WFM December 2010 by Wichita Family

THE LATEST NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM OUR PARTNERS AT WICHITA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Family WICHITA

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WichitaFamily.com  DECEMBER 2010

Pay it Forward This Holiday Season No matter the size of the project or the age of the volunteer, giving back over the holiday season impacts Wichita families in need

LIGHTS ON THE LAKE An illuminating tradition that creates memories with those you love and gives hopes to hundreds of children with special needs

INSIDE: Check out our December Calendar of Events

FACT OR FICTION?

Board Game Challenge Many a kid has spent hours playing board games. How much do you know about board games? Take this quiz and find out.

What Rhymes with…

1) Gramma Nut and King Kandy are from Chutes and Ladders. Fact or Fiction?

2) Butterflies and spare ribs can be found in Operation. Fact or Fiction? 3) The object of Connect Four is to get four pieces of the same color in a row first. Fact or Fiction? 4) Players must twist their bodies all around in Battleship. Fact or Fiction?

5) Hungry Hungry Hippos has five hippos. Fact or Fiction?

3. 6. 9.

8) The object of Monopoly is to gain property while keeping cash reserves low. Fact or Fiction?

9) Mr. Mouth is a frog. Fact or Fiction?

10) Colonel Mustard and Miss Scarlet are from Boggle. Fact or Fiction?

10.

Some answers: care, chair, dare, fare, glare, hair, pair, rare, scare, tear

Name That Toymaker Many companies all over the world make toys. How familiar are you with toymakers? Fill in the blanks to name that toymaker.

M A __ __ E L

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H A __ __ __ O

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Answers: 1) Mattel, 2) Hasbro, 3) Playmobil, 4) Lego, 5) Bandai, 6) LeapFrog, 7) Radio Flyer

Color Kids Happy Almost every household with young kids has a box of crayons. The first crayons, however, were a lot different than those of today. Made of charcoal and oil, they broke easily and were hard to use. They were also toxic! In the early 1900s, cousins Edwin Binney and C. Harold Smith created their own version of crayons. Made of wax and pigments, the crayons were stronger and safer. Binney’s wife, Alice, named the crayons “crayolas,” and the first box of eight was sold for a nickel in 1903. Binney and Smith’s crayons were a hit, and today, over five billion in 120 colors are made every year. That’s a lot of crayons for a lot of coloring.

Jokes and Riddles Q: What’s red and white and gives toys to good little fish?

Q: Why did the doll act so silly on Christmas? A: She was wound up.

7) Players roll dice to move around the board in Sorry. Fact or Fiction?

A: Sandy Claus.

Answers: 1) Fiction, the characters are from Candy Land, 2) Fact, 3) Fact, 4) Fiction, they must twist all around in Twister, 5) Fiction, there are only four, 6) Fact, 7) Fiction, they draw cards t o move, 8) Fiction, the object is to gain property and money, 9) Fact, 10) Fiction, the characters are from Clue

List 10 words that rhyme with “bear.”

6) Simon has four buttons. Fact or Fiction?

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PA THIS HO Y IT FORWAR D LIDAY SE ASON No matte r the size projec of voluntee t or the age the of the holid r, giving back the over ay Wichita season impa cts familie s in need .

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LIGHTS O AN ILLUM N THE LA INATIN KE CREAT G TRA ES LOVE AN MEMORIES WI DITION THAT TH THOS D GIV E YO OF CHILD ES HOPES TO HUNDRED U REN WI TH SPE S CIAL NE EDS.

INSIDE: Chec Decembk out our er Ca of Even lendar ts

Lights On the LAke

An illuminating tradition that creates memories with those you love and gives hopes to hundreds of children with special needs

PAGE 10

inside

7 8 12

mUSIC MATTERS Christmas means plenty of music

FOCUS ON FOSTER CARE During this holiday season, consider the process of foster care and adoption

PAY IT FORWARD No matter the size of the project or the age of the volunteer, giving back over the holiday season impacts Wichita families in need.

4 Wichita Family | DECEMBER 2010

CALENDAR OF EVENTS page 20 ALSO: WICHITA PUBLIC SCHOOLS.......16 LEARNING TOGETHER.................18 CLASSIFIED ADS............................19

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1 result found: Wichita, Kansas While the kids splash at the Rock River Rapids water park, the older generation can stroll through the themed gardens at Botanica. Or head to Bradley Fair and enjoy Autumn & Art, a ďŹ ne arts festival featuring artists from across the nation, Sept. 17-19, 2010. Wichita has the unique mix of attractions to make everyone happy at your next family reunion. All at Midwestern prices. Go Wichita will assist with hotel selection and ďŹ nd the source for customized T-shirts and banners. For a free family reunion planner checklist, contact Adrienn Massaglia, amassaglia@gowichita.com or 316.265.2800.

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Family WICHITA

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editor’s note

Publisher: For the Families, LLC 316.295.8465 Publishers Eric and Christy Clark Editor Jessica Lindsey Advertising Sales & Marketing Bruce Behymer Linda Bell Advertising inquiries contact: 316.295.8465 or sales@wichitafamily.com Wichita Family Magazine is published 12 times a year by For the Families, LLC. Wichita Family Magazine is available free, at schools, stores, restaurants, libraries, retailers and local attractions, as well as other places families frequent. For a complete list of where to find Wichita Family, or for subscription rates, visit www.wichitafamily.com. Mailing address: P.O. Box 817 Wichita, Kansas 67201 How to reach us: Phone: 316.295.8465 Email: publisher@wichitafamily.com Copyright 2009 by For the Families, LLC. All rights reserved. Wichita Family Magazine is not responsible for errors, omissions or contest fulfillment from third parties. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission is strictly prohibited. Wichita Family is distributed free of charge. The magazine’s advertisers make this possible, so support them! We reserve the right to edit submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication, but we reserve the right to refuse material. Materials will not be returned. Any editorial content or advertising published is the property of For the Families, LLC.

6 Wichita Family | DECEMBER 2010

Do you ever get so wrapped up and busy with everything going on around you that you fail to appreciate all the things that are taking place right under your nose? It seems like this time of year I always have to tell myself to slow down. And I always say, "Next year I'm going to commit to less, to relax and enjoy the season more with my family." Well, I'm saying that again this year. It's been a crazy couple of months and I'm just hoping the new year brings with it a new, much slower pace around here! We have some great things this month in Wichita Family Magazine. Wichita Family contributor Erika Marie has put together a story that helps local families find ways to give back during the holiday season. Many of us are experiencing hard times so showing our kids how to serve others is a way to not only help those in need, but also give our children perspective on what is really important. Check out this story to find a list of great local ways for your own family to give back this year. Many of these needs are around throughout the year, it's only during the holidays that they get the extra exposure. Maybe a good New Year's Resolution would be to commit to giving back in a charitable way as a family at times throughout the year, not only at Christmas. One ongoing need is the hundreds of local children who are in need of forever families through adoption. This month we're giving you a glimpse into just a few of those kids' lives and talking with Youthville about the adoption need in our community. JL

www.WichitaFamily.com

Music Mat t ers

by Lori Supinie

President , Senseney Music, Inc.

Christmas means plenty of music

hristmastime is here! The best part of the season has to be Christmas music. While the hustle and bustle can often overwhelm us, holiday music can inspire, lighten our mood, and even calm us. It’s hard to imagine the season without it. Christmas music is virtually everywhere and I consider that a great thing. There’s no other season of the year with such a breadth and depth of musical offerings. Whether you’re a classical music lover, a country music fan, a classic rocker, you name it – there’s a ton of Christmas music to suit your tastes, and then some! While you can listen to your choices on CD’s, your iPod, or the radio, the best way to enjoy holiday music is at a live performance and there are so many to choose from in Wichita and the surrounding area. Consider, first of all, your local schools! Most of them are busy preparing holiday concerts – choir, band, and orchestra either separately or combined. The students work hard and witnessing their talents and energy can be pretty inspiring in itself. Check your school’s website for choices and information. Local churches, as well, often present special Christmas programs and cantatas meant to inspire spiritual reflection. There are also local community groups to hear as well. The Wichita Choral Society will be presenting its 65th performance of Handel’s Messiah, at 2:00 p.m. on December 5th at the 1st United Methodist Church in downtown Wichita. You can’t get more glorious www.WichitaFamily.com

than this classic favorite. The Wichita Community Children’s Choir is also performing it’s Winter Concerts on December 10th at 7:30 p.m. at the 1st Baptist Church of Wichita; and December 12th at 4:00 p.m., also at the 1st United Methodist Church in Wichita. Think “angelic voices”: that describes this award-winning group.

Presbyterian Church. Both concerts are free.

Our own Senseney Music Community Band will perform two holiday concerts, as well. On December 9th at 7:00 p.m. the band will perform at the Scottish Rite Auditorium at Topeka and 1st Street in Wichita and again on December 12th at Covenant

This is but a very small sampling of the many possible opportunities to hear live holiday music here in Wichita. Check the local newspaper for more. These events will be sure to put the “Merry” in Christmas for you and your family!

Even the professional musicians of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra get into the act with a free Holiday Concert at Century II on December 7th at 7:30 p.m. This Wichita favorite features an audience sing-along to help fill you with the Christmas Spirit!

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Wichita Family | DECEMBER 2010

Focus on Foster care

A family

on my Christmas list by Jessica Lindsey

hris has been in foster care for nearly three years. He is very happy with his foster care family and is grateful for all they've done for him. But he's 16 years old and has four little sisters in foster care spread between three houses in the area. “It's been a lot harder than most people think,” said Chris. “The first night you sleep somewhere, you wake up and you think it's just a dream. Then you realize it's not.” During the holiday season, many area families take the extra time to focus on family and even make it a priority to donate time and money to other local families who are struggling in one way or another.

8 Wichita Family | DECEMBER 2010

One group of children in need that can often be overlooked or just forgotten about are the hundreds of children in foster care who are awaiting adoption in the Wichita area. “There are over 300 kids awaiting adoption in Sedgwick County right now,” said Shelley Duncan, CEO of Youthville, one of the largest nonprofit, child welfare agencies in Kansas. In Kansas overall, there are more than 850 children awaiting adoption, according to Youthville statistics. These children are in the foster care system as a result of abuse, neglect and/or abandonment and are waiting www.WichitaFamily.com

for the right people to become their forever family. Youthville is hoping to raise awareness about the number of children in need who are waiting and the agency is prepared to train, teach and support adults who are ready to take the step towards adoption.

Waiting, but not waiting together One of the things Chris misses most about being together with his siblings is the chance to create memories like the time when the lights went out due to a storm. “We were all just talking and I started playing random tunes on the guitar then the lights turned back on and everyone was sound asleep,” said Chris. “It was the best time I ever had. We realized we were closer than we ever expected.” Chris is protective of his younger sisters— Elicia, Kayla, Tina and Tiffani—and though they admit they argue sometimes and don’t always get along, they all wish they could be adopted together. Ranging in age from 16 down to 9, the siblings are currently spread between three separate foster care homes. The average age of a child awaiting adoption in Kansas is eight years old and many of them would love to be adopted alongside biological siblings.

Chris and his siblings have been in foster care for nearly three years and while each of them expressed gratitude for their foster parents, they missed being together as a family. “The thing I miss most about being together as a whole is we all have fun together no matter what,” said Kayla. Kayla, 13, lives with Chris and loves the foster home she is currently in, is happy in school but misses seeing her other siblings on a daily basis. Tina, 11, and Tiffani, 9, live together in another foster home and 14-year-old Elicia lives in another home. “I’m just really hoping to see us get adopted together,” said Elicia. “I really don’t want to be separated any longer. It’s been almost three years.” The siblings were excited to get together and spend the day talking and just hanging out over Thanksgiving break. “The hardest past is that you kind of forget about what’s going on with each other,” said Elicia.

Finding forever families Caring foster families like the ones taking care of Chris, Elicia, Kayla, Tina and Tiffani and all the other children in

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need are priceless. They’ve opened their homes and made the kids feel safe and they’re providing a stable home while a forever family is found. “We are raising awareness about the need for families to adopt all of these other children,” said Duncan when talking about the dozens of children who did find forever families in the past year. “Most people don’t even have an inkling that we have this need.” Youthville has an entire department that does recruiting for foster care and adoptive parents. Informational classes are held weekly and support staff are available for questions throughout the process. “Foster care does require a commitment, training courses, licensing standards,” said Duncan. “Kids safety is our No. 1 priority.” The adoption process itself is relatively easy, said Duncan. Youthville staff members walk families through each step from training to signing official adoption papers. To find out information on becoming a foster parent or an adoptive parent, visit http://www.youthville.org or call 1-800- 593-1950 and talk with someone at the agency. For more real stories of foster care and adoption experiences, visit www.youthvillestory.org.

Best For Family 2011 Readers’ Choice Survey. Results will be published in the February 2011 issue of Wichita Family Magazine. Submit this ballot by November 17, 2010.

HUNDREDS VOTED FOR THE “BEST FOR FAMILY” BUSINESSES IN WICHITA! Thanks for your input! at wichitafamily.com

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Wichita Family | DECEMBER 2010

Lights on the Lake An illuminating tradition that creates memories with those you love and gives hopes to hundreds of children with special needs.

he traditions you create and carry on with your friends and family make the holidays an extra special time of the year. Remember when you were growing up, what a thrill it was to bundle up in your hat, scarf and mittens, pile in the car with your family and drive around your neighborhood delighting in all of the holiday lights? Heartspring continues that tradition with Lights on the Lake, creating a holiday light spectacular for all ages to enjoy. Since Lights on the Lake opened as a Drive Thru in 2005, tens of thousands of light enthusiasts have marveled at the 37-acres of displays, and selflessly donated to help children with special needs served by Heartspring. In addition to the Drive Thru, which features hundreds of thousands of lights, over 70 displays, 100 candy canes that stand 10 feet tall, and their signature 45 foot tree of lights

10 Wichita Family | DECEMBER 2010

overlooking the Heartspring Lake, visitors are encouraged to stop by the Lights on the Lake Hospitality Center where they can get some holiday treats, warm drinks and have their photo taken with Santa for a $5 donation. You can also honor the special people in your life by purchasing a special candy cane pinup card at the Hospitality Center or go online at www.lightsonthelake.org to send an eCard. By being a part of Lights on the Lake you not only create holiday memories with those you love, you give the gift of hope to hundreds of children with special needs. Your donation to Heartspring provides necessary therapies to children through the Financial Assistance Program. Children like five-year-old Christian. According to Christian’s parents, Marilea and Dave, the journey with Christian has been tough. Because he looks like typical five-year-old, it has been a challenge to try to explain to others

why he doesn’t act like typical fiveyear-old. Diagnosed with global developmental delays, Christian receives physical, occupational and speech therapies at Heartspring. “(Christian’s therapists) have partnered up with us in order to help us raise our son,” said Marilea. “Heartspring www.WichitaFamily.com

INFORMATION ABOUT LIGHTS ON THE LAKE: Drive Thru November 25 – December 12, Thursday – Sunday 6-10 pm December 16 – 25, every day 6-10 pm Hospitality Center/Photos with Santa Open with the Drive Thru Closed December 24-25 www.lightsonthelake.org has been the one place we could always rely on to give Christian what he needed to constantly be working towards being a better little boy.” Marilea and Dave have one simple goal for Christian and that is for him to know that he is loved.

Having Christian has taught his family an important lesson. “He has taught us what really counts in life; to laugh with deep belly laughs, love more, stress less and continue learning how to help those we love the very best we can,” said Marilea.

Last year, Heartspring provided close to $210,000 in discounted therapies and scholarships as a result of events like Lights on the Lake to families who needed it the most.

“We never want him to feel inadequate for his disabilities,” Marilea said. “He has been made special and we really hope in the end he understands and believes that.” When Christian’s dad was laid off, his parents needed help in order to keep Christian in therapy. The Heartspring Financial Assistance Program enabled him to do just that. “Every time Christian reaches a goal or does something he has been working so hard to do for weeks or months, I shed a tear as his mom know how hard those accomplishments are for him, but I also shed a tear wishing those that give to Heartspring understood the impact they have on the rest of his life,” said Marilea. “Heartspring has been the foundation for him. I can’t imagine how much he would have regressed not having this place to come for help.”

www.WichitaFamily.com

Wichita Family | DECEMBER 2010

No matter the size of the project or the age of the volunteer, giving back over the holiday season impacts Wichita families in need.

by Erika Marie

he holiday season is a perfect time for families to come together to give to those in need.

Wichita is full of opportunities for families and individuals to offer their generosity and share their time and resources. Despite the tough economic times, generosity abounds in Wichita. Delane Butler, Vice President of Marketing for United Way of the Plains, says there are 393 nonprofits for the United Way of the Plains Volunteer Center to refer volunteers. 8,124 volunteers were referred out in 2009. There are 1,750 volunteer opportunities currently open. This year United Way has raised $15,050,755 from individuals and companies to benefit nonprofits in the community. Families can call the United Way 2-1-1 call center to find a volunteer program the whole family can participate in. “Volunteering,” says Butler, “helps

12 Wichita Family | DECEMBER 2010

others stay involved in their community and gives them and those they help an important sense of purpose and value.” A tradition that changes lives Even families who are struggling themselves or those with busy schedules and varying family dynamics can find ways to give back to others. Mary and Paul Rohleder and their family of four try to pick a different cause to contribute to every year as part of their Christmas activities. One of their favorite places to help is the St. Anthony Family Shelter. They cook an extra meal from time to time and bring it to the shelter. St. Anthony’s offers families a temporary place to live and eat while helping them get back on their feet and into a home of their own again. “I absolutely love when we can stay and serve the food to the families,” says Mary Rohleder. “This gives me

and the kids a chance to see the families who are staying there face to face and visit with them and get to know them better. It’s been a great thing for our family. It’s helped the kids really appreciate their family and the home we share together.” Jolene and David Mainzer and their three children helped organize a special toy drive in their neighborhood and at their church and children’s school. The toys will be taken to the Catholic Charities Christmas Sharing program that invites pre-qualified families to come and shop for toys, books, clothes, food and other essential items for no cost. For the Mainzer family, a simple idea turned into something big and the toy drive is now a family tradition that everyone enjoys working on together. Jolene says it has given their children a deeper gratitude for what they already have and a better perspective on what they truly need. www.WichitaFamily.com

There are many simple ways families can give back and show their thanks and appreciation for those who serve the community. Rachel Ormiston and her family make holiday treats and bring them to their neighborhood firefighters and emergency workers. This year, they plan on doing the same for some of the staff at one of the Wichita hospitals. Giving back to the community is something everyone in the family can get involved in. Families can share extra non-perishable food items for the “Stuff the Bus” program or even donate a new or gently-used pair of shoes to Inter-Faith Ministries Operation Holiday shoe drive. They could collect new or gently used coats for a local coat drive or even start one of their own. Below are a few ideas for other Holiday sharing programs and charities families can participate in this year.

Catholic Charities Christmas Sharing Program Dec. 6- 13 316.268.8344 www.catholiccharitieswichita.org. The Christmas Sharing program is a collection of winter outerwear, nonperishable food items and toys and stocking stuffers for children birth to age 17. Donation drop-off is through Dec. 8 at 532 N. Broadway and Dec. 9-11 at 3639 Comotara Street, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Volunteers are needed for set up, gift wrapping, distribution to families, and clean-up. Catholic Charities provides critical services to those in need. Their programs aim to provide food and financial assistance to families and individuals in need, keep families together, prevent homelessness, offer assistance to seniors and disabled adults, reunite immigrant and refugee www.WichitaFamily.com

families, prevent domestic violence and provide adoption services and unplanned pregnancy counseling.

Stuff the Bus Catholic Charities Harbor House and YWCA Women’s Crisis Center Nov. 30 – Dec. 4 A collection of new toys, non-perishable food, personal grooming products and other useful household goods for the Catholic Charities Harbor House and YWCA Women’s Crisis Center. For a list of locations and a schedule of bus stops, visit www.b98fm.com.

Harbor House Shelter PO Box 3759, Wichita, KS 67201. 316.263.6000 or 866.899.5522,http://www. catholiccharitieswichita.org/index. php/services/harbor-house/ Harbor House is an outreach and prevention service for victims of

domestic violence whose mission is to help break the cycle of violence against women and their children by providing them a safe place to stay and support services, like counseling, education and referrals to community resources. Through outreach advocacy services, staff counsel and guide victims of abuse through the judicial and SRS systems. Harbor House welcomes volunteers and donations.

YWCA Women’s Crisis Center 1111 N. St. Francis, Wichita, KS 67214, 316.267.SAFE, http://www. ywcaofwichita.org The crisis center provides shelter, advocacy, and supportive services for women and children fleeing violent homes. The YWCA shelter houses hundreds of women and children every year and provides safe/confidential housing, basic needs, advocacy, crisis and supportive counseling, domestic violence education, parenting, support

Toyland To

Recom Recommended for chidlren ages 2-8. Performed at Wichita Children’s Theatre and Dance Center, 201 Lulu Wichi Seating is on the ﬂoor around the actors. Seatin z Dec. 8 11:30 z D z Dec. 9 10 & 1:45 z D z Dec. 10 10 & 11:30, 6:15 (Pizza and PJ show) z Dec. 11 11:30 z Dec. 18 10 & 11:30

Performed at The Wichita Center for the Arts, 9112 E. Central Rec. for children ages 5 and up. z Dec. 13 10a.m. & 1 p.m. z Dec. 14 10 & 1 z Dec. 15 10 & 1 z Dec. 17 10 & 1 & 7 z Dec. 18 1 & 3 z Dec. 19 2 p.m. Performed at The Wichita Center for the Arts, 9112 E. Central Rec. for children ages 10 and up. z Dec. 16 10 & 1 z Dec. 19 4:30

*Individual tickets are $5.50 each. Discounts for 10 or more. School groups welcome. For lunch or dinner performances, regular admission tickets are $7.00 per person (includes pizza and beverage). Call 262-2282 for reservations.

Wichita Family | DECEMBER 2010

groups, agency referrals, and a children’s program. A 24-Hour hotline available every day of the year.

Operation Holiday by Interfaith Ministries December 9 – 11 Distribution 829 North Market, Wichita, Ks 67214-3519, Phone 316.264.930, http://www.ifmnet.org Interfaith Ministries Operation Holiday assists thousands of low-income individuals, families and children needing food and other assistance during the holidays. It is a volunteerbased program that serves over 13,000 people per year. Various volunteer and donation opportunities are available. Interfaith Ministries provides emergency shelter for the homeless, permanent affordable housing with case managers for the formerly homeless and disabled and a free after-school mentoring and activities for kids in poverty. For more information call LaVeta, Operation Holiday Coordinator, or Jane, Volunteer Coordinator, at 316-2649303.

“No Room at the Inn” St. Anthony Family Shelter’s 256 Ohio Street, Wichita, KS 67214. 316.264.7233. http://www. catholiccharitieswichita.org/index. php/services/saint-anthony-familyshelter The “No Room at the Inn” program at St. Mary School Gym in Derby is a display of over 350 nativity scenes and items. The event is free to the public and free-will donations will be accepted to benefit Catholic Charities St. Anthony Family Shelter. Tour the display on Saturday Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a raffle for a nativity set on Sunday at 3 p.m. The Angels for all Seasons program also benefits the families of St. Anthony Family Shelter

14 Wichita Family | DECEMBER 2010

with a purchase of Carole Ranney’s Angel of Serenity. The shelter provides a clean, safe place where families can stay together, eat together and play together while parents receive training and counseling to help get them back on their feet. In addition to the basic necessities, families at the shelter receive three meals a day plus snacks, toiletries, medical services and referrals, instruction in parenting skills, drug and alcohol counseling classes, screenings and referrals, case management, and follow-up services if they so choose.

Wichita Children’s Home 810 North Holyoke Street, Wichita, KS 67208-3099, 316.684.6581, http://wch.org

and happy. Whether those problems involve how to stay near and support a hospitalized child, or how to afford staying together in another city while a child is undergoing treatment, they help families address these problems and provide solutions for these and other issues related to the health and well being of children. The two Ronald McDonald houses in Wichita, Sleepy Hollow by Wesley Medical Center and Midtown by Via Christi Regional Medical Center - St. Francis campus, offer families a temporary place to stay or wait for little or sometimes no cost while their child receives extended or long-term care in the hospital.

Guadalupe Clinic 940 S. St. Francis, 316.264.8974 and Guadalupe Clinic-Holy Savior The Wichita Children’s Home offers the 1406 N. Erie 316.682.0588, http:// only emergency, temporary residential www.guadalupeclinic.com shelter for children in our community. The Home is open 24/7 and serves children from birth to 22 years of age. The Wichita Children’s Home provides the Street Outreach Services (SOS). This program focuses on helping runaway and homeless children. The Home also offers BRIDGES, a program providing housing, counseling and education for 16 to 22 year olds. The Home provides a safety zone for infants and toddlers in our Foster Care program. The Wichita Children’s Home encourages families to come and volunteer together at the home during the holiday season and throughout the year. They are in need of greeters and gift sorters Dec. 13 – Dec. 24 and gift wrappers on Thursday Dec. 23 at 10 a.m.

Ronald McDonald House Charities 1110 N Emporia, 316.269.4420, or 520 N Rutan, 316.687.2000, http:// www.rmhcwichita.org The Ronald McDonald House Charities provides families stability and resources so they can keep their child healthy

The clinic provides primary medical care to thousands of people a year who don’t have medical insurance. Services offered to all patients include physician visits, health screening and education, pregnancy tests, nutrition counseling, assistance with prescription medications and medical equipment, physical therapy, emergency food/ clothing and infant formula and diapers. The clinic relies solely on donations and on their 250-plus medical and other volunteers from the community to provide these services as well as other specialty care through their network of volunteers.

Jam the Trailer Kansas Food Bank 1919 E. Douglas, Wichita, Kansas 67211, 316.265.4421, http://www. kansasfoodbank.org Kansas Food Bank and Alef’s Harley Davidson is asking for help this 2010 holiday season to “JAM the TRAILER” in their food drive. Participants can help feed the hungry with a $20 www.WichitaFamily.com

food or monetary donation and be entered for a chance to win a Harley Davidson Rocker C Motorcycle. Donations can be taken in December to these locations: Saturday, Dec 4, 11 am to 3 pm, WalMart at 5475 N. Meridian, Sunday, Dec. 5, 12 to 4 pm, Homeland 201 N. Main, Haysville, Friday, Dec. 10, 3:30 pm, WalMart at 6110 W. Kellogg and Saturday, Dec. 18th, 3:00 p.m. The Kansas Food Bank provides comprehensive and compassionate hunger-relief whenever and wherever it is needed to safeguard the health, well-being and productivity of food for Kansas families and their children, as well as senior citizens, the homeless and the chronically ill and otherwise impoverished. Monetary and food donations are needed as well as volunteers.

The Lord’s Diner 520 North Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214, 316.266.4966, http:// catholicdioceseofwichita.org/thelords-diner/the-lords-diner-home

The Lord’s Diner is a soup kitchen operated by the community, for the community and sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Wichita. They provide a no-questions-asked evening meal seven days a week 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. all year long for individuals and families. The diner relies on the work of volunteer groups, churches, individuals and organizations. There are also several monetary donation programs opportunities. Also, a purchase of one of the Lord’s Diner’s Christmas books, Santa’s Stray and Santa’s Stray in All is Bright by Polly Basore, for the suggested $5 donation can provide warm meals for those in need during this holiday season.

United Way of the Plains 245 N. Water, Wichita, KS 67202, To find help or volunteer: Dial 2-1-1 (toll free across Kansas) www. unitedwayplains.org

the community together to organize resources to meet community needs. The United Way Volunteer Center supports volunteerism in Sedgwick county and surrounding counties by recruiting volunteers, coordinating group projects, organizing youth involvement, and providing agency training. United Way also regularly conducts research to determine what the community’s greatest needs are and what services are available to address those needs and helps raise funds each year to support programs at local nonprofits. United Way operates a 2-1-1 call center that connects people to nonprofit and government human services in Kansas. Check out the “Holiday Volunteer Connection” for a comprehensive listing of special volunteer opportunities available this holiday season.

United Way of the Plains is a local, volunteer-driven organization that brings

Success begins at an early age (316) 267-KIDS(5437) Early Intervention Services

Call for a free consultation about your child’s development. www.WichitaFamily.com

Wichita Family | DECEMBER 2010

District celebrates groundbreaking for new northeast K-8 and high school groups of three, representing elementary, middle and high schools. Every student carried a bag of dirt from the K-8 site and passed off a folded Wichita Public Schools flag. They all arrived at the high school site during the ceremony. The students presented the Wichita Public Schools flag to Superintendent Allison. The students then deposited the dirt into a trench representing the K-8 school.

Photo caption for K-8 groundbreaking: From left, Bond Issue Oversight Committee member Sarah Olson, Board of Education member Lynn Rogers, K-8 architect Bill Livingston, GMLV Architecture, Assistant Superintendents Alicia Thompson and Kathy Busch and Chief Operating Officer Martin Libhart break ground on the new northeast K-8 school.

he Wichita Public Schools celebrated the start of construction for two new schools in the northeast area of the district in the city of Bel Aire. The two schools are being built as part of the $370 million bond issue. A groundbreaking ceremony for a new K-8 school and high school was held on October 26at the site of the new high school, just east of 53rd Street North and Rock Road. “The new schools will help us address

16 Wichita Family | DECEMBER 2010

not only some of the overcrowding that we have in some of our schools, but also positions us for the future because of the potential area growth in this part of the city,” Superintendent John Allison said. To connect the two schools together, during the ceremony, students ran a relay from the site of the new K-8 school, located at 53rd Street North and Woodlawn, down 53rd Street to the new high school site. The students ran in

Board of Education members, district representatives, the architects for both schools and guests dug dirt in two separate trenches for the groundbreaking ceremony, one representing the K-8 and one for the high school. The schools will be completed and ready for students in the fall of 2012. Boundaries for the new schools will be determined during the 2011-2012 school year. The Wichita Public Schools will host public meetings in the fall of 2011 to allow parents and community members to provide feedback. Assistant Superintendent of High Schools Denise Wren said that she will engage students district-wide to select the mascot and school colors for the new high school.

www.WichitaFamily.com

Stucky Middle School bond addition to begin soon Construction will soon start for Stucky Middle School’s bond issue project. Stucky will receive a new 7,708 square foot addition that includes two regular classrooms, two science classrooms and rest rooms. The new addition will be designed as a FEMA storm shelter. Folger and Associates is the architect on the project. Caro Construction was the lowest responsible bidder. The total construction amount is $1,317,500,

which is $107,500 under budget. Construction will start later in August and is scheduled to be substantially complete by August 2011. Installation of 8-lane all-weather tracks at Stucky Middle School is currently underway. The track is scheduled to be complete in fall 2010. Athletic upgrades are under a separate contract and schedule as part of the bond issue.

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Wichita Public Schools

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Wichita Family | DECEMBER 2010 17

LEARNING TOGETHER

by Jenae Crowley | www.icanteachmychild.com

Creating an “I Spy” bottle

hether you make an “I Spy” bottle as a gift or to take along on a road trip, your child is sure to be entertained! Not only is this activity loads of fun…it is also great practice for visual discrimination and language development. And your child can help make one as well, making this a great gift for friends and young relatives. Here’s what you’ll need: an empty and completely dry water bottle, fine sand, a funnel, glitter, various trinkets and craft supplies that will fit through the hole of the bottle, a hot glue gun, a scrap piece of fabric, and an index card. 1. Using the funnel, let your little one help pour the sand about halfway up the bottle. 2. Pour glitter in the funnel. 3. Put your trinkets in. You can use beads, pom-poms, screws, nuts, bolts, craft supplies, numbers cut out from foam sheets, etc. Let you and your child’s creativity be your guide!

18 Wichita Family | DECEMBER 2010

4. After your items are placed inside, fill the water bottle up about 2/3 full with fine sand or rice. 5. 5. Put the cap on and tape around it. If you have a child who is very persistent in your house like I do at mine...hot glue a piece of scrap fabric over the cap. 6. Tie a ribbon onto the cap of the bottle. 7. Make a “contents list” to tie or tape onto the bottle. This way your little one can try to find each of the items on the list. That’s it! Give this to your child on a long trip and challenge him/her to find ALL of the items on the list.

Jenae is a wife, mother of two boys, ages 2 ½ and 1 year, and former first-grade teacher. She loves spending time with her family and sharing fun and educational activities for young children on her website www.icanteachmychild.com.

Success

begins at an early age Call for a free consultation about your child’s development. (316) 267-KIDS(5437). Early Intervention Services

RainbowsUnited.org

www.WichitaFamily.com www.WichitaFamily.com

Wichita Family Classified Section Childcare Directory Kids Day Inn---a quality Christian Mom’s Day Out program at Westlink Christian Church 2001 N. Maize Road, Wichita 722-1034 x121. Based on the “Bee” Attitudes Classes for 2& 3 year olds Monday, Thursday OR Friday.

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Kidslink Christian Preschool at Westlink Christian Church, 2001 N. Maize Road, Wichita. Excellence in Early Childhood Education from a Christian Perspective. Developmentally appropriate 1/2 day sessions for 3, 4, and 5 year-olds. Character Building, Christian Values, Qualified Staff, Safe Loving Environment. Enroll for the 2010-2011 school year. For more information call us at 722-1034

Midwest Classified Network READER NOTICE: This publication will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. If you have questions or doubts about any ads on these pages, we advise that before responding or sending money ahead of time, you check with the local Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Line and/or Better Business Bureau. Also be advised that some phone numbers published in these ads may require an extra charge. This publication cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences that occur as a result of you doing business with these advertisers. WANT TO ADVERTISE TO THE MIDWEST? Place your classified ads in the Midwest Classified Network anytime online at www.midwestfreeclassifieds. com(MCN) HELP WANTED! Make $1000 a Week mailing brochures from home! Guaranteed Income! FREE Supplies! No experience required. Start Immediately! www.homemailerprogram.net (VOID IN SD) (MCN) LAND LIQUIDATION: 20 Acres $0 Down, $99/ mo. ONLY $12,900. Near Growing El Paso, Texas, Guaranteed Owner Financing, NO CREDIT CHECKS! Money Back Guarantee. Free Map/ Pictures. 800-755-8953 www.sunsetranches.com (MCN)

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Wichita Family | DECEMBER 2010

CALENDAR OF EVENTS l DECEMBER 2010 Meridian. Sedgwick County Zoo Pajama Party; 6:30 p.m. Breakfast with Santa; 9:00 a.m. at Old Cowtown Museum. Festival of Trees; Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center through Dec 5.

Dec 1 Lights on St. Paul; a benefit for programs for local residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities, at the Arc of Sedgwick County, 2919 W. 2nd St. - Enter Douglas and St. Paul, Wichita, KS 67203; Dec. 1 through Dec. 27: Sun-Thu 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5:30 - 10:00 p.m.; Christmas Eve 5:30 - 11:55 p.m. 316.943.3292 http://www.arc-sedgwickcounty. org. Free, donations accepted. Stuff the Bus Catholic Charities Harbor House & YWCA Women’s Crisis Center Nov. 30 – Dec 4. Tower of Toys Salvation Army Benefit @ Exploration Place through Dec. 13. Winter Wednesdays Discounted Admission Days @ the Sedgwick County Zoo through Feb. 23. Family Storytime @ Westlink Library. Miniature Christmas Trees; by artisan and collector, Sylvia Jackson – Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum now through Dec. 31. 20 Wichita Family | DECEMBER 2010

Dec 2 Lights on the Lake; Now – Dec. 25. A spectacular light tour to benefit children with special needs on the Heartspring campus; 8700 East 29th Street North, www. heartspring.org.

Dec 5 Jam the Trailer Kansas Food Bank; 12 – 4 pm, Homeland 201 N Main Haysville. Arise! Let your Light Shine! – A Spiritual Gala at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Hall.

Botanica Home School Program. Toddle Time @ Rockwell Library. Winter Crafts; 7 p.m. Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian.

Dec 7 The Spirit of Christmas Free Family Holiday Concert; 7 p.m. at Century II Convention Hall.

Friends University Candlelight Christmas Concert; 7:30 p.m. through Dec 4 at Friends University Sebits Auditorium.

Art Start - Wichita Art Museum. Exploration place Grandma’s Closet Workshop; Tuesdays and Saturdays @ 11:15.

Dec 3 First Friday Music Crawl; 6:00 p.m. Wichita Botanica Gardens Illuminations – Dec 4. Let’s Make Merry: A Victorian Christmas and Dinner through Dec 4, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Old Cowtown Museum.

Dec 8 Kansas Children’s Service League’s Red Stocking Breakfast; December 8, 6:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., at Carlos O’Kelly’s Mexican Café on 7703 East Douglas to benefit KCSL’s Wichita-area child abuse prevention and education programs. 1.877.530.5275, https://www.kcsl.org

Dec 4 Jam the Trailer Kansas Food Bank; 11 am – 3 pm, WalMart at 5475 N

“A Night with Santa” - Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center, 225 W. Douglas. www.WichitaFamily.com

WICHITA FAMILIES ON THE MOVE | December Calendar of Events Dec 9 Operation Holiday by Interfaith Ministries; Distribution December 9 – 11. Dec 10 Jam the Trailer Kansas Food Bank; 3:30 pm, WalMart at 6110 W Kellogg. Wichita Botanica Gardens Illuminations – Dec 11. Let’s Make Merry: A Victorian Christmas and Dinner at Cowtown.

Dec 17 Wichita Botanica Gardens Illuminations – Dec 18. Holiday Skating Show – Wichita Ice Center Rent – High School Version; Music Theatre for Young People Dec 18 Family ArtVenture, Holiday Piano Music, Visit with Santa Claus Wichita Art Museum. Dec 21 Art Start - Wichita Art Museum.

Dec 11 “No Room at the Inn”; St. Anthony Family Shelter’s at St. Mary School Gym in Derby. Saturday Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sun Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Nutcracker at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center through Dec. 12.

Exploration Place Family Holiday Workshops Mini Gingerbread Houses. Dec 22 Exploration Place Family Holiday Workshops Presents for our Fuzzy Friends.

Dec 13 Wichita Children’s Home greeters and gift sorters needed; Dec. 13 – Dec. 24.

Dec 23 Wichita Children’s Home gift wrappers needed at 10 a.m. Exploration Place Family Holiday Workshops Snow and Ice Tree Treasures.

Dec 14 Botanica Garden Sprouts - Botanica Wichita Gardens. Art Start - Wichita Art Museum.

Dec 25 Merry Christmas!

Cirque Dreams Illuminations; Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center through Dec. 16. Dec 16 Spaghetti with Santa at Wichita Botanica Gardens 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. www.WichitaFamily.com

Dec 28 Sedgwick County Zoo Tot Tuesday; The Gifts They Give 10:30 a.m. Exploration Place Family Holiday Workshops Feathered Feeding Frenzy. Winter Carnival games and activities with prizes for children

aged 3-11.Drop in anytime between 2:30 and 4 p.m. at Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th, 688.9361. Life-Sized Candy Land Game; Move along the Candy Land board game yourself and find the missing King Kandy, ages 6 and up, 2:30 p.m., at Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas. Winter Movie Marathon; Enjoy winter-themed movies for ages 4 and up at Central Library, 223 S. Main. Dec 29 Bored? Games for All! 2:30 p.m., at Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, 337-9456 Exploration Place Family Holiday Workshops It’s Snowing Pinecones! Dec 30 Snowed In snow stories, activities and a snow craft for ages 3-8 at Central Library, 2:30 p.m., 223 S. Main. Exploration Place Family Holiday Workshops Kaleidoscope Shakers. Dec 31 New Year’s Eve.

For our on-going calendar of events visit our website at WichitaFamily.com Wichita Family | DECEMBER 2010

22 Wichita Family | NOVEMBER 2010

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