their play room, then the jars can be screwed into place for some neat looking and functional storage.

There are so many ways to reuse things, I could never fit them all here. Check out XYZTopeka.com for detailed instructions on how to make a few of the things I mentioned in this article; and after the new year, check out my new blog, {Re}Use That! (re-usethat. blogspot.com), for more ways to REUSE things around the house.

XYZ TOPEKA

That’s why they are free for Envy customer’s children, like Maddie.

Full Service Salon for the whole family.

Envy Salon | 785.233.5577 | 17th & Medford

[ resource ]

friend of the book

by Anthony Davis • photos by Sarah Long | Joyful Photography

In 2011, The Friends of the Library donated $82,500 in support of TSCPL’s strategic plan, including incentives for young readers. How this not-for-profit helps make our library exceptional.

Topeka Shawnee County Public Library 1515 SW 10th Ave. 785.580.4400 | tscpl.org

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T

opeka has a pretty amazing library. We have quite a number of people to thank for that, including all the staff of the library, but there is another group which has taken it upon themselves over the last 40 years to quietly and diligently support literacy and first-amendment freedom in our community: the Friends of the Library.

What started out as a group of concerned citizens advocating for a bond issuance for library expansion in 1971 has grown into fully functioning non-profit organization which has long surpassed the expectations of its founding member in its scope and impact. To get the real story, I turned to Friends Office Manager Mary Campbell.

“The Friends are very involved with volunteer services and fundraising,” says Campbell, “such as with our annual book sale, the Chandler Booktique in the library, and we even have e-sales on Amazon.”

All of the items sold in each of the three retail outlets are collected on a donation basis. Residents are able to give gently-used books, CDs, and DVDs of all genres and types to the library and each of these items is checked, sorted and priced to be delivered to the public, often at a greatly reduced price than what would be paid at a major book retail store.

“We get a lot of different materials from the community,” says Campbell, “and our volunteers work year-round to keep all of our retail outlets stocked and to get the most out of each donation.”

In 2011, the Friends donated $82,500 to our library in support of management’s strategic plan, including incentives for young readers such as the Summer Reading Program. 2012 should be an even better year, with a planned $100,000 ear-marked for donation.

Community members can show support of the Friends through purchase of memberships, which range in level and price.

Membership comes with benefits such as discounts on purchases and access to special events, such as the members-only first day of the annual book sale.

To volunteer, donate or just spend a pleasant time picking through a great assortment of books for you and your family, visit the Chandler Booktique, located directly west of the main check-out desks inside the library. XYZ TOPEKA

love the library? become a member.

Friends of Memberships

the

Library

Youth Membership (Under 18) $3/year - $1 off a purchase/month (usable twice in birthday month) Individual Membership (Over 18) $20/year – 10% off all purchases (stacks with all other discounts) Family Membership - $30/year – 10% off all purchases for all family members Friends of Art Memberships (Includes Friends of the Library Membership) Individual Membership - $30/year – gives access to special art events not open to public Family Membership - $40/year – gives access to special art events not open to public for all family members

ad astra

where to find the stars in your neighborhood

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

Ancient people looked to the night sky for stories and for knowledge.

We, however, have TV and the internet, so we ignore the sky and stay indoors. This leads to moments when we do happen to look upward, and we wonder what we’re seeing.

For me, this happens when I take out the garbage. I think that’s Orion, with those three stars in a row, I say to myself, but what’s that really bright thing to the left of it?

“People used to know the sky very well, it was their calendar,” says Janelle Burgardt, education and outreach coordinator for Farpoint Observatory. “They knew that when they saw

the Pleiades [a small cluster of stars], it was going to get cold.

They could find directions based on the sky.” Our modern lives have given us alternatives to using the stars, but they have also made it harder to even see them. All the light produced by a city may help us feel safe at night, but it drowns out the light of all but the brightest stars.

Washburn University’s Stoffer Hall has an observatory dome that houses a large telescope, which was state of the art when it was built, well over a century ago. How do the faculty use it in the middle of the city? Washburn astronomer, Dr. Mark Smith, says that they don’t. “It’s too bright here.” The telescope isn’t for academics, “It’s more to come and enjoy it.” Twice a month, Washburn lets the public come under the dome and look through the big telescope, and a few smaller ones, set up on the roof outside the dome.

Standing on a ladder and peering through the old telescope, I got to see four of Jupiter’s moons. These lovely things were extremely controversial when Galileo discovered them four hundred years ago. This Winter, the telescope may show visitors the Orion Nebula, a pink, glowing cloud in space that is giving birth to brand new stars right now.

So, even in the city, there is much to see in the heavens. But to really see a sky teeming with stars, you need to get out of town, beyond the city lights. Farpoint Observatory is about a thirtyminute drive from Topeka into rural Wabaunsee County.

It is run by the Northeast Kansas Amateur Astronomers’ League (NEKAAL), but don’t let the word “amateur” distract you: These folks are pretty serious. They have an open house about once a month, where they can show off their dark sky.

When my family arrived at one in October, Burgardt used a laser pointer with a beam that reached miles into the sky.

She could mention a star, or constellation, and just point to it so we could all see. My son was immediately hooked.

“Just to watch a kid’s eyes light up when you show them how neat stuff is, it’s a special thing, and I enjoy being part of it,” Burgardt told me later.

They set up a couple telescopes outside, but also showed off their prize, the Tombaugh telescope. “That’s [named] for Clyde Tombaugh, who discovered Pluto, which is still a planet, as far as I’m concerned,” said Gary Hug, NEKAAL board member. The telescope looks a bit like a large robot, and has no eyepiece to look through. It is entirely a computerbased tool.

Those observatories are both great places to visit, but another good source of knowledge for anyone curious about the sky is the Easy Star Gazing class held periodically at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, taught by Paul Verhage, costumed as his white lab coated alter ego, the Backyard Astronomer. “I enjoy astronomy and believe others do too, but they don’t know what they are seeing,” says Verhage.

“They just need someone to show them what to look for.”

XYZ TOPEKA

Crane Observatory (Washburn): http://www.washburn.edu/cas/physics/openhouse.html Farpoint Observatory: http://www.nekaal.org/doku.php?id=schedule Backyard Astronomer: http://nearsys.com/easy/index.htm

your library is the place to

talk, sing,

read,

write, and play with your child

Help your child learn to read–come to the library Early reading classes For class times pick up ConnectNow or visit www.tscpl.org

Vital Facts Learned at the Dinner Table

Baby Bookworms (birth - 18 months) Sneak Peek & Read (18 - 24 months) Tot Time (24 - 36 months) Sing Move & Learn (3 - 5 years) Pajama Storytime (3 - 5 years) Preschool Storytime (3 - 5 years) Playing to Read (3 - 6 years) Storytime with Kyler (all ages)

© TSCPL 2011

by Stephen Hill

1515 SW 10th Avenue | Topeka, KS 66604-1374 | www.tscpl.org 785 580-4400 | M–F 9 am–9 pm | Sat 9 am–6 pm | Sun 12 pm–9 pm

My grandson told me today that dinosaurs have feathers granpa!

Feathers, you say?

Yes, granpa, feathers.

My teacher said they laid eggs and some could fly and T. Rex was a big chicken, granpa.

A big chicken you say?

Yes granpa, big. A big chicken.

Well, I like the drumsticks grandson but the teeth would worry me some!

I’ve never seen a chicken with such big teeth!

I wouldn’t worry granpa, my teacher said they are pretty slow.

And what color are the feathers, grandson?

I don’t know, granpa.

I’ll ask.

Ok, grandson!

illustration by Catherine Ellsworth

[ entertainment ]

Music the whole family can dig.

I can wonder what you did with your day

I

feel like I’m about to share a secret with you. Maybe you already know about Julie Doiron, but if you don’t, then listen closely, because you can’t really talk about this songwriter in loud tones.

Her latest album, “I Can Wonder What You Did With Your Day,” is possibly the happiest thing you’ll hear for months.

And not happy in a jubilant, shout-it-to-the-rooftops way, but in a quiet, satisfied, grateful way. Like the smell of your kid’s shampoo as you place the last kiss of the day on their soft head before turning out the light. Like the first sip of coffee after the night’s blur of caring for an infant you’re deeply, head-over-heels in love with.

direction. I’ve started to love life most of the time, and I’m happy, and I’m having a great time raising my kids.”

The lyrics are simple and elegant: Our dreams are making us nice stories and our loves are well, sleeping just right and I know now we’re living the life of dreams (“Life of Dreams”) If I were your paper you could read my like a book if I was your pen

Doiron’s new album is chock full of that sort of understated beauty and those seemingly mundane moments that are shot through with a transcendent kind of love. And it’s all done to simple, pretty acoustic melodies and some completely infectious rock-bordering-on-punk.

you could hold me in your hand

Not all of Doiron’s albums are so upbeat. “Goodnight Nobody” (2004) has the blues with lyrics exploring the difficulties of becoming a mother, but really, I assure you, in poetic and understated ways, the commonality in her discography.

It’s really great stuff that, if you’re a parent, driving alone in between responsibilities, listening close, doesn’t make you wistful for a more independent, freer existence as some alternative stuff might. It keeps you directly in the moment and grateful for all that messy, beautiful, understated love you’ve got. XYZ TOPEKA

With “I Can Wonder What You Did With Your Day,” Doiron writes on her site: “I keep saying that it’s a change in a positive

I wouldn’t mind you taking your time drawing the straight lines (“Tailor”)

XYZ xyztopeka.com

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[ entertainment ]

4th & Inches a teen garage band with greater ambitions

by Regina Budden photos by Colin MacMillan | Nathan Ham Photography

A

trio of lanky high school boys pick up their instruments in the corner of a garage.

They take a moment to warm up their fingers in the chill before striking the first notes.

As the music crescendos, the guitarist and bassist leap into the air, kicking zealously, arms swinging. This is the garage band at its finest. This is 4th & Inches.

The self-labeled pop-punk band consists of Brian McKenzie on guitar and vocals, Alex GoudieAverill on bass and Jake Regnier on drums. The three are freshmen at Topeka High School, and have been playing in reference to football, one of the sports that the band members love to play. “Fourth and inches” is when the offensive team is on their fourth down, only inches away from getting a first down.

“It’s one of those things where you only have a few inches left, so why not just go for it?”

McKenzie said.

Aside from a gig at the Potwin 4th of July Parade, track meets and teen rock mecca Live Music Institute, the band hasn’t had too much exposure. Their first “real” gig will be Jan. 14 at the Celtic Fox as a part of Jam 4 Dan, a benefit to raise scholarship funds for young musicians.

In the meantime, 4th & Inches will keep up their nearly daily practice sessions in the GoudieAverill garage. In the winter chill, they have to shake their fingers between sets. They joke to each other about playing with gloves or the triple layers they’re wearing.

“We had a space-heater on,” said Goudie-Averill, “But it blew our circuit.”

Even in the cold, they sound amazing. While they play recognizably punk music, there are distinct melodies that one rarely hears from amateur bands. The balance of the instruments is spot on, and although it’s loud (what garage bands aren’t?), the music is easy to follow.

The band members take notes from listening to bands such as Blink 182, Green Day, Ramones, Four Year Strong and A Day To Remember to figure out what works for them and what doesn’t.

“We take things from bands that inspire us and we don’t copy those sounds, but we intermingle them with our sound,” McKenzie said.

Whatever has been borrowed, 4th & Inches has a unique overall sound. McKenzie’s riffs are fast and clever, a trying feat 30

xyztopeka.com XYZ

in the cold. Goudie-Averill plays more than just the notes of a power chord, mixing it up with his own counter-point when apropos. Regnier keeps things surprising and sporadic.

“I like to throw a weird beat in there sometimes,” Regnier said.

The three’s personal styles combine to produce a high energy, thrilling experience. The only snag in 4th & Inches’ promising career is their age. Although their skills are substantial, most people don’t consider them past the fact that they are 14 to 15-year-olds.

“We wish people would take us more seriously,” Goudie-Averill said.

They hope to get more gigs so they can build an audience. Until then, the band will continue as they are, practicing often and recording music for their first album, “Go For It.” Anyone interested in contacting the band to book the band or find out more information can “Like” them on Facebook or email Goudie-Averill at agoudie-averill@gmail.com. XYZ TOPEKA XYZ xyztopeka.com

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families who volunteer b y J a n i c e Wa t k i n s • p h o t o b y E J D r a k e

b y C a l e H e r r e m a n • 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

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t’s a chilly weekday night at Helping Hands Humane Society. Deejay Seelbach, eleven years old, is in a dog enclosure, trying to clip a leash onto a Labrador. His mother Deeann explains that he is building up volunteer hours for Boy Scouts.

She says she’s there because HHHS rules say that he’s too young to do this without a parent. “I’ll do the dogs with him, but not the cats,” she insists.

Before long, both of them are holding a leash and being pulled by a large dog toward an outdoor exercise area. They are helping cooped-up animals have a chance to run around, which helps the shelter meet its residents’ needs. But they are also spending quality time together. Bonding and improving the world.

Jayme Walshire, Volunteer Coordinator for HHHS, says family volunteerism is on the rise. “We’ve lowered our ages down to 10 from 12, and I think that’s helped increase our family volunteer numbers.”

She adds, “There are so many families that just aren’t doing that type of activity, and I just think it’s neat to see the return to volunteering.” The shelter even gives a “Family Volunteers of the Year” award to encourage this.

The Topeka Rescue Mission is another organization that depends heavily on volunteer labor, including family groups.

“The way our society is commercialized now, so many families want their kids to understand how blessed and fortunate they are, and so they want their kids to understand and gain a perspective at a young age about how important giving back is,”

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Price includes songbook, CD's, and parent education.

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says Mark Degroff, the Rescue Mission’s communications director.

When asked for advice for any family considering this, Degroff suggested that young children should be matched up with parents or older siblings, to answer questions or help with complex tasks.

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Also, the shelter should know how many people will be volunteering together, and how old they are, so they can connect the volunteers with useful activities they can do well at. This “helps everybody, helps the kids and the family have a really good time, and it helps us.”

Walshire has this advice: Don’t use the Humane Society as therapy. If a child is afraid of dogs, the shelter is not a good place to work through that fear. The dogs are, “Really loud. This place could be scary for a child.”

HHHS is a good place to practice responsibility, though. Volunteers of every age learn, “that it’s not just fun and games, that there are lives at stake here, that you have to be careful.” continued on the next page >>

Dentistry For Infants, Children & Teens Member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Sedation Available

785-272-6060 6231 SW. 29th Street • Topeka, KS 66614 XYZ xyztopeka.com

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>> continued from the previous page

Walshire says a family’s volunteering success depends on, “How much free time the parent has, how committed they are to doing it, and how much fun they have when they’re here, all of that comes into play if they do come back, or doing it again.” She tries to make all of this as easy as she can, by giving volunteers all the information they need.

Later the same evening, Deejay and Deeann have moved on to the cat area. Despite her stated reluctance, Deeann is smiling, holding an orange shorthair, letting him put his paws on her shoulder. Deejay cradles another cat, and they head off to a room with lots of cat toys. It looks like you can always learn something new. XYZ TOPEKA

“The way our society is commercialized now, so many families want their kids to understand how blessed and fortunate they are.”

- Mark Degroff, Topeka Rescue Mission communications director

find out how your family can volunteer together.

Topeka Rescue Mission 785-354-1744 ext. 368 34

xyztopeka.com XYZ

Helping Hands Humane Society 785.233.7325

cool kid’s room

zombie-cute N

o one would argue that Gwendolyn “Gwen” Gogian is a fighter.

Born premature, Gwen spent the first weeks of her life as a resident in the Stormont-Vail Neonatal Insensitive Care Unit (NICU).

Now as a graduate of the NICU and at home in her own room, Gwen is ready to put up a different kind of fight – as a warrior in the zombie apocalypse. 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

continued on the next page >>

>> continued from the previous page

With a zombie-inspired nursery, there is never a lack of new details to catch the eye of anyone who dares set foot in this unique nursery. Parents, Brandon and Jennifer, are fans of horror and zombie movies and used their interest to elect an uncommon theme in their décor.

“We did not want all of that pre-made stuff, like you see at Wal-Mart. You see Winnie the Pooh in all of these rooms,” laughs dad Brandon. “We wanted something different, something not in any other bedroom.”

Even with the added challenge of decorating a room in an apartment building, with paint and hanging restrictions, mom, Jennifer found a way to fill the room with extraordinary items.

With most of the artwork originally created by Jennifer, with a tri-pattern on the valances and scattered about the room of a zombie sheep, a cupcake with brains for topping and a sole, clenched emerging zombie fist, the room screams “fresh brains” with an overtone of delicate sweetness.

No, that is not an oxymoron.

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Being in the room, you can feel the care that was put into creating the zombie haven for baby Gwen. From the chair covers adorned with patterns of skulls to the bright neon mobile hanging above the crib with dismembered zombie body parts, to the book “How to Speak Zombie” readily available for perusing, it is easy to see the small baby resting comfortably in her one-of-a-kind lodging.

In fact, it shouldn’t be long before she is sitting in her blaringly lime green Bumbo and noting the rules of “How to Survive a Zombie Attack” while cooing softly. XYZ TOPEKA

XYZ xyztopeka.com

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the

life

of the

Child actor and dancer John Katz juggles it all with aplomb and a ton of natural talent. His ambition is to be a Broadway star, and he’s launching that career early, buoyed by Topeka drama and dance institutions and his parents’ scheduling wizardry.

b y J a n i c e Wa t k i n s • 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

J

ohn Katz bounds out of his parent’s vehicle squinting in the bright winter sun, with a broad grin plastered across his face. He immediately shakes my hand before we enter the halls of the Topeka Civic Theatre and Academy, where he is as at ease as he would be seated in front of the television on a Saturday morning watching cartoons.

He plops on a cushion and begins to tell me about his life as a child already dedicated to what he hopes is his future profession - a Broadway star.

“When he was in Kindergarten at the end of the year his class had a graduation ceremony where they were instructed to dress 38

xyztopeka.com XYZ

actor kid like what they wanted to be when they grew up,” his mom JoAnn Turner laughs.

“He dressed like John Travolta in Grease and was mad that we didn’t know that he wanted to be an actor.”

From standing solo as the John Travolta among the future fire fighters and nurses, John, with the assistance of his parents, began taking classes at TCTA. By the following year, John was adding his first credit to his resume as a first grader, starring as Jack in Babes in Toyland.

“I had two lines and I had so much fun,” he laughs.

From there John was hooked and added dance to the mix, with his mom’s insistence that he find a physical activity, and as the obvious companion to the theatre.

“I’ve always been a fan of music and musicals and I thought having dance in there would help with Broadway musicals and that sort of thing,” he says with ease.

Since the age of seven, John has been studying ballet and is now nearly as dedicated to dance as acting. In fact, following our meeting he is prepared to bound off to rehearsals for his role as the Nutcracker for the seasonal performance of the Topeka Ballet. continued on the next page >>

>> continued from the previous page

Dance has become such an integral part of his growing resume, so much so that John has spent his last two summers as a resident of the Boston Ballet’s summer dance program, receiving a full scholarship to attend the annual program.

His moving feet, however, don’t just stop at the theatre and ballet. John has added voice lessons, piano and now trombone to the mix.

“My life has pretty much been around the theatre, but I always have some specific points outside of the theatre,” he notes of the chaos, giving credit to his mom, whom he has dubbed the “Master Scheduler.”

Dad, Gilbert Katz, adds that “it’s been more of a challenge as he’s gotten older and all of the activities take more time, because now he’s doing dance four or five days a week, shows are four or five days a week – voice, trombone, all of those things have added up as time has gone on.”

His parents immediately agree that John’s schedule is hectic, but that he manages it well.

“The credit does not really belong to me or my husband, it belongs to John who handles everything, including his friendships, really well,” proclaims Mom, JoAnn. While John has handled it all with ease, his parents recall when John was in a main stage production of Scrooge, starring as Tiny Tim in 2007. John was dually starring in the Nutcracker at the same time and JoAnn recalls that he came off stage at intermission of the Nutcracker, changed into his Tiny Tim costume and then raced to a fifteen minute late curtain call at TCTA. “I thought we were going to die, “ JoAnn jokes, “but John looks back, and that was the best night of his life - going from one show to the next.”

Now a veteran for all intensive purposes, at age 12, John has already starred in twelve productions, three ballets and three commercials.

“I love it so much that I would do anything for it,” he chuckles, shedding words of advice for other youth looking to get involved in the theatre, “I would say don’t be afraid to be someone else because so many people are afraid to be out of their comfort zone and they feel goofy, but, I mean, if you don’t just let loose and have some fun, you’ll never know what it’s like to just go all out and do something.” XYZ TOPEKA

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teen writers’ group a community for teen writers in Topeka

A rt Art Exploration (Pre-K - 6 Grade)

Sat | Jan 7 | $13 Jewelry Jazz! Students focus on making wearable art.

Broken Tile Mosaic (3 - 8 Grade)

Tue | Jan 17 | $25 Design/create finished mosaic plaque.

I

f your teen writes stories, poems or vignettes and routinely loses themselves inside the pages of a spiral-bound notebook, the Topeka and Shawnee County Library has a program that might be exactly what they need to reach that next level of writing.

Teens ages 12-18 will meet for a writers’ group Mon. Dec. 12, 7-8 p.m., Mon. Jan 9 and 23, 7 - 8 p.m.

All meetings are held inside The Edge at the Library.

For writers of all ages, finding a group that supports and encourages your writing and can offer constructive feedback can be a very positive experience. If you know a teen, encourage them to join today.

Endless Possibilities with Rocks (All Ages) Mon | Jan 23 | $8 Transform stones into art.

Art Exploration (Pre-K - 6 Grade)

KS Life - Make art inspired by Topeka & Kansas Sat | Feb 4 | $13 Students will work with collage and drawing keeping in mind the KS theme. Artists can choose to leave one piece of art to be part of the ReThink Topeka Art Exhibition & Art Walk.

Create a Valentine (All Ages)

Mon | Feb 6 | $10 Stamping & Printing (All Ages)

Tues | Feb 7 | $10

Classes for all Ages

Mardi Gras Masque

(All Ages)

Tues | Feb 21 | $10 Art Exploration (Pre-K - 6 Grade)

Sat | Mar 3 | $13 Students will work with clay slabs to create suns with a face and sun rays.

These will look great in your garden!

Where are you going?

(All Ages)

Mon | Mar 5 | $13 Learn about mixed media and exploring the endless possibilities with road maps.

Papier Maché (All Ages)

Tues | Mar 6 | $8 Outdoor Mosaics

(3-8 grade)

Tues | Mar 27 | $25 Ceramic tiles and dishes are weatherproof. Paired with the right stuff, they can make beautiful and durable outdoor art.

NOTO Community Arts Center class are located at 922 North Kansas Avenue.

To sign up for classes, go to www.notoartsdistrict.com

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[ recipes ]

Mediterranean in minutes

photo by Josh Luttrell

by Jo s h Lutt re l l • s p e c i al t o XY Z

A

s much as I love to cook complicated and involved dishes, I still really love simple but amazing recipes that I can make in a hurry and this is definitely one of them. It takes so little effort to make, and yet all the flavors work so perfectly together. It’s great for an appetizer, lunch or dinner, and it tastes wonderful with a glass of Riesling.

Mediterannean Pita Pizza (makes 2) • Flatbread (the pita that you use to make gyros, not the kind with pockets) • 1 Tbsp minced garlic • 8 basil leaves or enough to cover the flat bread (leaves vary in size) • 1 Roma tomato sliced into 8 thin slices • Can of quartered artichokes • 1/4 cup of Olives (I prefer black but kalamata are okay too) • 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbles) • Olive oil for brushing

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Brush the pita bread with olive oil and spread the minced garlic on top.

Layer the basil, tomato and quartered artichokes.

Be sure that the artichokes are well drained as the liquid can make the pita soggy as it cooks.

Sprinkle the feta and olives on top.

Bake on a cookie sheet for 30 minutes.

Slice into four pieces each and sprinkle with Parmesean or Romano if you have it around.

What is also great about the pita recipe is that when you are purchasing the ingrediants you are just a couple ingrediants short of a really great Mediterranean pasta as well.

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Mediterannean Pasta (serves 4) • 1/4 cup olive oil • 4 tsps minced garlic • 1lb shrimp (uncooked medium, peeled deveined) • 1 1/2 cups artichoke hearts (drained canned, chopped) • 1 1/2 cups feta cheese (crumbled) • 1/2 cup tomatoes (chopped seeded) • 3 Tbsps fresh lemon juice • 1/4 cup dry white wine • 1/3 cup olives • 3 Tbsps fresh parsley (chopped) • 2 Tbsps fresh oregano (finely chopped, 1 1/2 teaspoons dried) • 12 oz package angel hair pasta (or spaghetti or linguine)

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Add shrimp and sauté until almost cooked through, about 2 minutes. Add artichokes, feta, tomatoes,olives, lemon juice, parsley and oregano and sauté until shrimp are cooked through, about 2 minutes. Add white wine and cook for about a minute or until wine cooks off.

Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally.

Drain.

Transfer pasta to large bowl.

Add shrimp mixture to pasta and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

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XYZ xyztopeka.com

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IMAGINATION

Winter 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

A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip Christian Stead (ages 0-8) When an old man falls ill, the animals at the zoo he normally takes care of come to his house and take care of him.

Illustrator Erin Stead won the 2011 Caldecott Medal for this book.

Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin (ages 3-8) Pete the Cat is rockin’ in his new school shoes. He wears them to his first day of school and learns about the library, lunchroom, and recess. How was his first day? It was all good!

Confetti Girl by Diana López (ages 8-14) Lina struggles with life after the death of her mother. Her father retreats into his books. And Lina and her best friend are trying to figure out love. With sports and an obsession with socks, Lina works through her grief and helps her father too. 2011-12 William Allen White Award nominee.

All the Broken Pieces: A Novel in Verse by Ann E. Burg (ages 10-18) Using easily accessible verse, Burg tells the story of a Vietnamese boy adopted

by American parents during the Vietnam War. Struggling with guilt and loss, he and a returned American veteran find comfort in an unlikely bond. 2011-12 William Allen White Award nominee.

Divergent by Veronica Roth (ages 14-18) Kids grow up in one of the five predetermined factions in post-apocalyptic Chicago.

But some, like Beatrice Prior, are Divergents who get to choose between five factions, which will determine her future.

Check out this edition’s best bets from the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. You know your children best, but these great stories appeal to a range of kids (birth - 18). Compiled by Youth Services staff members, so make sure to say hi when you stop in to check out your next great book adventure.

The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man by Michael Chabon (ages 3-8) Awesome Man is totally awesome and has awesome superpowers. But he has a remarkable secret. Keep a close eye on the pictures and text to find out who Awesome Man really is. And see how he vanquishes his foes in way awesome ways!

Wonderstruck: A Novel in Words and Pictures by Brian Selznick (ages 8-14) After losing his mother in an accident, Brian decides he must find his father, who he’s never met. His story, in words, converges with another told in pictures, that of a young girl 50 years before. Another amazing picture/novel hybrid from Caldecott-winner Selznick.

Wildwood by Colin Meloy (ages 8 to 14) When a murder of crows abducts her baby brother, Prue McKeel must enter the Impassable Wilderness to find him. A classmate tags along, but the two soon are separated. Both go on a wild adventure that pits them against an evil queen bent on the destruction of the whole area called Wildwood.

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation by M.T. Anderson (ages 14-18) This two-volume odyssey follows the life of an Africa-American boy in pre-Revolutionary War Boston.

Octavian’s life begins as an experiment, but grows into a struggle for a nation’s freedom, while that same nation denies his own.

The Boy Who Invented TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth by Kathleen Krull (ages 8-14) That TV that keeps you glued to Nickelodeon and Disney Channel came from the mind of a young farm boy. Learn about Philo Farnsworth’s dream and the science behind this modern marvel. 2011-12 William Allen White Award nominee.

The Great Race: the Amazing Round-the-world Auto Race of 1908 by Gary L. Blackwood (ages 8-14) Sponsored by a French newspaper and the New York Times, six cars raced around the world, from New York to Paris.

Adventure, hijinks, and intrigue rule the day during this difficult and exciting contest.

There are 8 little differences between these two photos. Can you tell what they are?

photo by Nathan Ham • altered by Colin MacMillan / Nathan Ham Photography

keen eye

IMAGINATION

Answer key at xyztopeka.com

IMAGINATION

felted friends 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 .

N

eedle felting is my favorite new craft. I learn lots of new tricks for my job as an art teacher—but this one is simply magical. My advice is to have parents try this out first. You can make darling creatures for your kiddos to enjoy and you can decide if you think you’re child has the concentration (and hand-eye coordination) to be successful.

For this project you’ll have to go shopping! Supplies are available at Michaels or Hobby Lobby (also the Yarn Barn in Lawrence). This isn’t the cheapest project I’ve told you about… but you have to give me some credit, the last issue I had you making portraits out of trash! To get started you may spend around $30, but these supplies will last for many, many projects.

Supplies Needed: Felting Needle (I buy the most basic ones—they all break easily!)

Wool Roving (various colors—I often use white as a base to save money) Foam Block

Imagination Band-aids (sorry folks!)

How To: 1. Decide what you are going to make. Gather colors needed by gently pulling the roving apart.

2. Create the basic shapes by inserting needle felting needle into roving, over and over again. This movement joins the

heard + noted what Topeka kids are saying

Gavin (8): “Here Mom, I won this today and I saved it for you!”

Me: *smile* “aww how cute! Thanks Kiddo” Gavin: “I didn’t have any pockets so I kept it in my underwear.” (skips away) - submitted by Martie

I was complaining about my Fantasy Football players and Davis (5) pats me on the arm and says, "Be patient with the football players, Mom. They're trying really hard, they're working hard."

- submitted by Summer Finn, (7), after going to the bathroom: "Pee is a liquid and all liquids evaporate and turn to rain. That's why you should never drink rain.

It might be pee."

-submitted by Shannon

fibers into a more solid form. The foam block should be placed under the roving, so that you only stab into it… not yourself! * 3. Once each section is complete, attach them with the same process, just pushing the fibers together.

4. Small details can be made by rolling the fibers in your hand. You can make smaller balls of roving or snake like coils.

These are the most basic steps. Our examples are creatures—but you can felt accessories or needlefelt into existing felt or wool items (like scarf ’s or hats). Want to learn more—the Internet has videos, patterns, and so much more for you. There are also amazing examples of finished products on www. etsy.com-- just do a search for needle felting! *Please keep in mind the needles hurt if you miss the wool and hit your skin! This is not a good craft to do if you can’t look at what you are making! art by students at Royal Valley High School-- student pictured Nadas Thomas

Want your child to be a featured artist in XYZ and/or Warehouse 414?

Contact Bailey Marable at baykivo@gmail.com

Sometimes I worry about my 8 year-old's acerbic sense of humor (I mean, she's eight). When completing our post trick-or-treating review, discussion fell to one particular house which was managed by an extremely small and elderly women (who took three minutes to open the door once she got there). Upon reflection, Zosia said, "I mean - hello lady!?! Are you gonna open the door? Are you here with us or are you headed towards the light?!?" - submitted by Michelle Relationships, according to Lily (5): "You can't marry your brother.

Because if you did, your baby's head will be on backwards."

-submitted by Tony Tonight's bedtime conversation with our 6 yr old: Me: You need to get yourself into bed right now.

B: I should be free to stay up late! Communists!

- submitted by Boone As we drove to get my youngest in North Topeka the other night -Natalie (5) pointed out her old preschool and said, “There’s my threeschool.” I said, “You mean your PREschool?” She said, “No, my THREE school-you know-where I went when I was three?” She was right...they had made a big deal about her being three to be able to attend. Maybe they should look into changing the name?

- submitted by Adrianne

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