Wichita Family Magazine March 2013

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March 2013

SPRING GARDENING TIPS CLEANING UP AND DIGGING OUT AFTER WINTER

THE ULTIMATE FAMILY VACATION OPTIONS GEARED FOR YOUR SPECIFIC FAMILY

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march 2013

The Ultimate Family Vacation: Options geared for your specifIc family

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News and Information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools

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Spring Gardening tips: Cleaning up and digging out after winter

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WFM: Product Picks

Winner! Check out the winning submission for the KC Getaway Package

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s the winter snow melts away and the signs of spring begin to peak through the wintery landscape, I’m reminded of how our family members go through different cycles with those seasons. As spring rolls around, there’s often a sense of renewal; an opportunity to start over.

While the snow is a pleasantry that many appreciate, there are many of us who are left feeling a sense of “cabin fever.” We do our best to disguise the lunacy rolling through our minds as we contemplate the next board game we’ll have to play or television show that we’ll have to watch to stave off the boredom often accompanied by the claustrophobia felt during those months. Our children stand on their toes in anticipation of being able to ride their bicycles, build forts and run around the neighborhood with their friends without having to throw on seven layers of clothes to appease their parents.

Perhaps the desire to escape, get out and start anew, are exactly the reasons that this dad should learn to appreciate the winter weather—it makes us appreciate the spring all the more and to appreciate the different cycles/ seasons of our loved ones.

-Eric Clark/Owner/Publisher

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a note from the publishers

a note from the publishers

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published by For the Families, LLC 316.295.8465 Publishers Eric and Christy Clark Advertising inquiries contact:

Vice President of Sales & Marketing Cari Fischer cari@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.

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(Family Features) There are so many options for a great family vacation that it can be hard to decide on where to go. One thing that will help you decide on a destination is to think about your family’s vacation personality. Is your family laid back, or adventurous? Do you enjoy exploring on land or experiences at sea?

Once you know your family’s vacation personality, you can plan the vacation of a lifetime. Here are a few exciting ideas to get you started on your ultimate family getaway.

Family Cruise If fantasy, fun and the magic of the sea appeal to your family, then a cruise is for you.

Twenty-five percent of cruisers sail with children, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). And today’s

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ships offer a wide array of onboard features and programs for all ages — not to mention exciting ports of call along the way.

When choosing a family cruise, you want to make sure that everyone, from grandparents down to the toddlers, has something they can enjoy.

For example, Disney Cruise Lines’ cabins are designed with families in mind, with extra storage space and split bath design. There are plenty of family-centered shows and activities available, ranging from lively deck parties and Broadwaystyle stage spectaculars to waterbased fun on deck with pools, waterslides and splash zones. But you don’t have to do everything together: —Younger kids will love having their own elaborately themed play areas and activities and getting to

meet Disney characters.

—Teens and tweens have their own private clubs, and activities geared just for them.

—And adults don’t have to miss out on the fun — there is an adults-only pool and spa along with activities like cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, or a champagne brunch.

When choosing a cruise, make sure you look for ports of call and excursion options that fit your family, too. Alaskan cruises are great for families who enjoy the outdoors. You can go fishing for salmon, hiking on a glacier, take railroad and helicopter tours, and ride with sled dogs. If warm, golden beaches are more your family’s style, a cruise to the Caribbean will let you lounge, swim and snorkel in azure waters, or shop in exotic marketplaces.

With most cruises, all your meals and most onboard entertainment and activities are included in your stateroom price. The value of cruising over a traditional land vacation is unbeatable. And with many convenient U.S. ports to sail from, such as Galveston, Texas and Miami, Fla., getting to your ship is simple.

Family Adventures If your family is always looking for new places to explore, a family adventure vacation is just the thing.

With guided adventures, you can explore and experience places and cultures you’ve only dreamed about — and you have the benefit of experts to make it enriching and easy.

When choosing a family adventure, make sure the itinerary will satisfy the energy levels and curiosity of the different age groups in your family.

For example, on a trip to Peru with Adventures

by Disney, you can enjoy an Andean feast, go river rafting, explore ancient ruins, and take a privately guided tour of Machu Picchu. On their trip to Greece, you can go sea kayaking and swimming, explore a volcano, enjoy wine tasting, and visit the Acropolis and Olympic Stadium where the kids can participate in their own mini marathon. Or, you can explore the American West in Wyoming by whitewater rafting down the Snake River, touring Yellowstone National Park, going horseback riding, and staying on a dude ranch.

SKLYAR WAS THE BIG WINNER OF THE AMERICAN GIRL® GIVE-A-WAY! Congratulations to Skylar King for winning the American Girl Give-a-way! Several nominations were made and Skylar’s mother Jessica submitted the winning nomination.

King for ating Skylar in m o n m a I . Skylar is n Girl contest a c ri e m A e th . She has in her family l ir g ly n o e th be rough rs. She can three brothe but she ith the boys and tough w girl. Her dream is all is definitely d she is e a mom an d her b y a to one d lls an ering her do always moth s wanted have alway brothers. We n Girl doll an America ancial to buy her the other fin ily it m but with all fa ith a large demands w ssible. Skylar is the po hasn’t been nd. She g child arou ident in v lo most fun is ev r life which has a zest fo . Please r big smile through he ntest. lar for this co consider Sky

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Like us and enter for a chance to win other great prizes at www.facebook.com/WichitaFamilyMagazine

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News and Information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools College Hill teacher named Health Teacher of the Year Karla Stenzel, P.E. teacher at College Hill and P.E. curriculum coach has been named 2012 Teacher of the Year from the Kansas Learning Center for Health for her commitment to health education. She is honored for being instrumental in scheduling outreach health programs by the KLCH in all elementary schools for the past two years.

The KLCH’s programs teach about the importance of good nutrition and healthy bodies for first- and fourth-grade students.

Stenzel has worked to integrate the presentations into the school’s curriculum.

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Karla Stenzel, P.E. teacher at College Hill, has been named Teacher of the Year from the Kansas Learning Center for Health.

Pleasant Valley Middle named AVID National Demonstration School

Pleasant Valley Middle School has been recognized being one of the top AVID programs in the country by being named an AVID National Demonstration School.

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a college prep program and by earning the National Demonstration School recognition, schools from across

the country who are interested in an AVID program can visit Pleasant Valley to learn how to successfully implement the program.

North High School and Coleman Middle School are also AVID National Demonstration Schools.

Kindergarten students at Beech Elementary dress as 100-year-olds during the 100th day of school

Schools mark the 100th day of school Schools across the district helped celebrate a major milestone during the school year – the 100th day of school. Students participated in 100-day lessons, including counting to 100 by 2’s, 5’s, and other intervals. Some students were asked to bring 100 small items to school as part of their math assignment. Other

classes lined up 100 items and measured them to see how long they were.

At Beech Elementary, kindergarten students and teachers dressed as if they were 100 years old as part of their fun activities.

Copyright © 2013 American Girl. All rights reserved. All American Girl marks are trademarks of American Girl.

EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE IN FUN WITH AN AMERICAN GIRL® WEEKEND! Experience a fun-filled girl’s weekend where you will be tickled pink! Our American Girl® Package features everything your girl and her doll need for an amazingly fun and girly weekend.

Shop by day, then relax, swim, and enjoy the stylish comforts of the renowned Kansas City Marriott Downtown.

Call 816-421-6800 or visit our Deals and Promotions tab at KansasCityMarriottDowntown.com for full package details.

KANSAS CITY MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN 200 West 12th Street | Kansas City, MO 64105 (816) 421-6800 | KansasCityMarriottDowntown.com

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Winning submission for the KC Getaway Last month, we invited Wichita Family Magazine readers to submit a short essay describing why their family deserves our Kansas City Getaway prize. The winner of the KC Getaway was the Tan Family. Below is their submission.

Congratulations to the Tan’s!

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ur family consists of Tan (dad), Mindy (mom), Xoi and Phoenyx.

Xoi is a 13 year old student at Hadley Middle School who has maintained straight A’s throughout her entire time at Hadley. She has a passion for playing the violin and is involved in Epic Strings, the school’s Honor Orchestra group. She is currently working on material for All-City Orchestra. Xoi was recently moved into the gifted program at Hadley where we expect to see her excel even more academically.

Phoenyx plays the Baritone at Hadley and while there are limited opportunities for him as a sixth grader, he does plan to continue with it next year.

Phoenyx is 12 years old and also

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has straight A’s at Hadley. He is a very hard worker and enjoys playing outside with his friends.

Tan is a terrific dad. He joined our family in 2007. Tan is a Restaurant Manager at Sumo

by Nambara and has been with the company for nearly 10 years. He is very loyal to the company and as such has not taken his vacation in the last two years due to the fact they need him to be at work.

Mindy (me) currently works as a Marketing Consultant and Social Media Strategist for several companies, many local, but one national manufacturer as well. I serve on several committees for nonprofit organizations in Wichita and stay active in the nonprofit community.

Most recently, I joined the Public Relations Committee at Wichita Habitat for Humanity and the Advisory Board at the North YMCA. Our entire family is deeply committed to our community.

Last month, the entire family worked to put together a

benefit for YMCA Strong Kids.

Both Tan and I worked to create the event from the ground up, and the kids sold tickets ahead of time to their teachers and friends. We raised over $2,600 at the event which will help the Y provide free swimming lessons to area second graders and hopefully aid in the reduction of the city’s drowning rate.

Because there used to be a Sumo in Kansas City, our family has gone to Kansas City a few times. Each time Tan had to work so our family has not really been able to do anything together there. Despite being such a hard working family, our limited funds have also kept us from doing much while we were there. In fact, none of us have been to any of the destinations in your prize package. Thank you for giving us a chance to possibly win and have a family vacation together. I’m sure you anticipate many entries but I hope that you will consider our Wichita family.

Our Winners receive:

2-night stay at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 4 tickets (2 adult/2 children) Science City at Union Station 4 tickets (2 adult/2 children) National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial 4 tickets to Gottlieb Planetarium at Union Station 4 tickets to Science of Rock n Roll at Union Station $50 Crown Center Gift Certificate 4 tickets to Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium 4 tickets to LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Family adventure trips mean you can enjoy an adventure without many of the hassles of pulling it off by yourself. Guided tours such as these can also provide special access to places and experiences you can’t get on your own.

Resorts If your family enjoys gorgeous beaches and a laid-back atmosphere, a destination resort should be in your vacation plans.

Many families love the advantages of all-inclusive resort packages.

You get to enjoy a wide variety of activities without worrying about expenses you weren’t counting on.

You can find family-friendly resorts that feature variety of water sport activities, resort amenities such as spas and lounges, and sandy beaches perfect for relaxing with a good book. Tour desks often offer excursions for an additional charge.

Popular excursions include swimming with dolphins, catamaran snorkel cruises or visits to local museums or galleries. There are plenty of options for everyone.

All-inclusive resorts are convenient, but before you book, make sure you know exactly what is included and what is available for an additional cost.

To find out more about taking your ultimate family vacation and to receive a free planning DVD, visit

www.disneycruise.com or www. adventuresbydisney.com.

Family Vacation Apps To help you plan your ultimate family trip — and make the most of it while you’re there — here are some apps you should consider: —Cruise Finder: Has itineraries for all major cruise lines, lets you search for deals, and includes photos, deck plans and more. Free.

—Frommer’s Travel Tools: Has a currency-exchange calculator, metric system converter, a packing list function, flashlight, travel trivia and more. Free.

—Weather Channel: When you visit a different location each day, it’s helpful to keep an eye on the weather. Free.

—Pack & Go Delux: Helps you keep track of everything you need to take on your adventure. $1.99.

—GateGuru: Has information about terminals in more than 100 airports.

Lets you find hotspots, ATMs, coffee shops and more. Free.

—Simply Postcards: Choose a photo and recipient, and this app will print, stamp and mail your real postcard the next day. The app and first postcard are free, then prices range from $1.99 each to $30 for 30. n

BUILD CHARACTER Spring Sports Greater Wichita YMca RESPECT CARING RESPONSIBILITY HONESTY RESPECT CARING REHelp your kids learn skills & build SPONSIBILITYHONESTY RESPECT character while staying active, having fun & making friends!

CARING RESPONSIBILITYHONESSpring flag football, soccer, volleyball TY RESPECT CARING RESPONSIPreK-7th grade BILITY HONESTY RESPECTCARING $40 Y member / $60 non-member Deadline: February 25 RESPONSIBILITY HONESTYRESPECT CARING RESPONSIBILIFor a more competitive experience, TY HONESTY RESPECT CARING try advanced sports at the YMCA Farha Sport Center.

RESPONSIBILITY HONESTY RESpring basketball SPECT CARING RESPONSIBILI1st grade-High school TY HONESTY RESPECT CARING $85 Y member / $125 non-member Deadline: March 11 RESPONSIBILITY HONESTY RESPECT CARINGRESPONSIBILITYSIGN UP TODAY HONESTYCARINGRESPONSIBILIncome-based pricing is available.

ITYHONESTYRESPECT CARING RESPONSIBILITY HONESTY RE-

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ardening early in the spring fills one with a sense of optimism, even when faced with the mess left by winter and a month’s worth of cleaning up.

As temperatures get warmer and spring bulbs start to emerge, how can you not be optimistic? To help your garden get off to great start follow some of these basic garden tips.

After the initial spring clean-up, check your trees and shrubs for snow and wind damage. It’s rare that trees & shrubs make it through winter with no broken branches.

Prune any damaged plants and remove any hanging limbs.

Spring Gardening Basics

by tim Birch

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Once the gardens are cleaned out and you’ve pruned your damaged trees and shrubs, begin working on the flower gardens.

Start by cultivating the soil in order to allow nutrients, water and air to reach the roots.

Give your plants adequate feeding throughout the season by adding a layer of organic compost to the gardens. Be careful not to step on new shoots while working in the garden.

As spring progresses, begin to think about which annuals will work best in your garden.

As soon as there’s no longer a chance of frost, prepare the garden for your new flowers by turning over the soil and mixing in some peat moss and organic compost. Often, as a result of growing for months in the

greenhouse, the roots of potted annuals will be a dense tangled mess. Gently loosen them to allow the roots to easily take hold and to promote vigorous growth.

Buckwheat hulls, or other light mulches, added to flowers beds will help limit the growth of weeds and increase the soils ability to hold moisture.

Spring is a terrific time to repair a thinning lawn.

To improve your lawn, loosen the soil in the bare spots, grade it and smooth it out. Add the proper seed then gently pull an upside down leaf rake across the area. This will bury the seed just slightly creating ideal conditions for germination.

Be sure to water and keep the soil somewhat moist until the seed germinate.

Pruning roses in the spring prevents them from becoming overgrown and encourages many new blooms.

First, cut back the dead or damaged branches. Wait until the buds are red and swelling, this with help in your decision of where to prune on the stem.

Choose spots just above outward facing buds to avoid crisscrossing branches and to allow air flow through the center of the rose.

If you planned a new garden over the winter, spring is a great time to implement a new design and plant new shrubs. It gives them an early start and allows them establish themselves in their new

environment over the course of an entire growing season.

Dig a hole at least twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Provide your new shrubs with nutrient rich soil by adding some compost to the existing soil. Place the shrub in the hole.

Be sure that the top of the root ball is level with the existing grade of the garden.

Avoid planting trees or shrubs below grade as it’s always detrimental to the health of the plant. Spread 2 or 3 inches of bark mulch throughout all your shrub beds. Mulch will help garden soil retain its moisture while preventing the encroachment of weeds.

Doctor’s Orders “Are you experiencing a toothache? Tooth pain can originate from several things.

Something as simple as the common cold or as extreme as an abscess can lead to discomfort. No matter how big or small, it is very important that the area be looked at as soon as possible. If taken care of early enough, the tooth as well as time and money can be saved.

So please don’t delay and address that sensitivity with you local dentist.”

A FAMILY-FRIENDLY PLACE TO PLAY AND PARTY ANYTIME! ClimateControlle d Inflatabl e Par k

Mulch also adds organic matter to soil as it slowly decomposes.

There are quite a few garden projects which are best done in the spring so plan ahead. If the weather allows, start early.

Even while there are patches of snow still on the ground, it’s possible to prune broken limbs or begin cleaning out the gardens in which the snow has melted. Getting some of the more tedious garden projects completed early on allows you to spend more time planning, planting and enjoying new gardens.

Tim Birch is the publisher of GardenLeap, a garden resource site for the gardening enthusiast. Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

FUN!

When you have a party at Pure Entertainment we give a suite to the family - the whole time of the party! Mom, Dads, Friends and kids have a private glass-front view of the inflatable park area. Suites include: Over-sized Flat-screen, Private Phone \with Butler Service, Surround Sound, DVD/DVR box with 100's of channels, climate control, V.I.P Door that exits the suite to a Private Parking spot and MUCH MORE!

More than just inflatables

FOOD

ENTERTAINMENT Hours: Monday – Closed Tues.-Thurs.10am – 7pm Fri. 10am – 8pm Sat.10am – 9pm Sun.11am – 8pm Holidays and School Closings – 10am – 9pm

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Lifeway Kefir This bubbly drink discovered in ancient times is not only tasty, but beneficial to your health.

Filled with healthy probiotics, this yogurt-like drink is proven to balance your body’s ecosystem and support digestive health and immunity. They also have a special line just for kids! (lifetaking)

Halsa Poles If you’re looking for a product that will keep you outdoors, but help you build upper body strength, then Halsa Poles may be right up your alley. With up to 13 pounds of resistance, these walking poles will help you build tone in your chest, back and arms. ($129.95 www. halsamat.com)

Be true to your school!

This website will customize apparel and accessories with your favorite school team. From hats, hoodies and even iphone covers, this website is sure to help you show your team spirit. (prepsportswear.com)

FanBand

Dry Dudz These breathable, quick drying boardshorts are the newest in performance clothing for men and women. Their ultra-light cutting edge fabric helps “wik” away moisture to keep the wearer dry all day. Offered in 5 contemporary designs, these “duds” can even serve as upscale casual wear. (drydudz.com)

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Prep Sportswear

Wear your favorite player on your wrist. With a large line of NBA and MLB teams available, the FanBand is the only armband to bear an exact, embroidered replica of your favorite player’s jersey. ($7.99 www.fanband.net)

What’s Virtual School?

vir·tu·al school noun An online learning environment that gives students and families the ability to structure an educational experience that is both flexible and challenging

Maize Virtual Preparatory School offers a tuition free option for K–10 Kansas students. Using the world-renowned Calvert curriculum, your child has access to a comprehensive course of study that is:

Virtual – blends the online experience with traditional texts Classic – reading, writing, math, scientific exploration, historical research, and art Flexible – fits your family’s schedule and your child’s pace Easy-to-use – step-by-step daily lesson plans Visit maizevirtualprepschool.com/events to register for free, fun and informative family events.

To learn more or to enroll call (316) 462-8800 or go to: MaizeVirtualPrepSchool.com

Add some color to your life... at the most interactive zoo in Kansas! giraffe feeding post ring-tail lemur feeding island rainbow lorikeets feeding post

camel and Haflinger horse rides Feeding station for the 2.5-ton indian rhinoceros childrens’ zoo

introducing jerome, the mystic mandrill 2011 WICHITA FAMILY MAGAZINE’S

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(316) 794.8954 Westside of Wichita in goddard

Voted 2 years in a roW!