XYZ Fall 2011

[everything for Topeka families]

INSIDE • How 3 Topeka kids in foster care unpacked their bags for good • Topeka’s best kid-friendly restaurants • “Mommy Daddy Evan Sage,” Poetry by Eric McHenry

fall 2011 | xyztopeka.com summer 2011 $3.95 | xyztopeka.com

• work from home • childcare • teen jobs + more

You want the best care for your little one.

You get top pediatric specialists right here.

Amazing things happen when doctors, specialists and a hospital work together as one. Like when we created The Birthplace. Then the area’s highest level Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). And now – an enhanced pediatrics program with top pediatric specialists. You get a higher level of care for your kids when you choose Stormont-Vail, Cotton-O’Neil and PediatricCare. And it’s all here in Topeka so you don’t have to drive to KC. So you can get back to living.

Call or visit us on the web to learn more.

785-354-5225 | stormontvail.org

Get back to living.

XYZ Magazine | Vol. II • Issue I | Summer 2011

[ what’s inside ] 44 Imagination • The Keen Eye puzzle asks kids to use their alphabetical skills • Fall reads look cozy and thoughtprovoking • The art project will get you and your kids making faces • The eavesdropping is juicy in Heard + Noted • What’s the Story prompts young authors to use their wildest imaginations.

32 cheer it up It turns out that cheerleading isn’t just about getting gussied up and looking cute in a skirt. Learn about how the sport is so much more than the stereotype and helps kids achieve self-confidence.

14 permanence

How 3 Topeka kids in foster care and 2 Topeka families found the family they’d been longing for.

24 friend of the youth North Topeka’s famed Sunrise Optimist Club brings nostalgic ballpark evenings to many Topeka kids.

26 cloth logic

If you’ve ever wondered about cloth diapering, here’s the skinny, and, yeah, it will save you thousands.

28 Mommy Daddy Evan Sage

Topeka poet Eric McHenry created an absorbing, funny and masterful book about his kids. 4 poems for your enjoyment.

30 for the hipster parents

Chances are you’ve seen the trailers for the new, Disney-approved Muppets flick, and parents (maybe more than their kids) are chomping at the bit. Does the soundtrack offer something up for the kids?

32 vintage sweet

3 cool kids have the coolest vintageinspired rooms with real antiques and awesome art creating a truly unique space.

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 25 buy local 26 environmental parenting 32 cool kid’s room 40 recipes 44 - 47 imagination section

[ letter from the editor ]

sailing

by Leah Sewell

I

moved around a lot as a kid, and subsequently, I became quite the explorer of each new domain, and always my choice of vessel was my bike: a pink banana seat affair with Strawberry Shortcake decals grinning across every surface. As a pre-teen, I spray-painted it neon pink and black. It was the coolest ride and my dependable co-adventurer. It went over gravel, through wooded areas, and brought me into contact with a future friend or two.

As a financially-challenged college student, I reasoned that I could part with my then little silver BMX bike for $75. After that, it was about 5 or 6 years before I got on a bike again, and when I did, it was magical. Who knew a $10 pink and baby blue Huffy from a neighbor’s garage sale could be the harbinger of so much happiness?

Although my kids got a kick out of watching me sail by, perched on the squeaky seat, I soon realized that they weren’t that thrilled with watching me

on the cover

Kerrice Mapes Publisher Leah Sewell Editor-in-Chief Writers Regina Budden Rio Cervantes-Reed Anthony Davis Chelle Decker Alice C. Hunt Cale Herreman Bailey Marable Kerrice Mapes Larissa Keller Leah Sewell Janice Watkins Erin Wynkoop

sail off on long-distance rides. A mother’s day gift of a bike trailer helped out on that front. Except for the fact that now I’m often verbally whipped like a horse by my fun-seeking children. “Faster, Mom! Faster! Faster!” they demand as I struggle up a steep hill, pulling dead weight behind me. But, oh, it’s so much fun, for them and myself. It’s exhilerating to become an explorer again, and even more so to take them along for the ride.

I’m particularly excited about biking these days, because it is Fall, the best time for getting outdoors in Topeka, when the weather is at its finest and so much is happening that urges us to get out of the house and soak up our city before we are clapped shut in our homes once again this winter.

I’m working on a web story that will explore bike safety for families who want to get out and experience the city in the open air, so check into our website, xyztopeka.com, after you’ve devoured the pages of this issue.

Marley’s First Bike

by Megan Rogers Trees & Bees Photography treesandbeesphotography.com

[ everything for Topeka families ]

Enjoy the magazine, and enjoy this Fall with your family. See you out there.

- Leah

Photographers Lydia Barnhart EJ Drake Adam Koger Colin MacMillan Megan Rogers Josh Rouse Art + Production Kerrice Mapes Justin Marable Amanda Reynolds 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 Administration Elizabeth Bell Reprints + Permission No part of XYZ may be reproduced in any form without prior consent from seveneightfive designs. For permission requests, call 785.249.3126 or email kerrice@seveneightfive.com Opinions or advice of columnists are not necessarily those of the publication.

XYZ MAGAZINE xyztopeka@gmail.com P.O. Box 750491 Topeka, KS 66675

XYZ Contributors

[ our gang ]

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

kerrice mapes was born with a thick-head of dark brown hair and vocal cords that wouldn’t quit. In school, check marks quickly became her favorite glyph. She has always pushed the rules and socialized too much - things that don’t get her into as much trouble now. She is a legit “cool” aunt, now that Anderson was born, on her 30th birthday. Much love to her little sister Cassie and her new journey into mommy-hood.

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.

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, 4, and Oliver, 2.

Erin Wynkoop Erin is a born and raised Topekan who paints the town red as make-up artist by day, writer, photographer, party-girl supreme by night. Erin’s favorite song lyrics describe her best: “I shall never grow up, make believe is much too fun.”

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.

josh rouse Josh Rouse is a senior mass media major at Washburn University. He was the online editorin-chief for the Washburn Review last year and is currently a copy editor for the Review and photo editor for the Kaw Yearbook and co-owns RouseOutdoors.net with his cousin. Some of his best childhood memories include fishing with his grandparents and cousins, playing sports and falling out of a tree. His favorite dinosaur is the megalosaurus.

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.

Alice hunt Alice Hunt’s favorite subjects in school were (and are) English and journalism, and she’s still in touch with her favorite teacher Miss Glozier, who taught her that life is about showing up, being honest and doing your best. The rest takes care of itself.

Janice watkins Janice is a Topeka-native and mother of two. By day she is a nonprofit 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.

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. adam koger ► Adam was born and raised in Topeka. Adam is finishing up his BFA from Washburn with emphasis in Photography. Adam is also a proud single father to an amazing little girl, who is his motivation for all he does. You can read his journey as a father at http://thenurturingfather.weebly.com and see his captured moments at http://kogerphoto.weebly.com

larissa Keller Larissa is the proud mother of two hyper dogs and one handsome cat. Larissa and her husband Mike just purchased their first home together, and look forward to adding new members to the family very soon. 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. amanda reynolds Amanda loved bossing her older brothers around and cleaning bathrooms as a kid, even stomping her foot and threatening that when she grew up she’d clean her own bathroom whenever she wanted to when her mom wouldn’t let her use the cleaning supplies. She also announced at age four that she would work at Winstead’s, which coincidentally, was her first job. lydia barnhart Lydia is a cosmetologist at All About U Salon, a passionate photographer and dog-lover.

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, E r i n Wy n k o o p + 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 $6.69 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 everyday, except Thanksgiving.

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.) 279.9994 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 4 p.m.

(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 Monday night.

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 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.]

10.15 3rd Annual Arty Party

October 15 | 6pm VIP | 7:30 pm start Crosby Place | 719 S. Kansas Ave. This annual fundraiser for ArtsConnect Topeka has become the, “Do-not-miss party of the year.” VIP tickets ($145 per couple) gets you in at 6 pm for the Splash! Sunset Salud preparty with heavy appetizers. Regular entry and after-party passes are $45 each ($55 after Oct. 1) and include a dessert buffet, beer and signature cocktails. Live music provided by Hearts of Darkness, a 16-piece afrobeat, hip-hop, funk, soul collective formed in 2007 and voted “Best Jazz Ensemble” in 2011 via the Pitch Weekly Music Awards. So wear your dancing shoes!

Visit www.artsconnecttopeka.org to get your tickets.

10.15 Saturday Night Fights

October 15 | KS Expo Doors 5:30pm | Fights start at 6:30 pm If pugilism and MMA is more your style, the Kansas Expocentre, 17th & Topeka Boulevard will be the place to be for DangerFire Promotions fight night, followed by an After Party at Reed’s Lakeside, 29th & Croco. As of press time the fight card was not available, so “Like” their page at www.facebook.com/DangerFirePromotions for updates.

9.30 10.2 10.8 10.9 10.16 10.21 11.11

Artful Dining

9.23 9.30 10.20 11.6 11.11 11.25 1.11 1.12

Topeka Performing Arts Center.

Artful Dining is a series of eight events from September 30 through November 11 at homes in the Topeka area.

The hosts provide beautiful spaces and refreshments and feature works for sale from local Topeka artists. The dates and times vary from Friday nights to Sunday afternoons, and do include a kid-friendly event at Blue Planet Cafe for a Halloween-themed party. Ticket prices range from $35-$65 and benefit the Mulvane Art Museum, along with a portion of the art sales. Visit the website at www.washburn.edu/ mulvane or call 785-670-1124 for more information and to make your reservations.

Many live performances for varied interests. Country Legends 106.9 is hosting their Listener Appreciation Party on September 30, JoDee Messina and Billy Dean are visiting on October 20 for her Music Room Series, and the Oak Ridge Boys will be back on November 25 for their Christmas Show. Christian artists Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith will be at TPAC November 6. To get your laugh Lewis Black on September 23 and Sinbad on November 11. On January 12 you can help support the local organization, Living the Dream, Inc. by attending Drumming for the Dream Major Drumline Extravaganza on January 12. LTD, Inc. raises money for scholarships for local high school students.

Plan for a good time at any of the TPAC events by visiting www.tpactix.org, and for dinner try one of these downtown restaurants, such as Bosco’s, Rowhouse Restaurant, Kansan Grill, Lupita’s, Celtic Fox, The Office Downtown, Pepe & Chela’s, Sweet Peas, The BreakRoom or El Mezcal.

community events for the whole fam compiled by Heather McKee • images provided

Aaron Douglas Art Fair September 24th | 10am - 5pm | FREE Aaron Douglas Art Park | 12th & Lane www.aarondouglasartfair.com

Don’t miss these traditional Fall events

Cider Days Fall Festival September 24th + 25th | 10am - 5pm Kansas Expocenter $6 adv at Topeka Walgreens or $7 at the gate, 10 & under free www.ciderdaystopeka.com Apple Festival October 2 | 10am -5pm | $5 adv / $6 gate Old Prairie Town | 124 SW Clay www.topeka.org/parkrec/wardmeade.events.shtml

Winter Wonderland November 18 - December 31 | 6-10pm $7 per vehicle Lake Shawnee | 3315 Tinman Circle www.tarcinc.org Miracle on Kansas Avenue Tree lighting + Rescue Run + Parade November 26 | 5 - 9pm Run 5pm | Tree lighting 5:30 | Parade 6pm www.downtowntopkeainc.com

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. December 21 | March 21 | June 21 | September 22

There’s always something new at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center!

Special infant, toddler and pre-school programming throughout the fall, along with rockin’ fun build and art projects.

For more information check out the Daily Schedule at www.kansasdiscovery.org Exploring Nature and Fall Fun! October 5, 12, 19 + 26 | 10 - 11 am For 3 & 4 yr olds $30 members; $35 non-members

september | october november | december Going Bonkers IS OPEN!!

Come check out Topeka’s newest Family Fun Center.

They have a playground, arcade, restaurant, and games - fun for all ages!

M-R 10am - 9pm |F&S 10am 10pm | Sun 10 am - 8pm 2-3 years $3 | 4-18 $5 | 19+ $1 www.goingbonkers.com Here We Grow Again September 21st - 24th 400 SW 29th Street This twice-yearly event, gives families a chance to clean out their closets, make some money, and save money getting new things - all at the same time. You can volunteer and get first dibs on things, or just go shopping. Friday evening & Saturday are 50% off! There’s also one in Lawrence, Oct 5-8. www.herewegrowagain.com Rochester Community Fall Festival October 1 | 7:30 am | FREE Rochester Community Church 3201 NW Rochester Road Pancake breakfast |7:30 am | Lunch 11:30 am featuring brauts, hot dogs, homemade bierocks and pie. Children’s activities, moonwalk, entertainment, craft booths, silent auction, country store offering homemade items and baked goods.

Beatles Show October 7 | 7pm $31.50 All seats reserved 1964…The Tribute reenacts an early 60’s live Beatles concert with authentic instruments, clothing, the famous Beatles hairstyles, and onstage banter. www.tpactix.org Children’s Garden Program October 8 | 10 - 11:30 am Garden House | Lake Shawnee Ted Ensley Gardens More info. call 267.1156 OK Kids Day on the Trail October 8 | 9am - Noon FREE | Shawnee North Community Center Join Kansas Wildscapes for a walk on the nature trail.

Stop along the trail to enjoy such activities as reel casting, archery, Frisbee golf, compass reading, stream sampling animal track casting, and more. www.kansaswildscape.org Happy Haunting Party @the Boo Planet Café October 30 | 2 - 4pm | Blue Planet Cafe | 1110 SE 8th $35 for each parent + child / $10 additional child. (costumes requested!)

Enjoy art making activities, storytelling, music and ghostly treats like Goreos and Lady Fingers at the Boo Planet.

Serious Weekend Fun! Block Fest Sponsored by Parents as Teachers September 30 | 10 am - 2 pm In the Dark!

Every Friday in October What lives in the dark, who painted in the dark, what glows in the dark + more!

Kids’ Business Expo!

October 1 | 1 - 3 pm Discover L’Opera Sponsored by Reach Out Kansas October 8 | 1 - 4 pm Energy and Me! Sponsored by Westar Energy October 15 | 10 am - 4 pm The Magic of Halloween!

By Richard Guy October 29 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays November 18 | 9am - 7pm November 19 | 10 am - 4 pm November 20 | 11 am - 2 pm $3 per person | $12 for families of 5 or more Topeka Performing Arts Center Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays is a fun, family event that benefits TPAC’s Youth Education Programming.

Attendees can view Gingerbread Homes built by local professionals, enthusiasts and groups on display throughout the entire weekend. Visit Graham Cracker Junction, to build their own houses out of graham crackers, icing and candy.

Or visit the Holiday Boutique for seasonal crafts, gift baskets, jewelry and more. To schedule your group call 234.2787 x100.

31st Annual Karate Spectacular December 3 | 9am + 11 am Central Park Community Center Open Tournament for brown belt and below, showcasing Kata & Kumite divisions. Spectators $3 for adults and $2 for youth. Come watch competitions in form, fighting and weapons.

fall 2011 XYZ xyztopeka.com

9

[ lifestyle ]

the Kansas history trove b y D e n n i s E t z e l Jr. • p h o t o s b y D e n n i s E t z e l Jr.

W

hen I first heard about the Kansas Historical Society’s “Traveling Trunks” for people who homeschool their children, my attention was caught. My wife and I are interested in educating our children at home, but when we asked the homeschoolers we know, they had never heard of these “trunks” either. I decided to make a visit to the KHS, located next to the Kansas Museum of History, to find out what exactly these educational tools were.

The coordinator of Traveling Resource Trunks, Lois Herr, took me through a special warehouse-like room that held stacks of the huge plastic containers. Okay, I imagined something like a pirate’s wooden trunk, but these held just as much in treasure.

“Anyone can borrow any trunk,” Herr said, correcting my assumption. “We have all of the schools, churches, 4-H, and anyone interested in them.” The trunks cover such topics as: the African American Experience in Kansas, Lewis and Clark, Kansas Women and Their Quilts, Volga German Immigrants, the Mexican American Experience in Kansas and two I perused, Symbols and Images of Kansas and Indian Homes in Kansas.

“The Symbols and Images Trunk,” Herr explained, “is designed for younger children.” There are several hats, used to talk about Kansas History: Railroad (conductor’s hat), Wheat (baker’s hat), a Jayhawk (a given) and so on. A felt Kansas flag is another activity, with pieces to assemble it fully so one may talk about each part of symbolism in the flag.

“A teaching manual is included in each trunk,” Herr showed me, “and these are compliant with the State’s standards, to fit with the education curriculum.” So each trunk is designed with a certain age group in mind, and for certain areas of education—like not only history, but archaeology in the case of the “Puzzles from the Past” trunk.

10

xyztopeka.com XYZ

Traveling Resource Trunks There is a $20 handling fee, but you can have the Traveling Trunks for up to four weeks. The KHS ships out the massive trunk or one may pick them up, while it is the borrower’s responsibility to return the trunk.

“People come from an hour away to return them,” Herr said.

When she showed me the Indian Homes in Kansas, Herr spread a blanket of an outline of Kansas across the floor. On it were pictures of the terrain to match up with what kind of home was used in that area—grass lodge, earth lodge, or tipi—for each of the tribes precolonization. She elaborated, “Not only does someone learn the importance of natural resources, but it is a good basis for understanding the demise of the buffalo and the reservation.” With the issues of environment and the problems with post-colonization, I knew I would return someday to borrow this trunk. It’s a hands-on learning experience created by the experts in history.

“It’s a hands-on learning experience created by the experts in history.”

If you are interested in a Travelling Resource Trunk, contact the Kansas Historical Society at 785-272-8681, ext. 431, or read about and reserve your own trunk on the KHS website: www.kshs.org/p/traveling_resource_ trunks/14969. XYZ TOPEKA

Unlock your child’s vast potential.

Family Service & Guidance Center Meeting the Mental Health needs of children & families Community Based Services | Crisis Services Youth Development Center | Psychiatric Services Center for Learning Disorders | Support Groups Outpatient Services | | ADHD Services Early Childhood Intervention Program Happy Bear | Internship Program and Training Transitional Aged Youth | Anxiety Treatment Use your Smartphone

and learn more about programs offered at FSGC. On your Smartphone, get a QR App like ScanLife or NeoReader.

Then point your phone at the code to the left and learn more.

Improving children’s lives since 1904

785.232.5005 • www.fsgctopeka.com 325 SW Frazier Ave • Topeka, KS 66606 @fsgctopeka XYZ xyztopeka.com

11

[ local flavor ]

Jackson

vs.

The Café Next Door

the

picky eater

by Anthony Davis photos by Amanda Reynolds

goes out to eat

J

ackson is a pretty quiet and shy kid, almost hiding under the table during his meal at The Café Next Door, and preferring to whisper to his mom, Tamara rather than answer questions directly. Needless to say, I was pretty surprised how adamant this newly turned seven-year-old was against trying something outside of his usual comfort zone.

I’ve met my share of picky eaters in my time—I’ve even had an extreme case in my own home—but I think Jackson may have been the most difficult type of picky eater: the passive resistance eater.

Picky Eater Jackson age: 7 certified picky: his favorite foods are bratwurst, bacon, quesadillas, bacon, mac+cheese, bacon, hot wings...and bacon.

There are many foods Jackson likes: bratwurst, bacon, quesadillas, bacon, macaroni & cheese, bacon, hot wings & bleu cheese… and bacon.

With so many types of food that are acceptable, it makes it harder to convince him that he needs to try some more variety.

Every suggestion at the beginning of the meal is met with a simple head shake.

“Grilled chicken?”

“No, the black marks are gross.”

“Salad?”

Blank stare.

“Steamed veggies substituted for fries?”

“Sure.”

The Café Next Door 810 SE 15th Street [15th + Adams / by I-70 entrance] Topeka, KS 66607 785.783.3271

Wait… Was that a “yes” for the veggies? The number one thing on Jackson’s list of things he will not eat, and I’ve gotten him to agree to get them instead of fries! Looks like this one is in the bag.

While we’re waiting to order, Jackson tells me how his four-year-old sister, Reese, eats vegetables all the time, and even salads, and how he won’t eat any of that stuff (“Not yet,” I think to myself). Tamara laughs at this and tells me how when Jackson was a baby, he would eat a whole can of green beans for a snack, though the young man himself vehemently denies this.

When the waitress arrives to take our order, she has a little smile on her face, having overheard all the nagging about eating some greens with the meal. Jackson is up first, and he orders a Junior Breakfast… with bacon. There are no fries with this meal, so there are no veggies to substitute. I’m dumbfounded. Jackson has gotten everyone to leave him alone about eating the dreaded veggies, and deftly avoids having to touch anything he doesn’t like without ever breaking his word.

Great selection, great brands at the best price. buy, sell and so Much More!

Children & Maternity Clothes Unique Gift Items & Toys Baby Equipment Coats & so much more!

Despite this massive setback, I have one final ace up my sleeve—the amazing pie made fresh everyday and sold by the slice and whole. I mean, no kid says no to pie, right?

“Hey, Jackson, how about a piece of pie?”

“No thanks.”

Game, set, match—picky eater.

XYZ TOPEKA

3703 SW Burlingame Rd.

266-0375 | www.mommyandmetopeka.com

“Jackson may have been the most difficult type of picky eater: the passive resistance eater.”

permanence

How 3 Topeka foster care kids unpacked their bags for good.

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 + M e g a n R o g e r s

E

photo by EJ Drake

ddie nestles in between his parents Michelle and Travis, his arm moves quickly around his mom’s shoulder and his head finds a perfect place resting against his dad as he smiles for the camera. Travis’ profound comment from just moments before echoes resoundingly, acting as a caption for the framed shot in front of the lens: 14

“Put us together in a family photo - we pretty much look like we’ve been together from day xyztopeka.com XYZone.”

◄ Sarah and Jason Long’s 10 year vow renewal also had a portion in it dedicated to their two adopted girls, Kristie and Winter, with promises for them, too. (photo by Megan Rogers)

◄ Eddie Sutton, age 11, adopted by Michelle and Travis ▼ Kristie, 15, and Winter, 13, adopted by Sarah, Jason and siblings Noah and Zoey photo by EJ Drake

But day one, for the Sutton family came long after the years that Eddie wishes it would have. Day one for the Sutton family could be considered January 19, 2011 – the day that Eddie officially became a member of their family and was adopted.

After not being able to have biological children and over a decade of considering adoption and navigating the complexities of the child welfare and court system, the Suttons came across a picture of Eddie on a website dedicated to achieving permanence for children in foster care. They contacted their foster care agency and expressed a desire in meeting Eddie over two years ago. Eddie, now 11, had been in foster care for over six years before his adoption day.

“A good part of getting adopted was that I didn’t have to keep going through every foster home. It was a relief,” he sighs, letting out a simultaneous smile.

On November 19, 2011, at least three dozen children of the 722 children in the foster care system in Topeka will feel that same relief, as they prepare for a hopeful happy ending to their foster care stories – adoption.

“In the beginning, I would go bizerk because I didn’t know what was happening and I was too young,” Eddie notes of his early days in the foster care system. “Since I had been in for such a long time, I’ve come to understand my story,” he says, showing a split second of the years of pain behind his sparkling eyes. photo by Megan Rogers

722 children are in the foster care system in Topeka. On Nov. 19, National Adoption Day, at least 3 dozen will find permanent homes. continuedXYZ on the next page15>> xyztopeka.com

photo by Megan Rogers The Long family, Kristie and Winter’s “forever family.”

“National Adoption Day allows the spotlight to shine on the families and children that want to become a ‘forever family’,” says Jonas Leuenberger, reintegration supervisor for TFI Family Services, the local SRS foster care contractor for Shawnee County.

On National Adoption Day, courts across the country open their doors to celebrate adoptive families and assist in finalizing permanency for foster children. Leuenberger adds that on the celebratory day in Shawnee County, the agency anticipates that between 35 and 40 children will be adopted. This will add to the 74 adoptions that have already been completed regionally, this year.

While they did not delay the process further and wait until National Adoption Day, the Long family recently celebrated their own adoption day – August 19, 2011 - finalizing Kristie, 15, and Winter, 13, as permanent members of their family.

With two birth children, Noah, 7, and Zoey, 4, Sarah and Jason Long had always discussed the possibility of becoming foster parents as their children became older. An off the cuff request from a co-worker over two years ago, seemingly made the Longs’ decision easier. As a sign language interpreter with the Topeka Public School system, Sarah had heard about a hearing impaired student who was in need of placement, gearing towards the end of the school year. In June 2009, Kristie was placed with the Longs. Winter, Kristie’s biological sibling, later came to be placed with the family in October 2010.

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While many families considering adoption do not realize the often lengthy process of adopting a child in foster care, the Longs recommend perseverance.

“It was kind of like when you have a birth child and you find out you’re pregnant and nine months later you get to see this baby,” jokes Jason. “It was like ‘Ok, we’re going to get two new girls.’ Nine months later we finally have them.”

“It was a long time coming,” adds Sarah. “The girls had been with us for quite some time, especially Kristie. They were ready for closure. It was a very celebratory day.”

Sarah noted that while Kristie had been placed with the family for a longer time, she had already made the connection that she was in her final placement and with her ‘forever family’, while Winter had some reservations, following multiple, prior placements.

“When she first came to live with us, she didn’t want to unpack her bags and I think for her, she was like ‘they went through with it.’ I think it was especially profound for her,” Sarah notes of Winter’s reaction to the adoption.

As sister, Zoey, clings to Winter’s legs and Winter thwarts her grip with a sprinkle of tickles, sending Zoey into hysterical giggles, she adds, “I thought it was awesome,” of her adoption day.

Although Noah and Zoey inherited two older siblings, both Sarah and Jason feel like the two younger children understand why and what has happened with the addition of Kristie and Winter to the family. Kristie may spend her school days away, living in the dorms at a school for the hearing impaired during the week, each Friday afternoon she is welcomed back by her siblings with glee, nearly sending Sarah to tears each time.

While the Longs note that they never pushed the adoption and left it to the girls to make that call and decision the entire time, the glow in her eyes when she considers her now complete family, indicates that the perseverance was well worth it.

make a difference.

For more information about adopting a child in foster care, or becoming a licensed foster home in Kansas, you may contact the following agencies: Kansas Children’s Service League 877.457.5430 www.adoptkskids.org TFI Family Services, Inc. 217 SE 4th Street Topeka, KS 66603 785.271.6557 www.tfifamilyservices.org St. Francis Community Services 866.999.1599 www.st-francis.org KVC www.kvc.org/kansas Kansas Department of Health and Environment www.kdheks.gov

“Keep in the front of your mind that you’re doing it for the kids that really need you,” says Sarah. “It’s frustrating sometimes and other times it might be arduous and time-consuming, but it’s all worth it when you realize that you’re really making a difference in someone’s life.” XYZ TOPEKA

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cool kid’s bday

bday at the patch

A birthday down on the farm

by Regina Budden photos by Josh Rouse

Parents know all about Chuck-E-Cheese birthdays. They smile and do their best to yell conversations over the roar of screaming children, beeping games and giant, singing stuffed mice.

Gary Star, owner of Gary’s Pumpkin Patch on U.S. Highway 24, said he can do better. Picture the screaming, running and chaos—minus the echoing, closed-in spaces.

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“The pumpkin patch is geared toward families with small kids,” Star said. “I want to be someplace where my kids can holler and scream and run around and not be deafening to us.”

A Gary’s Pumpkin Patch birthday can be as high-maintenance (or not) as parents want. Tonya, the patch’s event planner, helps with the details as long as parents email her at least two weeks in advance.

For $50 plus the cost of admission per child, parents can reserve a private area for cake or presents and access the other pumpkin patch activities. Kids can run through the corn maze or play on the hay bales, and parents can be sure their children are having a good time.

“If you think of it on your own, we can make it happen,” Star said. “Tonya will take the birthday party around and show them where everything is. They’ll have their isolated area reserved for about two hours, and then after that, they’ll be free to do whatever they want.”

xyztopeka.com XYZ

“We’re usually open even when it rains. Some people might call that a disadvantage, some people call it an opportunity to get dirty.” -Gary Star The patch’s website, garyspumpkinpatch.com, has a full list of activities (including the giant pillow and the famous corn maze), a discount option for parties of 20 or more and weather updates for how to dress for a day on the farm.

party plans

Star said his favorite thing about birthdays at the pumpkin patch is that it’s an opportunity for children to get messy and enjoy themselves in a way they can’t at in-town venues.

“We’re usually open even when it rains. Some people might call that a disadvantage, some people call it an opportunity to get dirty. If you come out accordingly and bring a plastic bag for dirty clothes, or bring your mud shoes, you’ll still have fun. But it’s not a place for high heels.”

Rain or shine, Star says Topekans with October-birthday children should take advantage of this local attraction.

“You’ve been to Chucky Cheese, you’ve been to the bowling alley, why not try here? Your kid will go home and go to sleep… but if you feed them cotton candy and they’re all sugared up, that’s your own fault.”

Place: Gary’s Pumpkin Patch Address: 5991 17th St. Grantville (off of HWY 24) Phone: 785.246.0800 Email: gary@garyspumpkinpatch.com Website: garyspumpkinpatch.com Cost: $50 + cost of admission per child Food + Drink: no outside food/drink allowed (except cake). Gary’s can provide cake, too.

Call or email for more information.

XYZ TOPEKA

MULVANE ART MUSEUM’S Fantastic Fall Programs 2011 Tuesday Evening Classes

Watercolor Painting for Teens & Adults DATE: October 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8 TIME: 6-8 pm Cost: $55 Members; $65 Non-members Drawing Sampler (Ages 10-13) DATE: October 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8 TIME: 6-8 pm Cost: $55 Members; $65 Non-members

Saturday Afternoon Classes

Imagination Station, A Sampler (Ages 4-6) DATE: October 8, 22, November 5 TIME: 1-3 pm Cost: $36 for Members; $42 for Non-members Artist Sampler (Ages 7-9) DATE: October 8, 22, November 5 TIME: 1-3pm Cost: $36 Members; $42 Non-members Beginning & Advanced Ceramics (Ages 13-Adult) DATE: October 8, 22, November 5 TIME: 1-3pm Cost: $40 Members; $50 Non-members Call 785-670-2420 for registration and additional information, or Online Registration is also available at www.washburn.edu/mulvane.

Artful Dining of gatherings The variety of mix that will

has been created as an annual series to benefit the Mulvane Art Museum. both homes and artists is a spectacular satisfy food and fine art tastes alike.

Come join us for

Happy Haunting Party @ the Boo-Planet Café

Host: Linda Carson Donation: $35 for parent & child $10 for each additional child Sunday, October 30, 2-4 pm Blue Planet Café, 110 SE 8 Street Join us for family-friendly fun as we celebrate Halloween!

Enjoy art making activities, storytelling, music, and ghostly treats like Goreos and Lady Fingers! Costumes requested!

Call 785-670-1124 for reservations and additional information, or Online Reservation is also available at www.washburn.edu/mulvane.

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kid-friendly dining In Topeka, it is possible to dine out with kids and actually enjoy yourself.

by Larissa Keller • photo by Colin MacMillan / Nathan Ham Photography

Just a few months ago a restaurateur named Mike Vuick made headlines with his “no child under six” policy at McDain’s, a fine casual dining restaurant he owns in Pennsylvania.

How far will it go? When my husband Mike and I decided that we would start a family together soon, all the comments I heard about this Pennsylvania restaurant made me a little frightened that the child-free adults of our country would overrule the parents, and my life as I knew it would end.

I was already aware that nights out playing pool and darts and days sleeping in followed by television and movies would probably not exist until our kids were off to college. These would be replaced by dinners where we’d eat the same kid-friendly foods, night after night, wishing for a dinner out downtown. This sad daydream was being fueled by stories like McDain’s and other restaurants in metropolitan areas going kid-free. Would this policy become popular all of the country, leading to kids being banned from all public places forever?

Not quite. Thankfully, in my quest to find out if children would be banned from any local restaurants in the near future, the answer was a resounding, “NO.” Topeka restaurant owners will continue to cater to children, just as they did for our parents. When I asked the whole XYZ magazine group where they like to take their children for dinner, I was flooded with responses. Not only did these parents provide restaurants where it is “acceptable” to bring their children, they praised many local restaurants for creating an enjoyable dining experience for both the parents and the children.

You’ll love it, and they will too.

Some places that kept coming up among XYZ staffers as both kid and parent favorites.

The Pad 1730 N Topeka Blvd 785.234.3596 Parents: Really good burgers, homemade soup and a fantastic salad bar. Ample seating so you’ll be able to purposefully sit far, far away from childless diners if your little one is having a “challenging” day.

Kids: Standard kids’ meal fare, but with a nice sugary twist: a ring pop and a frostie with every kids’ meal. Warning: sugar has been known to increase the “challenging” factor in young children.

Kid-Focused Restaurants One of the most exciting restaurants I was introduced to was SubtropiXS. On Tuesdays, a kid’s combo meal is just $2.99, and on Thursdays Subtropixs offers free s’mores with the purchase of two combo meals. In addition to the specials at SubtropiXS, they also have a surfboard simulator and Hawaiian shaved ice in any flavor combination you can come up with.

Another local restaurant that parents have brought up repeatedly is The Pad. The first thing I think of when I hear “The Pad” (my husband has a tendency to mention The Pad when I don’t want to cook) is…rocketship! Maybe I am a bit naïve, but I think any kid who sees a rocketship on the outside of a restaurant would be excited to go inside. After the initial excitement of a rocketship, children are further fueled by a frosty and ring pop with their meal.

For the parents (or just the moms), The Pad has a salad bar that has been touted by more than one XYZ writer.

continued on next page >>

Blue Planet Cafe 110 SE 8th Ave. 785.783.8883 Parents: Sophisticated and healthy menu and lovely atmosphere in this 19th Century downtown building. Also: coffee and tea to keep you going till their bedtime.

Kids: Food that kids naturally love, like fresh fruit and grilled cheese, along with baked goods that don’t pack a bunch of preservatives and HFCS. Babies: Organic baby and toddler food available.

continued on next page >>

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[ local flavor ]

>> continued from previous page

You’ll love it, and they will too.

Some places that keep coming up among XYZ staffers as both kid and parent favorites.

Sakura 5632 SW 29th Street 785.271.7878

For the Kid with the advanced palate After talking with parents who enjoy bringing their children to ethnic restaurants, my feelings of nights on the town forgotten were soon, well, forgotten. Both Mike and I enjoy ethnic restaurants and experiencing new foods. We learned that children enjoy these restaurants as much, if not more than, their parents. The experience becomes even more interesting for parents who get to watch their children see other cultures for the first time and taste foods they might not get to try very often at home.

Parents: Sushi! And fresh-grilled filet minon with veggies and flavorful dipping sauces.

Kids: Fire! And habachi chefs doing silly things like balancing a spinning egg on a spatula and making a volcano out of onion slices. The food is definitely kid-friendly, too.

SubTropiXS 909 N Kansas Ave 785.233.7830 Parents: Subs that are rumored to be really good, made on fresh baked bread with fresh ingredients and sauces and dressings of your choice.

Kids: Fun atmosphere (with a tropical theme that even includes a surfing simulator) and food they’ll love (including s’mores!)

The Globe Indian Cuisine 117 SE 10th Ave. 785.354.1500 Parents: Flavors that you’ll dream about for weeks afterwards, and a soothing, wonderful smelling atmosphere. The owners have young kids, too, and are very forgiving of noise and mess.

Kids: Fun and new foods like fried pakoras in a great, colorful atmosphere. But if the picky bug bites, there is plain white rice, nan (flatbread) and mango ice cream.

As I have found on my quest for kid-friendly restaurants, some dining establishments do better than others in attracting parents. Restaurants that have been repeated among XYZ writers, coworkers, and friends have been The Globe, Sakura, Kim’s and Hanover Pancake House. One XYZ writer commented that “people don’t look at me like I’m crazy for bringing my kids there.” A friend of mine, Dave Stevens, just brought his ten-year-old daughter Alayna Stevens to The Globe about a week ago.

“It was the first time she had Indian cuisine of any kind. She loved it. I was very impressed.”

For the Parents on Parents Night Out As exciting as it will be to take my kids to SubTropiXS, The Pad, Sakura, The Globe, and others, I will also be excited to go dining as a duo, just my husband and I. Enjoying a bottle of wine with my husband and a five course meal at the Rowhouse just won’t happen with our future children, even if they are prodigies. I consider this an unspoken rule, one that doesn’t need posted on the home page of the Rowhouse, Chez Yasu or New City Café (as it is on McDain’s) website. These restaurants are clearly for adults, both in terms of palette and environment.

In Topeka, I believe our Midwest hospitality will continue to provide for those of all ages, with children or without, in every kind of environment one could imagine. As a future parent, I look forward to bringing my children to The Pad and SubTropiXS regularly, treating them to The Globe, Hanover, and Sakura, and saving New City Café, Chez Yasu and Rowhouse for date night. XYZ TOPEKA

Your MoSt iMportant Haircut 785.233.5577 * 17th & Medford

“Enjoying a bottle of wine with my husband and a five course meal just won’t happen with our future children. I consider this an unspoken rule.”

First haircuts are free for Envy customer’s children, like Mia!

Full Service Salon for the whole family.

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

[ resource ]

friend of the youth

by Cale Herreman • photos courtesy Sunrise Optimist Club

In North Topeka, the Sunrise Optimist Club (Motto: “Friend of Youth”) has been providing activity for local kids for a half-century now. They’ve worked with the Seaman school district to provide athletic opportunities to kids, especially those in North Topeka.

Sunrise Optimist Club of Topeka 720 NW 50th Street 785.246.1200 | sunriseoptimist.org 24

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“We had a baseball league that had started in 1968.

It was only for boys, only 5th and 6th grade boys, we’ve been expanding it ever since,” said Steve Schiffelbein, director of the baseball leagues. “This year, we had 63 teams, with 671 players.” Now there are leagues for boys and girls, ages 4 through 14, including t-ball and softball.

Their programs are sometimes confused with

buy local.

Some cool merch we found around Topeka for kids at locally-owned businesses.

@ the ball game: text and photos by Anthony Davis

“Everyone takes their turn working the concessions every night during the ball season. It’s fun seeing the little kids come up and put their money on the counter.”

Seaman school district athletics, in part because of their close relationship with the district. Mike Stock, director of the basketball leagues, explains, “The parents from the school district were very instrumental in helping out in the construction of the ball field,” at NW 50th and Rochester, just north of Seaman High. “We primarily advertise in the Seaman School district, but certainly anyone that wanted to play, could.”

Buttercups & Daisies • 631 S Kansas Avenue 10-5 M-W/F, 10-8 Th, 10-4 Sat • 785.235.2817 Kids are always playing with their food. Ditch the mess and bring one of these wooden toy food play sets to the table instead. Priced from $19.99 - $21.95, these sturdy toys will stand up to anything your junior chefs can dish out!

But just that playing requires a lot of effort by the Sunrise Optimist Club. They just had their 25th annual golf tournament, to fund the athletic programs.

“Because when they pay their $25 to play baseball and basketball, it doesn’t cover near everything,” explains Karen Ireland, president of the club.

The club also has to maintain the fields and facilities, and staff the concession stand.

“It’s just fun, and everybody takes their turn working the concessions every night during the ball season. It’s fun seeing the little kids come up and putting their money on the counter and saying, ‘what can I get for this?’

It’s been fun doing that.”

Wolfe’s Camera Shops, Inc. • 635 S Kansas Ave. 8-5:30 M-W | R, F, S, 8-8 • 785.235.1386 • wolfs.com Looking for ways to inject a little discovery into your child’s life? A Tasco telescope and microscope set will have your little scientist looking at the world in a whole new way, and the reduced price of $29.95 will probably earn some double-takes as well. While supplies last.

Environmental

Parenting

cloth logic

by Dennis Etzel Jr p h o t o s b y M e g a n R o g e r s + D e n n i s E t z e l Jr.

W

hen people see that my wife and I use cloth diapers, they often assume itís because of our environmentalism. We recycle, compost, use our own bags at the store, use glass bowls with lids instead of plastic bags, et cetera, et cetera. However, I’m quick to respond that we use cloth because we save a lot of money.

According to the Diaper Decisions’ website estimates, you’ll pay $381 for prefolds (I’ll get to the explanation of what those are) and covers versus $2,577.35 for disposables over around a four-year period. This does not take into account that you can use the cloth diapers again when new children come into your life. Even with the costs of detergent, water, and electricity it is still less expensive than buying disposables week after week. Plus, with cloth diapers, there are no landfill deposits.

“Mothering Magazine,” in their May-June 2010 issue, estimated that if a baby has five diaper changes a day over 34 months, it equals 5,000 disposable diapers going into a landfill. If a cloth fitted diaper is used 150 times, you will only need 34 diapers over those 34 months. After that, one can shout handrags, right?!

Our favorite online site for buying diapers has been TinyTush.com, but there are endless sites to choose from. One can even regularly find great diapers on Craig’s List. Many sites will sell “seconds,” which are products with a minor cosmetic defect, even snaps or seams. Most of our covers are seconds and cost us around five dollars each. Or, with basic sewing skills and a few thrift store flannel sheets, you can make your own diapers pretty easily. XYZ TOPEKA There are a few terms and “equipment” one should know about if getting into cloth diapers.

Flats:

Prefolds:

Contours:

A fancy word for the cloth diaper, from generations ago. It is folded into a size that fits baby.

The new basic cloth diaperómaterial folded over and sewn together, with the middle thicker than the sides. Most prefolds are 4x6x4 or 4x8x4, these numbers refer to the number of layers of cloth in each portion of the diaper. You can find these in Target or Wal-Mart, but these will usually be cotton over a polyester middle and are not as absorbent as the 100% cotton.

Diapers that are made with hourglass shape.

Snappis: No more safety pins! Snappis are T-shaped in plastic with small teeth on the end. After you place the cloth diaper on, this holds it in place.

Your family could save over $2,500 in four years by switching your disposable diapers to prefolds.

Covers:

One Size Fits All:

Diaper sprayer:

Waterproof covers go over the diaper, often held by Velcro for easy diaper placement maneuvering.

Pocket Diapers: Cotton is sewn to the cover with room inside to place more cotton inserts for absorption.

Can be for fitted or pocket diapers, often with many snaps on the outside to size the diaper to whatever stage baby is in. These do not require covers.

These are for those for whom the “wash and rinse” routine just doesn’t cut it and run about $45 and are attached to the toilet plumbing. photo by Dennis Etzel Jr.

Mommy Daddy Evan Sage poems by Eric McHenry woodcuts by Nicholas Garland

E

ric McHenry’s new book of poetry Mommy Daddy Evan Sage is written for both children and adults to treasure. I had the pleasure of listening to a few of them a couple of years ago, so I thought I would ask Eric to tell me about how this project began:

Eric: About four years ago I started keeping a blog because of all the funny things my son was saying. We were living in Seattle at the time, and I wanted both to preserve the hilarity and to make it available to members of our family who didn’t live close by. I started transcribing my conversations with him two or three times a week (and, eventually, uploading some photos as well), and it became a hit with relatives and friends. When Sage started talking, the blog became about her too. At some point I heard Richard Wilbur read from his children’s book The Disappearing Alphabet -- all these brilliant short poems that are just extraordinarily funny and that appeal to both adults and children. I decided I wanted to attempt something like that, and, since my kids are much funnier than I am, to use them for material. When I had a dozen or so poems, I showed them to Philip Hoy at Waywiser Press, who asked if I’d be interested in doing a whole book of them and gave them to his friend Nicholas Garland, the editorial cartoonist for the Daily Telegraph, who began illustrating them with woodcuts.

Look for the Facebook page for his new book and purchase Mommy Daddy Evan Sage on Amazon.

introduction by Dennis Etzel Jr.

“I think there ought to be a guy,” said Evan, “with one X-ray eye, and extra fingers, who can swallow top-secret files because he’s hollow, except that he contains a motor that turns a helicopter rotor that’s where his shoulder blade should be, and who speaks Dolphin, and who’s me.”

“Rats!” said Sage, whose magic marker refused to color any darker.

“Uh-oh. I think I hear them comin’,” I said. “Be careful what you summon.

Rats are responsive. If you call too loudly you might get them all.

Are you prepared to deal with that?”

She scratched her head. “I guess not. Rat.”

“Do you still love me when you’re mad?”

“Of course!” I told Sage. “I’m your dad.

So when you fuss or make a mess, it doesn’t make me love you less.”

She said that made her feel much better, and wiped her nose on my new sweater.

“The N is missing from the end of my first name! I’ve been de-N’d!” said Eva. “And don’t call me that!

Eva’s a girl’s name,” he spat.

“Calm down. You’ll get it back again.

Nobody steals the letter N,” I said. He stomped off in a rage.

“What’s he so mad about?” said Snage.

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[ entertainment ]

for the hipster parents

by Cale Herreman

p h o t o c o u r t e s y D i s n e y. c o m

C

hildren of the 70’s and 80’s are the Muppet Generation. Those fuzzy puppets haven’t ever gone away, but they don’t have the kind of cultural hegemony they enjoyed back then.

Aside from Elmo, that is. Enter Disney, the Muppets’ corporate parent, which is never shy about opportunities to make money. It herded some hipsters into a recording studio, and suddenly I’m listening to Weezer’s version of “Rainbow Connection.”

Oh yes, nostalgia does indeed sell. We learned these songs from a bunch of puppets at a tender age, and they stay with us.

This album is a little uneven, with a few dull songs and one pointlessly amped-up one, but the musicians add something of their own to the songs, and sound like they had fun making them. “Movin’ Right Along,” from The Muppet Movie, puts Alkaline Trio’s vocalists in the parts of Kermit and Fozzie Bear, which would have to be a dream come true for someone.

On the whole, I liked this. My kids, though, having little connection to these songs, were mostly indifferent to it. A friend showed her kids the video of OK Go performing the theme song (“This… Is… What… We… CALL… THE… MUP… PET… SHOOOOOOWWWWWW!!!!!”) and, um, they did not find it as fun as I had. There were tears.

This one is for the parents, more than anyone. Not that the kids need to be shielded from the more rocking numbers, or from their parents’ nostalgia being foisted upon them, but these versions of the songs will just stand on their own for them. They won’t feel the resonance of “Bein’ Green” from Andrew Bird’s well-done version like we did from Kermit the Frog sitting on a wall. Thing is, it’s still a great song, puppet or no. XYZ TOPEKA

Give it a listen: muppetsmusic.com Make a big splash with your next event call 783-8883 blueplanetcafeevents@gmail.com

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xyztopeka.com XYZ

embrace it Your kids just might think Queen rocks.

Music the whole family can dig.

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

p h o t o c o u r t e s y Q u e e n Wo r l d . c o m

I

am the proud mother of a forty-year old ex-hipster living in a ten-year old’s body.

This fluffy-haired, prepubescent, one-of-a-kind gem, has his walls adorned with the regular, age-appropriate balls and bat decals, accompanied with 3-D framed prints of the Fab Four walking across Abbey Road. I once had a teacher write on a report card that he “is an old soul. Such a pleasure!”

My turn came in the staff wheel to write this CD review, and while my decade-bearing child would have gladly shared his top fifteen picks in his complete collection of Beatles albums, only after I “caught” him checking out old music videos on YouTube, was the obvious choice - Queen - Greatest Hits I. Odd choice for a parent-preteen-tot household jam, you say? Start with track number 1 in the iconic “We Will Rock You” and work your way down to the last track on this 17-song horse of an album , “I Want to Break Free”, and your head and feet will ache from the constant nodding and tapping to the classic rock riffs and unexpected crescendos.

Embrace the competiveness of the songs “You’ve got mud on your face, you big disgrace”, the acceptance of all body-types “Fatbottomed girls, you make the rockin’ world go round” and the simplicity of “I want to ride my bicycle, ride my bike”.

The only complaint is the clearly noticeable absence of “Under Pressure” and “Bohemian Rhapsody”, but those can easily be located in commercials for fitness water and episodes of Glee.

Grab this selection and amp up your daunting Saturday afternoon housecleaning. Just remember to have your children return their guitars, ehem, I mean, brooms to the closet when finished. XYZ TOPEKA

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cheer it up 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

by Leah Sewell • photos by Colin MacMillan / Nathan Ham Photography

There are few moments in life presenting an occurrence which would cause you to rise to your feet, jump high in the air, throw your arms skyward and exclaim loudly and joyously. Unless you’re a cheerleader.

And a cheerleader would do it with better - nearly impeccable - form.

T

he life of a young cheerleader isn’t as freewheeling and joyous as one might imagine. There’s a lot of grueling work that goes into making that joyous leap appear so ecstatic and aesthetically beautiful in its own way. At Capital Area Gymnastics Emporium (C.A.G.E.) in South Topeka, troupes of girls ages two and a half to sixteen get schooled in the full-body depiction of joy and spirit, and although the resulting routines may look carefree, there’s a back story to each jump and thrust of the arm that begins in a word that their instructor, Kelly Taylor, seems to speak with a capital D: “Discipline.”

Left to right: Jenna Wilson, Kilian Cox, Katie Higgins and their cheer coach, Kelly Taylor, with Madison Jacques at top.

“Cheernastics” classes for little ones are mostly just fun, but also teach team work and self-confidence.

“I think a lot of people think of cheerleading like, ‘You’re going to look cute in a skirt,’ but it’s an intensely physical activity,” says Taylor. “It’s beyond a workout. There are a lot of hits and a lot of kicks. You have to learn how to push your body to the limit.”

Cheerleaders of a higher skill level can become involved in All-Star Cheer at C.A.G.E.. A typical class begins with stretching, basic motions, practice jumps and stunt techniques, moving on to build routines for competitive cheer. These squads can ultimately go on to compete against other All-Star squads throughout the state, and sometimes out of state. According to Taylor, All-Star is in a different league than school sports cheerleading.

“A lot of school cheer is basic chants,” she says. “We do a routine that consists of music and stunts. We take stunting a little more to the extreme.”

But the competition isn’t heavy; Taylor says that the main goal is to challenge the girls to help them develop discipline and confidence.

“Our goal in our All-Star program is to help the kids develop not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. The program itself teaches athletes the importance of sportsmanship, goal setting, motivation and - most importantly - teamwork.”

Cheer is a team sport because every person involved in a routine works together to create the final product.

“While working side by side, the athletes must learn to put faith and trust in each other. By doing so, the team becomes just like family,” says Taylor. continued on the next page >> XYZ xyztopeka.com

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But for the little ones - the kids ages 2/12 - 5, the “cheernastics” class at C.A.G.E. isn’t about competition and doesn’t present too much of a workout for the little bodies. It’s really just about basic moves, jumping and tumbling around and having fun.

But it’s also a great way to teach young children about teamwork and working together as a group, and, Taylor suggests, it builds self-confidence.

“Cheernastics is a fun age,” she says. “But it is still a group activity. And any time young kids can get out in front of a group of people to perform, it helps increase self-esteem.”

Jenna Wilson does a back flip at C.A.G.E. Gymnastics

Any of the upper-level classes at C.A.G.E. require a tumbling component, because the sport has become so competitive. So for kids who are interested in pursuing cheer for a longer run, it makes sense to begin with or incorporate tumbling into their instruction.

“Our biggest competition is ourselves,” says Taylor. “If they go out and compete against 50 other squads and they do ten times better than they did in the gym, they’ve already won.” XYZ TOPEKA

get jumping! a few local places to consider if your child is interested in AllStar cheer.

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xyztopeka.com XYZ

CAGE GYMNASTICS TNT DANCE & CHEER 2925 SW 37th St Topeka, KS 66614 785.266.4151 cagegymnastics.com enrollment for Winter begins Sept. 26

TOP CITY ATHLETICS 5005 SW Topeka Blvd Topeka, KS 66609 785.862.1617 topcityathletics.com

COPELAND GYMNASTICS/ EAGLE ALL-STAR CHEER 5331 SW 22nd Pl, Ste 78 Topeka, KS 66614 785.273.8545 copelandgymnastics.com

cool kid’s room

by L e a h S e wel l • photos by Lydi a B ar n har t

vintage sweet cool kids Isaac age 7

Flora age 4

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

Tula

Everything about the Billen home shouts, “sweet.” Enter the rooms of Isaac, 7, Flora, 4 and the ham of the group, Tula, 11-months, and you are taken back to a sweeter time.

11 mo’s

Baby Tula’s crib is a retro and re-finished model that treasure-hunter and patriarch, Daniel, found and had to have to match the feel of the room, as everything is inspired by an era in tune with the age of the house (the 30’s and 40’s). >> continued on the next page

>> continued from the previous page

From the small collection of leather-bound, A-Conan Doyle books to the toy chest that was salvaged from a neighbor’s trash and spruced-up, Tula’s room is just like her smile - simply enchanting.

Climb a small staircase and you’ll find yourself in awe of the enticing space of Issac and Flora. With their individual spaces perfectly matched with their unique personalities, Flora’s piece de resistance is in her kitchen and cabinets, inherited from a great-grandma, barely reflecting the wear from multiple generations of play.

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Glance across the room to find Isaac’s red, sports car bed, nothing like the newer and cheaper models of today, but reflecting a refurbished gleam of an unbelievable internet find.

The bed, however, is easily outdone by an original, antique foosball table at the center of the room. For just $15 at a glorified flea market, Daniel knew the classic table must be his. With a quick replacement of one wooden dowel and a base found at the Habitat restore, the Billens were in business.

From the original artwork by dad and artist, Daniel, with the skateboard decks acting as an interesting crown molding, to the small nuances for each child’s separate space, this upstairs level is packed with hidden gems.

Just ask Isaac who points adoringly to a print hanging in the reading nook, that he and his dad located in an adventurous navigation of the crawl space above the garage one afternoon. This is not just the room of two cool kids, but an explorer’s paradise and a true treasure box. XYZ TOPEKA

XYZ xyztopeka.com

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the money crunch how to stretch your dollar and still be a good parent. b y L a r i s s a K e l l e r, A n t h o n y D a v i s a n d R e g i n a B u d d e n

P

hrases like “debt crisis,” “recession,” “housing crash” and the like can raise the blood pressure of any American. But for parents in particular, the current dismal economic times are extra stressful. Families tend to spend more on groceries and mortgages, and can

suffer the burden of additional bills due to childcare and education costs. Sitting down with your partner to budget out the family income can be a good step in the right direction toward making the finance aspect of your life run smoothly during rough economic times. But we wondered, what else can be done to save money and plow through the recession?

What follows are a few good ideas to help pinch the pennies in your household. XYZ TOPEKA

seek assistance.

Residence Assistance Home Buyer Assistance Program (1st Time Homebuyers) www.topeka.org/hnd/HomeBuyerAssistanceProgram 234.0217 x 317 TOTO - Topeka Opportunity To Own www.hcci-ks.org/TOTO Rental and Ownership Property locator www.socialserve.com - select Kansas, then Shawnee County.

Cedar Crest, Governor’s Mansion- Fishing in streams and the pond, hiking, and big fields for playing frisbee.

The mansion is open to the public on Mondays from 1-3:30 pm

Financial Assistance + Education Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. www.hcci.org | 234.0217

Library-Free game nights for both kids and adults, fun educational activities for both kids and their parents www.tscpl.org

Child Care ERC Resource & Referral (Childcare Locator Service) www.ercrefer.org | 357.5171

Mulvane Art Museum and Art Lab - The art lab offers every kind of medium for families to make art with, and the exhibits at the museum are always changing. www.washburn.edu/mulvane/index.html

Stretching Your Dollar Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Budget construction supplies) 2907ASW Topeka Boulevard Goodwill Industries International, Inc. 5515 SW 21st Street, Suite | 228.9774 Salvation Army Thrift Store 2905 SW Topeka Boulevard | 266.3806 Garage and estate sales www.cjonline.com/classifieds

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do free stuff.

xyztopeka.com XYZ

Hill’s Bark Park at Gage Park - Offers both a small and large dog area, and the dogs are fun to watch even if you don’t have a dog yourself. The park provides water and toys for the dogs and their owners to use Iwig Dairy - The dairy is very welcoming to families walking around the farm, seeing the calves, and watching the bottling process. Contact Iwig at 379-9514 to find out when they are doing the bottling visit topekaparents.com/free-things and xyztopeka.com/ tackle-top-city for more on free events and attractions for Topeka families. sewing illustration by Amanda Reynolds > photo by Colin MacMillan / Nathan Ham

do it yourself.

Being a good parent on a budget can sometimes seem like a whole career by itself. But picking up a few of these skills on the side can help shrink your monthly expenses and still provide for your family.

1. Sewing Next time those jeans wear through at the knee, skip the trip to the mall and reach for a needle.

2. Carpentry From a homemade tree house to a set of shelves in the corner closet, doing some carpentry yourself can really minimize your costs and make for a memorable project.

3. Couponing Enough said. Also consider using your reward cards.

4. Home repair Granted, sometimes DIY home repair projects can do more harm than good. But generally, a quick online search and some elbow grease can save at least $50.

5. Gardening Aside from saving on groceries, growing your own vegetables and spices can encourage you to try new recipes, and also helps out with number six.

6. Cooking Especially if you live inside the city limits, it’s way too easy to grab a burger or pizza for dinner. Learning to make your own meals (no, the five-minutes-in-the-microwave TV dinner doesn’t count) can be much cheaper and healthier.

7. Doctoring

photo by Dennis Etzel Jr.

Obviously we’re not talking brain surgery here, but taking some classes through the Red Cross and knowing the difference between a head cut and a major concussion can save you a trip or two to the emergency room.

8. Photography Taking a few basic lessons can really pay off when you consider the cost of professional portraits, and it’s much easier to scrapbook when you own the rights to the proofs. Plus, your kid is way more likely to give you a cheeky grin than a stranger with a camera.

9. Be your own bookkeeper Budget budget budget. You hear it all the time, but keeping your bills and paperwork organized is an essential part of making frugal finances work.

10. Be creative Whether this means learning to make leftovers exciting, or turning your hobby into a minor supplemental income, the bottom line is that your own creativity is the best tool to customize money saving habits to your life.

[ recipes ]

milk those last days of grill season grilled catfish + tomatoes recipe + photos by Josh Rouse

If you’ve ever wondered how to get kids to eat their fish, this recipe might just work for you. It’s healthy, delicious and easy to cook over the grill. For a complete meal, grill it with some corn on the cob and maybe throw in a nice salad.

Ingredients: Catfish fillets Sliced tomatoes Aluminum foil Mrs. Dash Original Blend Seasoning

Preparation:

Share your favorite meal ideas or shopping tips with us at xyztopeka@gmail.com.

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Take three catfish fillets and put them on a large piece of aluminum foil. This piece of aluminum foil should be large enough to fold over the fillets. Cover both sides of the fillets in Mrs. Dash Original Blend Seasoning, then take a few medium sized tomatoes and slice them into fourths. Put the tomato slices on top on the fillets. I also put a couple under them. Fold the aluminum foil over the top of the fish, trying to keep it as flat as possible on both sides. If you’re using a charcoal grill, expect it to take about 45 minutes to get the fish grilled evenly. I usually flip it three to four times during that time. The end result will look similar to chicken marinara, as the tomatoes will deflate when cooked, but it is a delicious dish.

wake up with blueberries do-ahead breakfast recipe + photos by Rio Cervantes-Reed

This is a fun easy breakfast recipe that kids of almost any age can help with. Make it a nighttime activity before you put them to bed, and they’ll have sweet dreams of the delicious breakfast awaiting them the next morning!

Serves up to four hearty servings.

Ingredients: Half a loaf of French bread One 8 oz. block of cream cheese (low fat neufchatel is fine) Five large eggs or 6 medium 1/2 cup of milk (soy or dairy) 16 oz. fresh blueberries (frozen is fine if out of season) Butter (for greasing casserole dish) 1/2 cup honey or agave nectar Sugar Cinnamon Vanilla extract

Preparation: Butter a 9x9 baking dish (at least 2 inches deep).

Cut the French bread into approximately one inch cubes. Toss into a large mixing bowl. In a separate medium bowl, crack the eggs, add 1/2 cup of honey or agave nectar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and one tablespoon of vanilla extract. Mix well.

Cut the cream cheese into small cubes (tip: putting the cream cheese in the freezer for half hour prior will make it easier to cut). Measure out half of the blueberries. Put the remaining blueberries in a small bowl with one tablespoon of sugar or agave nectar, toss, and refrigerate.

With a silicone spatula toss the cream cheese and blueberries with the cubed bread in the large bowl.

Pour the egg mixture over it and toss well, coating the bread.

Put the whole mix into the buttered baking dish and cover with foil.

In the morning preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Put the foil covered dish in the oven for 35 minutes.

Remove foil and put back in oven for 15 minutes, browning the top.

Spoon the finished casserole onto plates and garnish with the reserved sweetened blueberries.

Feel free to garnish with banana slices and whipped cream to make it really special!

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fall farmer’s market [ everything for Topeka families ]

by

What to It’s like a slumber party where purchase this the juice is flowing and it’s Rio Cervantes-Reed Fall. Farmers raining M&M’s. 24-7.

Farmers Markets present a great opportunity for children to help pick out fruits and vegetables that they’ll hopefully be interested in eating. Checking out what is in season is a great way to add variety your family’s meals and snacks. Take this list with you on your check out to our blog action! next Farmers Market visit to get the best of what’s in season throughout the Fall in Kansas.

XYZ TOPEKA

• blogger ApplesChelle Food • Basil other Decker lives+the life fresh herbs organic, but still eats • pretty Beets dang good.

• Read Broccoli up on how • to raise Brussels sprouts a health• conscious Cabbage kid and • to Carrots how do so in the • tastiest Cauliflower of ways.

• •

Gooseberries Grapes

• • • • • • • • •

Green beans Kale Leeks Lettuce (head + leaf) Lima beans Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon) Mushrooms Mustard greens Nectarines

Markets open until mid Janice November.

Watkins

gets herself into a lot of literally situations in • sticky Spinach mommyhood.

But • Sprouts she’s ready to confess • Sweet corn her shortcomings, • to Sweet potatoes just go easy on her • Swiss chard in the comments.

• Tomatoes

• Okra • Onions • Parsnips • Peanuts • Pears • Peppers • Pumpkins • Turnips • Raspberries • Winter squashand The Editor’s dilemma with a perplexed Leah Sewell • Radishes a slew of surprise stories that will leave you awfully smug • you’re Rutabagas that raising your kids in Topeka. Go, you!

• Soybeans

+

Visit these markets in Topeka: web-only features Go there! You won’t regret • Monday Market at the Topeka Co.do Public Library, 1515 SW 10th St. + family news andShawnee what to www.xyztopeka.com 7:30 am - 11:30 am through October 10 • Capital Midweek Farmers Market, 10th & Jackson, Wednesdays, 9:00 am- 1:00 pm through October 12 • Downtown Farmers Market, 12th & Harrison, Saturdays, 7:30 am - 12:00 pm through November 19

it.

XYZ DIRECT SUBSCRIBERS received a special suMMEr aCtivitiEs guidE chock-full of fun and Source:Receive K-State Research andof Extension, Buying Guide forby Kansas-Grown Freshfor Fruits and Vegetables, authored unique things to do this summer. a copy our special guide signing up a subscription today.by Mary Meck Higgins, human nutrition specialist andChuck Marr, horticulture specialist (retired).

If you subscribe by May 1, we will send you a summer guide and a copy of the current issue.

xYz

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For just $80 a year, your business will receive up to 30 copies of XYZ each issue.

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XYZ IS A MUST FOR EVERY HIP TOPEKA FAMILY! Our quarterly magazine is dedicated to covering the best arts, entertainment, local flavor and community events for Topeka’s pintsized residents and their parents. From farms to finger painting, XYZ’s goal is to give local families a big high five and to provide a resource for families to discuss their favorite spots for Topeka children.

XyZ: EvErything For toPEka FaMiliEs

space Nola, 10, gets a that screams “Mine!”

days + activities for snow the zoo ice skating...at

<<

Send a check to PO Box 750491 for $20 and get a full year of XYZ delivered to your home. *** Also makes a great gift! We’ll let the recipient know who is thinking of them every issue by printing “from XYZ” on the envelope. ***

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Use your Smartphone and a QR reader like “Scanlife” and sign up for a year subscription to XYZ today!

Ways to Use Your Library for School Success

1 Sign up for the Fall Reading Program at www.tscpl.org/fallreading.

2 Schedule study time at the Homework Center 3 Get help with homework early 4 Use our online resources 5 Check our other educational programs

1515 SW 10th Avenue | Topeka, KS 66604-1374 | 785 580-4400 | M–F 9 am –9 pm | S at 9 am –6 pm | S un 12 pm –9 pm | www.tscpl.org XYZ xyztopeka.com

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IMAGINATION

Fall 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

Hogwash by Karma Wilson (ages 3–6) The Farmer has decided it’s time the farm animals had a bath. Most of the animals line up for their turn, but the hogs just aren’t giving up their mud. Can they convince the farmer to let them be?

Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen (ages 3– 8) One day, a lion walked into the library. Everyone was afraid of him, and the lion didn’t know the library rules. He came back every day to listen to story time – and even helped the librarians. But will they let him stay even if he sometimes breaks a rule?

I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll (ages 3– 8) What if the monster under your bed went on vacation? This happens to one little boy who can’t sleep without his monster. After auditioning other monsters, the boy finds that only his monster will do.

Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys

by Bob Raczka. (ages 7–12) Haikus are Japanese poems of three lines with a set number of syllables for each line. Raczka uses these poems to explore the seasons of a year through the high jinks of boys. Puddlejumping and kite-flying are some of the fun in this lively little book.

Mummy Secrets Uncovered

by Ron Knapp (ages 7–12) From the Bizarre Science series comes this fact book about mummies. How did they get that way? Where do they come from?

How old are they? Find the answers to these questions and more in this engaging selection.

Holes by Louis Sachar (ages 9–14) Stanley has two choices: jail or Camp Green Lake. Choosing camp, Stanley digs holes every day in the Texas heat. He’s told that this will reform him, but Stanley learns that he and the camp’s other residents aren’t just digging; they’re looking for something in all that dirt.

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.

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool (ages 9–14) Kansan and Newberry-winner Vanderpool tells the tale of Abilene, whose father sends her to a small, dusty Kansas town to live during the summer of 1936. Through letters she finds and a cast of quirky characters, she finds out about her father’s history and discovers a place for herself.

Amulet, Book 1: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi (ages 9–14) After losing her father, Emily and her family move to an old family house in the country.

On their first night, her mother disappears while investing a mysterious noise. Emily and her brother, Navin, must find their mother with the help of some unlikely people – and creatures!

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher (ages 13–18) Sarah Byrnes, badly burned in an accident, has built an emotional wall to protect herself from ridicule. Eric Calhoune loves to eat Oreos and Twinkies and now has a weight problem. These two outcasts connect, and their friendship is tested in ways they can’t imagine.

The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier (ages 13-18) Jerry is a freshman quarterback refusing to sell chocolate bars for a school fundraiser. Sound boring? Not at all. Jerry faces threats from the Vigils, a gang who terrorizes the school’s faculty and students, and Brother Leon, the ambitious and scheming headmaster.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

by Sherman Alexie (ages 13–18) Junior lives on the Spokane Indian reservation but decides to attend an all-white school in the neighboring town. As the only Native American, he is viewed as an outcast at his new school and a traitor to his people. Still, Junior takes on his new life and finds strength within himself.

It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living, edited by Dan Savage and Terry Miller (ages 14–18) Growing up is hard. Being bullied makes it even harder. Based on the popular YouTube videos, this collection of essays and testimonials by celebrities, politicians and regular folks tells LGBT teens that bullying does not define them and life is worth living to see it get better.

There are 6 little differences between these two photos. Can you tell what they are?

by Colin MacMillan / Nathan Ham Photography

keen eye

IMAGINATION

Answer key at xyztopeka.com

IMAGINATION

assemblage portraits 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, 9 , Wi l l o w, 3 , a n d 9 - m o n t h - o l d O l i v e .

OK, to start with this project is completely stolen. But then, aren’t most art projects? This one is stolen from: a. My friend Jessica McLaughlin. She has GREAT ideas, used to be a Topekan, and doesn’t mind sharing. b. A guy named Giuseppe Arcimboldo that lived in the 1500’s. He did lots of traditional-conservative paintings, but no one remembers those. What people remember now are his crazy-surreal paintings where he uses fruits and veggies to create portraits. c. An illustrator from Israel named Hanoch Piven. He does portraits using random objects which he then photographs and uses for all kinds of things. He has some great kids books, my favorite is The Scary Show of Mo and Jo.

For this project we used: -scrap wood -paint brush -watered down paint (watercolor, acrylic, or tempra paint are great) -two small nails for hanging devise -wire -strong glue (we used the same glue you’d use for a mosaic) -a stick to glue with -computer parts -door hinges -random plastic tubing -nuts and bolts -yarn (I collected most of these random items at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore on 29th and Topeka Blvd. They have great stuff for cheap. You could also use things you have around the house, dry beans, rubber bands, paper clips, food packaging, etc.)

I have now done this project with kids ages 3-18. Nice, huh?

1. Prepare the board by putting a hanging device on the back using two small nails and a piece of wire. Help your young artist remember which side is up after this step!

2. Paint the board with the watered down paint. Just one color! I like the paint to show the wood grain… but you don’t have to water down your paint. You also don’t have to use a board. You could glue objects to a grocery sack, the inside of a cereal box, a piece of card stock… you get the idea.

3. Play! Arrange and rearrange objects on the board. Is it a self-portrait? Is it your brother? Is it Einstein? Can you make the face look angry? Happy?

Confused? When you are happy with the expression, the shape and size of the eyes, the nose… glue! A popsicle stick or a strip of chipboard help to keep the glue neat.

4. Let glue dry for 24 hours before hanging your masterpiece!

A special thanks to our artists from Summer Adventures at Topeka Collegiate and the High Schoolers at Royal Valley.

XYZ TOPEKA

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

Contact Bailey Marable at baykivo@gmail.com

IMAGINATION

what’s the story? kids can be authors, too!

Imagine the story that goes with this illustration and write it out. Email your story to xyztopeka@gmail.com and you could see it in our next issue or on our website: xyztopeka.com

art by Justin Marable • justinmarable.com

heard + noted My granddaughter, Carlan (2 yrs), was sitting on the couch holding her dog's tail.

Her dad called her to come into another room. She then turned to the person sitting on the couch next to her, handed them the tail, and said:"Here, hold this!"

--submitted by Cathy Brennan (6): I'm hungry. Do you have anything to eat?

Me: No, I don't have anything.

Brennan: You would if I were a zombie.

--submitted by Boone (A conversation at dinner) Me to my husband: Jeff said that the company hadn't made a decision yet.

Sophia (4 years): Who's Jeff? Me: My boss.

Sophia: Well, what's he bossy about?

--submitted by Melissa

what Topeka kids are saying

I shared with my 10-year-old daughter, Phoebe, the news that due to extreme heat, the Gage Park minitrain and carousel would be closing down early each day. Her response?

"That's a good idea, because otherwise the train driver would be a french fry! And once a potato becomes a french fry you can't turn it back into a potato!" I have no idea where she got that, but I fist bumped her for her awesomeness nonetheless.

--submitted by Michelle Bea (age 3): "London Bridge is falling, ouch! Falling, ouch! Falling, ouch!"

--submitted by Cale

My five-year-old, Bebe, came home upset because some kids laughed at the octopus she had in her show-andshare bag that she took to her school.

Trying to make her feel better her big brother, Finn (7) said, "It's okay, Bebe. People laugh at Daddy all the time."

--submitted by Shannon My 4- year-old grand-daughter, just warming up to my friend, looked up at her and said, " I started as a seed in my daddy's tummy."

--submitted by Linda 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