WFM December 2011

family Wichita

DECEMBER 2011

Holiday Product Picks Great Holiday Stocking stuffers and Gifts foryour children

Giving a gift that gives back Makethe holidays even more enjoyable by making a difference in another person’s life

Families onthe move Looking for holiday events inthewichita area? check out our calendar of events

BEST FOR FAMILY

2012

submityour ballot before January 1st details on Page 5

Connecting, Sharing, Learning & Playing

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family Wichita

family Cover photo provided by photographer Brittni Rhodes, Giggle This

Inside t his issue: Connecting: A closer look at this months Wichita Family Magazine

4 Sharing: Holiday Product picks

6 Learning: News and information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools

8 Giving a gift that gives back: Make the holidays even more enjoyable by making a difference in another person’s life

10 Wichita Families On the Move December Calendar of Events

12 Childcare/Classified Directory

13

www.WichitaFamily.com |

3

Connecting

family Wichita

family Publisher:

For the Families, LLC 316.295.8465 Publishers

Eric and Christy Clark Editor Jessica Lindsey Accounts Manager LeeAnna Davis

Somehow, once again, October and November are a blur all of a sudden it's December.

This month can become chaotic and challenging with all of the craziness of activities. I know in our house I practically have to schedule downtime. It's easy to get wrapped up in the chaos and forget to slow down and enjoy the season with our families.

In our house the holiday season is about celebrating the birth of Jesus and what that means to us. We give gifts and enjoy all the food, but we sometimes need to refocus and remember what we're really celebrating.

In this issue we share a list of some our favorite gifts for this season. We also provide a long list of ways for your family to give back time, money or gifts this season to people and organizations in need. While we tried to compile a list that includes a variety of places to donate, we know that there are many, many more options in Wichita and we encourage you to find the place that fits your family best.

Merry Christmas!

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LAINIE ARMSTRONG’S ORGANIZATION GIVES OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

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WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH GREGG MARSHALL AND HIS FAMILY SHARETHEIR STRATEGY FOR A STRONG FAMILY BOND

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4 | Wichita Family

Jessica Lindsey Editor-in-Chief jessica@wichitafamily.com

CORRECTION Gregg Marshall’s name was spelled incorrectly in our November issue and we listed his family as moving from North Carolina rather than South Carolina where Winthrop University is located. We printed the coach’s name as Greg while it should have been Gregg.

Also worth mentioning is the typo in the second paragraph under the section titled, “Taking over the Shockers.” The sentence should have read, “I knew that this program had everything necessary to achieve and maintain success,” said Marshall.

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 2011 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.

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THE LATEST NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM OUR PARTNERS AT WICHITA PUBLIC SCHOOLS News and information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools

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holiday

product picks Air Picks

Air Picks are a great choice for kids (age 6 and up) for a small, affordable gift ($11.99). It lets them rock out without the cost of instruments or lessons. “Air Picks contain guitar riffs of iconic rock songs that play with a simple flick of the pick- much like one would strum a guitar string,” describes an Air Picks representative. Air Picks can be purchased at major retailers, including Target.

American Girl Doll of the Year American Girl is a brand that never fails to impress. Whether it’s a doll that is made to look just like your little girl by customizing hair, eye color and accessories, or a doll straight from one of American Girl’s classic stories, the quality is unmatched.

This year American Girl introduced it’s 2011 Girl of the Year, Kanani. From American Girl, “Kanani loves to share the the aloha spirit of Hawaii with others. She is an 18-inch tall doll with wavy hair and brown eyes. Along with the doll—who arrives wearing a bright tropical dress, a faux hibiscus flower, a pretend kukui nut necklace, ruffled sandals and cotton underwear—comes the Aloha, Kanani paperback book, written by Lisa Yee.” American Girl products are available through the American Girl catalogue at www.americangirld.com or at any American Girl retail store.

Babycakes Cupcake Maker Do you have a girl that loves to bake?

The Babycakes Cupcake Maker is sure to please.

Bake eight mini cupcakes in about five minutes.

Included with the Cupcake Maker are four stainless steel decorating tips, a heavy-duty icing bag, coupler, recipe book and crustcutting and forming tools.

The Cupcake Maker is aimed at kids age 8 and older and can be purchased for about $50 at the DiscoveryStore.com.

Zazzle.Com Zazzle.Com is the place to go for the person (or kiddo) who has it all. Almost any product is customizable including seven different styles of Keds shoes, tote bags, necklaces and a wide range of apparel options for all ages.

It’s definitely worth checking out all the Zazzle has to offer. You’ll find things you didn’t even know you were looking for.

GuaveMits, GuavaKids Mittens Check out the adorable and functional GuavaKids Mittens for babies at GuavaKids.

Com. For about $12 for one pair or $20 for two pair (and FREE shipping) you can give the littlest people on your Christmas list the gift of warm hands and scratch-free cheeks.

Soft Peek-A-Boo Blocks These award-winning blocks are safe for even the youngest child and cost about $20. The squeezable blocks can be stacked, packed and tossed.

Visit BlueBoxToys.Com for more information.

6 | Wichita Family

Movie Fun DVDs are always a welcome gift by kids of all ages. Here are just a few of this season’s movies that Wichita Family Magazine readers have said they would love to receive.

The Original Christmas Classics Blu-Ray and DVD box sets of all of the favorite Christmas classics are a hit for all ages. Whether for a small child viewing Frosty the Snowman for the first time, or an adult reminiscing about watching the classics on television, this is a winner. Available wherever DVDs are sold for $44.99, the movies included are: Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town and Frosty Returns.

Nickelodeon Favorites: Merry Christmas!

Get in the holiday spirit with Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego Go!, The Wonder Pets!, B l u e ’ s Clues, Team Umizoomi and Ni Hao, Kai-lan. Available at all major retailers where DVDs are sold.

Thomas & Friends: Merry Christmas, Thomas!

Longtime classic Thomas & Friends has released a new holiday movie where viewers can join in festive fun as Thomas, Gordon, Percy and all of the engines enjoy the magical season. Ages 2 to 5 are the primary audience, runtime is 50 minutes. Available at www.ThomasAndFriends.

Com and major retailers for $14.98.

Veggie Tales Bob Lends a Helping Hand and Larry Learns to Listen, are two new titles to add to the collection of lesson-based Veggie Tales videos. Available wherever DVDs are sold (at a cost of about $10), these family-friendly movies are sure to become favorites in your home.

Wikki Stix

IcoSoKu Junior

Nano Blocks For the kid who loves to build, gift some affordable, challenging blocks. Nanoblocks boast the smallest blocks on the market and are full of detail. There are widerange of constructing sets for kids of all ages and the patented design locks pieces firmly together. Sets include between 150 and 500 pieces and are available at Toys ‘R’ Us. Check out more details at MyNanoBlock.Com.

For ages 5 to 10, IcoSoKu Junior is a math-based puzzle that will challenge and entertain.

The toy can be played just about anywhere, which makes it a great for holiday traveling.

The puzzle game encourages kids’ core math concepts while keeping them “unplugged” in the age of electronic toys.

Check out RecentToysUsa.Com to order this game as well as many other brain-teasing games for all ages.

Wikki Stix are a timeless way to keep kids entertained letting them be a part of decorating for the holidays or even practicing their letters and numbers. WikkiStix.

Com is the place to find out all about these fun, durable wax sticks. Form them, twist them, hang them up and keep little hands busy in the process.

Sticky Bellies Sticky Bellies are the perfect gift for someone expecting a baby in the coming year.

The maternity stickers are removable props to help photograph the milestones of pregnancy. The stickers are playfully colored and include 12 different stages: every 4 weeks until 30 weeks and then every 2 weeks until 40 weeks. Place the opaque, heavy-duty stickers on the belly for photo shoots documenting the baby’s growth. Also included is a, “Ready or not, here I come,” sticker for a last-minute picture before heading to the hospital. Visit StickyBellies.Com to order the stickers ($14.99) and view other products.

www.WichitaFamily.com |

7

LearningNews and information from our partners at

Wichita Public Schools

Cargill Cares donates $20,000 for health program

Wichita Public Schools to undergo boundary changes

T

he Wichita Public School district is currently undergoing a study to change school boundaries. These changes are prompted by the construction of six new schools made possible by the 2008 bond issue, expanded classroom capacity at others, as well as growth and changes in student residence patterns in our district. Five of the six new schools are scheduled to open in the fall of 2012.

Susan Pechanec, left, Cargill Cares Council, presents a check to support a new health education program at all elementary schools.

Accepting the check are McLean students Mark Smith and Melaysha Vaughn, Kansas Learning Center for Health Executive Director Brenda Sooter, center, and Wichita Public Schools health education teaching specialist Sandy Hysom.

S

even thousand first- and fourth-grade students across the district will receive enhancements to their health education programs with a $20,000 gift from Cargil Cares. The grant will support representatives from the Kansas Learning Center for Health to teach about the importance of good nutrition and having healthy bodies.

Cargill Cares gave the gift to the Kansas Learning Center for Health at a special ceremony at McLean Science and Technology Magnet on November 17.

“We want to educate students when they’re young and their bodies are still developing,” said Brenda Sooter, Executive Director of the Kansas Learning Center for Health.

“Without proper health education when they’re young, students are at risk for health problems later in life,” she added.

First-grade students will learn about what is inside their body and how their body works. The students will learn that they need to keep their body healthy so it can work properly. The fourth-grade students will learn how foods fuel their body and why they need to not eat many high-fat foods and sugary drinks. As part of the lessons, students are given materials to take home to encourage their parents to also make healthy decisions and food purchases.

The program will start in January.

8 | Wichita Family

With the addition of new schools, school boundaries will have to be changed and developed, along with creating a new high school feeder patterns. New boundaries will also consider crowding at schools that have exceeded their capacity. The Board of Education has to study the costs of opening the new schools in light of significant reductions in school funding. All of these factors will require the district to make changes to the bond issue plan.

There will be several scenarios that will be proposed before the final plans will be presented to the public. The Superintendent’s Boundary Focus Group will discuss different plans before the public forums in January. What is discussed by the group may not be the final plan, so it is important to stay informed throughout the process.

Stay informed. Up-to-date information is posted on the district Web site, www.boundary.usd259.org, or social media sites www.facebook.com/wichitapublicschools or Twitter: @ wichitausd259. Tehre will also be opportunities to comment on key questions and provide input through the district’s Web site.

Provide feedback: There will be four public forums in January to allow the community to provide feedback on proposed boundary change maps.

Times and locations to be announced later:

Wednesday, January 11, 2012 Thursday, January 12, 2012 Wednesday, January 18, 2012 Thursday, January 19, 2012

The BOE plans to have a decision on boundary changes by February 27, 2012.

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9

Giving a gift that gives back Make the holidays even more enjoyable by making a difference in another person’s life

I

n the hustle and bustle of the season, it can be easy to miss out on the chance to show our families how good it can feel to help others.

An important thing to remember and emphasize to children is that no matter the size of the gift, what matters is the heart of the giver. Teaching children to love others and be willing to give with a servant's heart will help them understand that the best feeling comes not when they receive the gift they've been begging for, but rather when they realize that they've made a positive difference in someone else's life. Actually, it's a life lesson that many adults still need to be reminded of, and it definitely isn't easy.

There are countless ways to serve others as a family both locally and on a larger level. These are only a few of the opportunities your family could choose to take part in during the holiday season.

We encourage you to jump on board with one of these or figure out another option that would fit your family's goal of giving to others this holiday season.

Many of these organizations post “wish lists” online or can easily provide one when requested.

Support the Arts Give a monetary donation in someone’s name, support a child who wants to participate in classes or donate items needed for day-to-day operation 10 | Wichita Family

by Jessica Lindsey and performances. There are many opportunities for children to sing, dance, act and learn the art of music and theatre in the Wichita area. Choose the organization that has influenced your family or friends. Christian Youth Theatre (www.cytwichita.org/wishlist) and Wichita Children’s Theatre and Dance Center (www.wctdc.com) are two non-profit groups in the area.

Charitable organizations United Way of the Plains is an organization that oversees the funding for a variety of groups in Wichita and surrounding areas. At www. unitedwayplains.org there is an option to search for ways to volunteer, and information of donating in other ways.

In addition to the website, United Way’s toll-free 2-1-1 phone line offers callers information of giving or receiving services year round.

Catholic Charities is the parent group to a large resource of services. Information on supporting Catholic Charities can be found at www.wkscatholiccharities.org where listings on the ways it is serving the community also are available.

Visit www.goodwill.org for it’s mission and ways to give back.

Inter-Faith Ministries is a group that offers many opportunities for families to give back during the holidays and the rest

of the year. Www.ifmnet.org provides information on the relief that the group offers, as well as ways to donate.

The Salvation Army is a well-known organization that supports families.

The Salvation Army and JCPenney offer the local Angel Tree program where families can choose a paper angel and purchase the requested gifts listed on it for a local family. Information on the Angel tree and all of the other opportunities are listed online at www. usc.salvationarmy.org.

The American Red Cross is another wellknown group that is always providing aid and receiving donations. Visit www. midwaykansas.redcross.org for the local chapter.

Give back to personal connections One way to give back in a personal way is to donate in some form to groups, schools or organizations that you and your family have used over the years.

Even if for a service you’ve paid for, consider donating toward a scholarship or donating supplies for other families who may be struggling to keep their children involved in the group.

Whether it be physical therapy services for a special-needs child, preschool classes, dance classes and speech therapy are just a few examples of services that are often cut from a family’s

budget when money gets tight.

Has your family or someone you know been impacted by adoption, foster care services, pregnancy crisis services, complimentary medical care, senior services or any number of other services?

Discuss with your family ways that they have been impacted over the past year or even over the past decade.

One way all of our families have been impacted is by those who serve in the military. Find information about Wichita’s Veteran’s Hospital, Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, at www. wichita.va.org.

Or consider giving to a local family who has a family member serving in the military. No matter what their financial status, families with a person serving in the military have a hole in their homes during the holidays. Maybe it isn’t anything more than a note of thanks, but it could make all the difference to a local family.

Give to schools Even schools in large districts such as Wichita, Andover, Maize and Goddard have needs on a smaller scale. Budget cuts, consolidations and school closings are nightly news now. Consider donating items that are needed at the school your child attends or at a school in your neighborhood even if your child doesn’t attend there.

Children in need The Wichita Children’s Home, www. wch.org, is Wichita’s oldest charitable institution.

Carpenter Place is a campus located in the heart of the city that provides residential treatment for girls in crisis.

Find out more about Carpenter Place at www.carpenterplace.org.

The Kansas Food Bank is the centralized source for distribution of food for people in need. The Kansas Food Bank has a variety of different programs that help specific groups, including the Food-4Kids program. Information can be found at www.kansasfoodbank.org.

GraceMed’s mission to supply affordable, high-quality medical and dental care in Wichita is a service that compassionately serves local families.

Find out more about the organization and donate online at www.gracemed. org.

For the Love of Chance Center is a small organization that is dedicated to providing opportunities to children with special needs. Among the year-round services is the Miracle League where children with a variety of disabilities can participate in baseball. Check out the website at www.fortheloveofchance. com for more information.

ICT S.O.S. tackles the often-avoided topic of sex trafficking. To learn more about the group’s mission and how to donate time or other resources, visit www.ictsos.org.

Ronald McDonald House Charities is a familiar name that directly impacts families. Visit www.mhcwichita.org for more information.

Rainbows United offers a variety of services of area families. Detailed information can be found at www. rainbowsunited.org.

Youthville, which recently announced that it is closing one of it’s campuses, is a group that is “dedicated to the mission of Giving Children Back their Childhood.” The website, www. youthville.org, provides information on services and how to donate.

Here are a few of the ways that Wichita Family readers have shown their kids how to give to others at Christmas: “We always pick two kids off the Angel Tree. One for Mark and I and Ridge picks one. Then we go shopping just for them one evening as a family.” Shawndra.

When they did, we had to go buy that Christmas list for a family before mine could have their Christmas this year,” Jennifer.

“This year in my family we are not exchanging gifts between adults, instead we adopted two families through Youth for Christ and we are providing gifts for their entire family—parents as well as the kids,” Audrey.

“We participate in one of the local organizations to shop for a child in need. We choose a child about the same age as ours, same gender, and shop for toys. The kiddos help shop, wrap and donate. It’s quite a thing for them—bringing all these toys home, then giving them away,” Rhonda.

“We made a garland our of gift bags one year for a countdown to Christmas.

Each morning the kids get to check the bag to see what they will get to do for somebody else that day,” Gretchen.

“I let each of my three kids pick a charity to donate to every year. I love to see their faces light up as we deliver the donations. This year our family is sponsoring an orphanage for special needs kids,” Denise.

“I love to give things out of the catalog for Samaritan’s Purse. Things like a goat to help a family provide for themselves, hot meals for kids in need, all kinds of great things.

And it’s the perfect gift for someone who already has everything,” Kristin.

“When I was a kid and we lived on Air Force bases, we always took a plate of cookies to the men and women working the gate on Christmas Eve,” Danielle.

“I told my kids to make their Christmas lists. www.WichitaFamily.com |

11

WICHITA FAMILIES ON THE MOVE | December Calendar of Events

December 1

Series @ The Wichita Children’s Theatre and Dance Center;

Illuminations @ Botanica December 1 – December 31.

show at 7 p.m. and repeats on Saturday, December 3 at Noon and again December 7 – 10.

A Cowboy Christmas with the Diamond W Wranglers @ Old Cowtown; 6:30 p.m. through December 18.

Holiday Lights from the Air @ Wichita MidContinent Airport; 6 – 10 p.m. through December 31.

Lights on the Lake @ Heartspring; 6 – 10 p.m. through December 25.

Festival of Trees Fundraiser to benefit Goodwill Industries @ Century II Exhibition Hall Balcony through

December 2

Let’s Make Merry, a Victorian Christmas @ Old Cowtown; 6 – 9 p.m. Repeats December 3, 9 and 10.

Gazing at Jupiter and the moon @ Lake Afton Public Observatory; 7:30 – 10 p.m.

Repeats December 3, 9

December 3

Breakfast with Santa @ Old Cowtown; 9 a.m. Repeats December 10.

Acoustic Café @ Scooters Coffeehouse in Andover; 8 – 10 p.m.

Arthritis Foundation’s 24th Annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk @ Exploration Place; 8:30 a.m. – Noon.

Christmas in Delano @ Wichita Delano District; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

December 6

Little Explorers Holiday Science @ Exploration Place; 10 – 11 a.m. on Tuesdays.

Art Start @ Wichita Art Museum; 10 a.m. every Tuesday in December.

and 10.

December 7

The Gingerbread Man, Once Upon a Time

Winter Wednesdays $2.50 admission @

Become a fan of Wichita Family. Visit us at

Sedgwick County Zoo every Wednesday in December.

December 8

Handmade Gifts , 3D Projects, Workshop @ Wichita Center for the Arts; 6 – 8 p.m. for ages 6-14.

Moscow Ballet Presents: Great Russian Nutcracker @ Orpheum Performing Arts Center; 7:30 p.m.

Wichita Wildcat Classic @ INTRUST Bank Arena; 8 p.m.

December 10

Winter Wonderland @ YMCA Camp Hyde; 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Seasons Treatings @ Sedgwick County Zoo; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Family Fun Day, Depression Era Games & Toys @ Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum; 1 – 5 p.m.

The Nutcracker Ballet @ Friends University; 2 & 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, December 11.

Repeats December 16 and 17.

December 13

Garden Sprouts “The Chocolate Tree” @ Botanca; 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.

"The Spirit of the Season" Wichita Symphony Free Family Holiday Concert @ Century II Convention Hall; 7:30 p.m.

Spaghetti with Santa @ Botanica; 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

facebook.com/ WichitaFamilyMagazine

December 15

Trans-Siberian Orchestra @ INTRUST Bank Arena; 6:30 p.m.

December 16

Astronomical Zoo @ Lake Afton Public Observatory; 7:30 – 10 p.m. Repeats December 17.

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" @ Wichita Children's Theatre & Dance Center; various times through

December 17

Family ArtVenture @ Wichita Art Museum; 11 a.m.

December 18

"A Christmas Carol" @ Wichita Center for the Arts; 4:30 p.m.

12 | Wichita Family

Wichita Family Classified Section Childcare Directory WESTSIDE MOM'S DAY OUT - A safe place for your children to play while you have a few hours to yourself. Friday's 9-2 at Westwood Presbyterian Church. Each mom works one Friday a month. Cost is only $15 for entire family! Call 773-9152 for more information.

Kidslink Christian Preschool Westlink Christian Church

at

2001 N. Maize Road, Wichita, 7221034. Excellence in Early Childhood Education from a Christian Perspective.

Developmentally appropriate ½ day sessions for 3, 4, & 5 year-olds. Character Building, Christian Values, Qualified Staff, Safe Loving Environment. Enrolling now for Fall 2011 classes.

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.

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.

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www.WichitaFamily.com |

13

See Botanica in a new light

Nov. 25-Dec.31 A HOLIDAY LIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA 5:30-8:30 p.m. $7 adults ($6 members) $5 children 701 N. Amidon tickets available at QT, online at www.botanica.org or by calling 264-0448

Presented by:

JOHN & LINDA STEWART

COLBY SANDLIAN DON & LORA BARRY

You have heard about it,

NOW IT IS TIME TO SEE IT!

Different

Than Any Other Tanganyika has created a Wildlife Park that breaks the mold of typical zoos. The grounds are open and inviting, providing the ultimate place for animals and people to be together in harmony. Walk with the Kangaroos, feed Rainbow Lorikeets and African tortoises, visit the Giraffe feeding post or swing over to Lemur Island and feed the Ring-tailed lemurs, or go for a stroll atop a camel. Now you can even feed the Indian rhinos and ride the horses.

316-794-8954 West of Wichita in Goddard

twpark.com