family Wichita
JULY 2011
Botanica OPENS NEW CHILDREN’s GARDEN SUMMER FUN WITH FAMILIES ‘AROUND TOWN’
Connecting, Sharing, Learning & Playing
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family Wichita
Inside t his issue:
Sharing: Botanica opens Downing Children’s Garden 5 Learning: News and information from our parents at Wichita Public Schools 8 Playing: Families Around Town
10
Wichita Families On the Move July Calendar of Events
12
Childcare Directory
14
Cover and article photos provided by Gingeroot Studios www.WichitaFamily.com |
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Connecting
family Wichita
Publisher:
For the Families, LLC 316.295.8465 Publishers Eric and Christy Clark Editor Jessica Lindsey
F
or the past couple years, I've thought it was cute and very helpful and obedient when my youngest daughter, Breegan, would run quickly out of the house, jump in the car and be ready for me to buckle her in when we're trying to go somewhere.
Earlier this month our radio began going spastic. Every time I turned a corner or hit a bump— and sometimes when I did nothing at all—the radio would change channels to one of our preset stations. After a week or so of that, it began turning sporadically to static stations. Eventually my kids and I got so tired of it that we just turned the radio off completely. Then one day the radio stopped turning off! It was stuck on a super loud, random radio station and we couldn't change the volume or turn it off. It was annoying, to say the least. Before buying a new radio, I thought I'd see if it could be fixed. So one day the kids and I jumped in our van and headed over to my parents' house to see if my dad could figure out the problem. Dad got the radio out and proceeded to take it apart. When he had it in several pieces, he discovered the problem: There were 15 quarters, 12 dimes, 2 nickels and 21 pennies inside the radio. Oh, and 2 large earrings. You see, my youngest daughter had been using cassette tape opening as a piggy bank. She's never seen a cassette tape, never saw that part of the stereo used for anything else, just thought she'd put it to good use. When she was running out to the van before me, getting herself in and ready to be buckled, she also had been grabbing any spare change from the cup holder and inserting it in her “piggy bank.” The radio is now re-installed and is in perfect working order. Breegan is a curious, energy-filled, special needs 3-year-old girl who has to be kept busy. We work hard in our household to find things that appeal to her and keep her happy, challenged and occupied while also making sure that we are equally focused on finding activities that work for our older two kids, ages 8 and 5. Earlier this summer I was able to take Breegan and her 5-year-old sister Aubrynn to Botanica to check out the brand new Downing Children's Garden before it opened to the public. I was blown away by all the gorgeous and functional things there were for my kids to do. The girls were in love with the stepping stones over the pond, the perfectly-constructed Very Hungry Caterpillar sculptures and of course the amazing tree house. Check out the story in this issue of Wichita Family Magazine to learn about many more of the amazing exhibits that your kids can experience at Botanica's new area and ENTER to WIN FREE PASSES for your family!
Jessica Lindsey Editor-in-Chief jessica@wichitafamily.com
4 | Wichita Family
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.
Sharing
Botanica opens Downing Children’s Garden
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nes over the stepping sto nture out onto ve arden. an G eg ’s Bre ren d ild Aubrynn an w Downing Ch in Botanica’s ne Polliwog Pond
ittle hands and little feet now have a brand new place to dig, play and explore in a safe environment that also happens to be at a familiar place right in the center of the city. Botanica and it's fans are celebrating this month with the opening of the Downing Children's Garden. Follow the path around past the pavilion to the far west side of Botanica and you'll now see a huge rainbow entryway to the Children's Garden where there used to be a stone wall and a road. The concept has been in the works for years and construction was started in April 2010. This month all the research and hard work finally became available for kids of all ages in Wichita to enjoy. Unmatched artwork by many local artists, enchanted sculptures from favorite storybooks, a maze with instruments hidden within, a fossil wall and digging area, sand boxes, trees with faces and so much more is waiting to be discovered by Wichita families.
Education mixed into the beauty Don’t be mistaken, though, the Downing Children’s Garden is anything but just a pretty face.
by Jessica Lindsey
Sutton c rawls th rou the Chil dren’s G gh a hollowed out tree arden. in The M onster W oods a t
While children and families enjoy exploring through the different areas, learning possibilities are all around. Pam Harnden, Botanica’s Education Director, has made it her mission to create the Children’s Garden with educational opportunities in every step.
“We’re educating parents as much as we are the kids,” explained Harnden as she talked about the many things parents can work on with their kids in the new Garden. “We’re here to show you that you don’t have to always have electronic toys to have fun.” The target age of the garden is 2 to 10year-olds, but it’s clearly enjoyable for older kids and even adults. In the Enchanted Glen, kids can sit on mushroom seats and read waterproof books, they can learn about the metamorphosis of a butterfly and imagine and play on the soft turf, all while in the shadow of a giant caterpillar sculpture. In the Monster Woods, kids can crawl inside the mouth of a huge, sculpted tree and run across to the treehouse via the swinging bridge. Logs to climb on and in, trees with faces, a gorgeous gazebo and more are just down the path from an “ant hill” sand box and just around the corner
photos by Gingeroot Studios
from the Musical Maze. There’s an amphitheatre where Harnden, and others, can lead classes; a farm area with a playhouse with a garden and field nearby where kids can help plant, harvest and learn about Kansas agriculture; even a stream and pond where kids can play, jump and learn about all the creatures that live in them. “It’s all so magical and fun,” said Harnden. “But we also want kids to learn to love it and know about what to do to sustain this type of environment.” Signage, activities and even of course the botanical side of the Garden will be changing all the time. Just as a visit to the original Botanica gardens is different each season, the Children’s Garden will be dynamic as well.
Showcasing Local Talents “The donors, staff, volunteers, construction company, architects, everyone involved in this group effort knows that it’s for the benefit of the entire community,” said Mia Jenkins, Director of Marketing and Communications for Botanica. “This opens so many opportunities for a younger demographic. We think it’s so important to connect kids with nature.” www.WichitaFamily.com |
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Aubrynn and George look out from the bridge of Granny Jean’s Treehouse.
Botanica, the Wichita Gardens 701 N. Amidon St. Wichita, KS 67203 The Downing Children’s Garden opened to the public on July 2, 2011. INVESTIGATION STATION Look for the investigation station, a mobile cart, which will provide “learning in a snap” activities for all visitors in the Downing Children’s Garden. Participate in a simple, free activity that features a simple concept that is reinforced with manipulative materials.
The Garden is one big backyard, added Jenkins, and the visual learning environment is packed full of artwork that is one-hundred percent unique and made specifically for the Children’s Garden.
the shape of a friendly squirrel, designed and constructed by local artist Conrad Snider, welcome visitors to the Sunflower Plaza where artist Terry Corbett’s tiled sunflower fountain can’t be missed.
Artists like Connie Ernatt is one of the talented local artists who has played a big role in pulling off the enchanted, magical feeling of the Garden, which spans just over an acre. Ernatt’s artwork can be found on murals in both the Party Barn and the Chicken Coop as well as in a mysterious and unmatched Fairy House.
Turn the corner at the pond and there’s a huge dragonfly sculpture, by artist Greg Johnson, made out of old car parts that greets visitors as they enter the pathway to even more artistic treasures.
“The artists are having a great time with it,” said Jenkins. “They’re so imaginative and their artwork is so interactive.” A Rainbow Trail and large sculpted pot in
Rich Bergen, Charles Baughman and Gino Salerno are just a few more of the artists whose talent has graced the Garden for kids of all ages to take in. “It’s been so neat to watch it all take shape,” said Jenkins. “All the hard work and cooperation is finally coming together for everyone to experience.”
WIN FREE PASSES TO BOTANICA!!! Do you want to see all the things mentioned in this story and discover for yourself the amazing new Downing Children’s Garden at Botanica?!
FREE! Enter now to win a FAMILY 4-Pack of tickets to Botanica. The Here’s your chance to experience it all for
passes will give you free admission to enjoy Botanica’s new Children’s Garden as well as all of the traditional parts of Botanica that we already know and love!
Here’s how: Shoot a photo of your family or your kids taking part in your favorite summer activity and email it our way. Swimming, baseball, reading at the library, whatever your choice may be, capture it in a photo and send to the address below. Send the photo to jessica@wichitafamily before July 25 to be in the drawing for passes. Your photo could be published in the August issue of Wichita Family Magazine and your family could be on your way to a free day of fun at Botanica.
6 | Wichita Family
DROP-IN ACTIVITIES Drop-in activities will be simple, handson activities that are free of charge and open to all visitors. Initial themed days are as follows: Mud Pie Mondays Tasty Tuesdays Wonderful Wednesdays Thinker Thursdays Fun Day Fridays WOW Weekends GARDEN STORYTIME Relax in the grassy meadow and enjoy storytime, along with a garden exploration and a fun activity. Each week will feature a different nature-based tale to delight the senses. Every Friday from June 3 to August 12 Sessions are at 10 am Included with admission or membership Registration is not required SUMMER DISCOVERY PROGRAMS CREATIVE CRAFT DAYS Each Tuesday, we will create something special to celebrate nature! Classes are at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. $15, $12 for Botanica members. July 5: Sun Magic- Sun prints and invisible ink July 19: Art for Your Feet- Stepping stones July 26: Kool Koi Kites August 2: Toadily Terrific Toad Houses DISCOVERY DAYS Every Thursday, we will discover something fun and exciting in the Gardens. There is something to stimulate the imagination every week! Classes are at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. $10, $8 for Botanica members July 7: Pirate Treasure Hunt July 14: Camp Camouflage July 21: Bug Hunters July 28: Creepers and Croakers August 4: Tree Treasures August 11: Worm Worlds
now 701
Learning
News and information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools
Online enrollment access available July 11
Irving students earn bikes for reading 1,000,000 words
The Wichita Public Schools is offering online enrollment as a convenient option for returning parents to complete standard enrollment forms, pay for enrollment fees and school meals, and fill out free and reduced price lunch forms from a computer. The online access will be available Monday, July 11. Parents will need a Parent Assist log on account for their child/children. If parents do not have a Parent Assist account, they need to contact their child’s school. If parents have questions, they can call the Online Enrollment Information line at 973-4216. More information about online enrollment is also available at www. usd259.org. Enrollment for the 2011-12 school year is July 28 – 29 and August 1 – 3. The first day of school for all students is August 17.
Fifteen students at Irving Elementary earned a brand-new bike for reaching a big reading goal. Fourteen students read one million words and one read two million words this school year. The school used the Accelerated Reader program to keep track of how many words the students read. Accelerated Reader tests students on their reading comprehension and can track how many words they read. Leslye Paz read two million words this year. She saw students receive bikes last year which is when she set her goal for this year. “I like how reading makes you feel,” Paz said.
“And reading helps you learn.” The bikes were donated by Wilson, Lee, Gurney and Hess law firm. This is the fifth year the firm has given bikes to students for reading more than one million words. Besides Paz, the students who received bikes are Sarah Arguelles , Kasondra Bakker, Hector Garcia, Erika Gonzalez, Giselle Guerrero, Julian Ibarra, Daniel Jurado, Alex Lopez, Yasmine Perez, Miranda Pineda, Miguel Sanchez, Anabel Solis, David Solis and Elisa Uriarte.
Park students unveil stained glass windows Fifth-grade students at Park Elementary unveiled the stained glass mosaic windows that they made in Ellen Hubenett’s art class. The students worked with Arts Partners artist Ruthie Spriggs to create the project. Spriggs also donated the materials. Each student made their own window tile that reflected who they are or what they liked. In the center of the window is the Park Panther mascot. The windows are located at the front entrance of Park. “This is a beautiful project,” said Hubenett who hopes to have more window tiles created next school year.
8 | Wichita Family
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www.WichitaFamily.com |
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Playing
Around Town Families
The Market is one of many local, free events that families can take part in each week in Wichita. What is your favorite place to go with your family that is inexpensive or free? Share with us and you could find yourself on the pages of Wichita Family Magazine! Email jessica@wichitafamily.
Kids gather around to participate in the Kid’s Corner craft led by Mo Barnhart.
Corbin Lindsey puts the finishing touches on his craft.
10 | Wichita Family
Old Town Farmers’ Market
Located at 1st & Mosley in downtown Wichita Open Saturdays from May to October, 7 a.m. to Noon
The Becker kids choose flowers from a booth by local growers Chisholm Creek Flowers.
Viola Barnhart proudly shows the art project she made at “Kid’s Corner” at the Old Town Farmers’ Market on June 25. Viola’s mom, Mo, was leading the craft, which is new and free each week.
WICHITA FAMILIES ON THE MOVE | July Calendar of Events July 1 Wet-n-Wild Days @ Sedgwick County Zoo; 1 – 4 p.m. Friday through August 26. Chicken Joe Combs the World @ Alford Branch Library; 10:30 a.m. and @ Evergreen Library; 2:30 p.m. for ages 5-10. Tickets required. The Bug Lady and Friends @ Westlink Library; 2:30 p.m. for children aged 6-10. Tickets required.
July 2 Downing Children’s Garden Grand Opening Celebration @ Botanica; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Celebrate America @ Old Cowtown; 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Pajama Party @ Sedgwick County Zoo; 6:30 p.m. Repeats Friday, July 8.
July 4
Tickets are available at front desk.
July 10
Goosebumps Book Party @ Central Library; 7 p.m. for ages 8-10.
Ice Cream Social @ Wichita Art Museum; 2 p.m.
July 7
July 11
“The Boy Who Cried Wolf” - Picnic Theatre @ Wichita Children’s Theatre & Dance Center through July 9.
Castles and Catapults Summer Camp @ Exploration Place; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. through July 15 for grades K-2.
Discovery Days: Pirate Treasure Hunt @ Botanica 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for children 6 and under with adult. $10.
Medieval Adventure Summer Camp @ Exploration Place; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. through July 15 for grades 3 -6.
Discoverers “Mystery Play: You Are the Detective” @ Westlink Branch Library; 2:30 p.m. for ages 8-10. Tickets available at front desk.
Fun with Spanish “Animals”@ Central Library; 2:30 p.m. for ages 5-10.
Magic Around the World @ Alford Branch Library; 2:30 p.m. for ages 6-10. Tickets available at front desk.
Art Start @ Wichita Art Museum; 10 a.m.
July 8
Happy Independence Day!
WAM Kids Workshops @ Wichita Art Museum; 2 p.m.
July 5
Garden Storytime @ Botanica; 10 a.m.
Creative Craft Days: Sun Magic @ Botanica; 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. for children 6 and under with adult. $15.
Speaking in Sign @ Westlink Branch Library; 2:30 p.m. Registration required.
Art Start @ Wichita Art Museum; 10 a.m.
2011 Anime Festival @ Hyatt Regency; 5 p.m. through Sunday afternoon.
Wee Wigglers “Turtle” @ Sedgwick County Zoo; 10:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Repeats Wednesday July 6.
KEYN Summer Concert Series @ The WaterWalk; 8 – 10 p.m. Repeats Fridays through July 29.
July 6
July 9
WAM Kid Workshops @ Wichita Art Museum; 2 p.m.
American Indian Festival - A Kansas Sesquicentennial Event @ Century II; 1 - 10 p.m. & July 10; 1 – 6 p.m.
Dog Days of Summer @ Linwood Branch Library; 2:30 p.m. for children ages 5-10.
July 12 Sunset Safari “Turtle” @ Sedgwick County Zoo; 6:30 p.m. Garden Sprouts: Eat Your Vegetables! @ Botanica; 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for preschool children (3-5), $9 for nonmembers, $6 for members. Speaking in Sign @ Rockwell Branch Library; 2:30 p.m. Registration required. Travel the World @ Central Library; 2:30 p.m. for ages 8-10. One World, Many Stories: Music That Moves the World @ Alford Branch Library; 2:30 p.m. for ages 5-10. Tickets required. G’day, Mate! @ Evergreen Branch Library; 2:30 p.m. for ages 5-7. Call 303-8181 to register.
July 13 Dog Days of Summer “Police Dog”@ Maya Angelou @ Northeast Branch Library; 2:30 p.m. for ages 5- 10. Tickets required. Puppet Show “Strega Nona”@ Rockwell Branch Library; 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
For our on-going calendar of events visit our website at WichitaFamily.com 12 | Wichita Family
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Perfectly planned reunion + perfectly calm planner
1 result found: Go Wichita. While the kids splash at the Rock River Rapids water park, the older generation can stroll through the themed gardens at Botanica, or take everyone to hear the Diamond W Wranglers’ Chuckwagon Supper serenades. 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 Jan Hiebert, jhiebert@gowichita.com or 316.265.2800.
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Wichita Family Classified Section Childcare Directory
READER NOTICE: This publication will never
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.
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knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal 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) Check us out online at www.wichitafamily.com or visit us on Facebook!!! DONATE YOUR CAR! Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Most highly rated breast cancer charity in America! Tax deductible/Fast, Free Pick-up! 1-888-380-7845 (MCN)
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