june 2015
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS HOW TO DISCUSS FINANCES WITH YOUR FIANCÉ Wichita Family • June 2015 - 1
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june 2015
Inside: 6
News and Information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools
8 10 12
Prepare your home for a power outage due to severe weather 5 questions to ask before tying the knot to the one you love Must-haves for the family’s summer activities and adventures
Wichita Family • June 2015 - 3
Success
begins at an early age
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Publisher Todd Vogts publisher@wichitafamily.com
Wichita Family Magazine is published 12 times a year by Lucky 7 Publishing 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, email us at publisher@wichitafamily.com or visit our website at www.wichitafamily.com. Copyright 2015 by Lucky 7 Publishing 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 Lucky 7 Publishing LLC. 4 - www.wichitafamily.com
Message from the Publisher Golf is a sport of infinite joy and frustration. It is something I have loved since the time I was rather young, and my passion for it is one of the traits I hope to pass down to my own children some day. I started spending time on various courses when I would accompany my father on his outings. I remember fondly my times getting to ride in the golf cart drinking can after can of Dr. Pepper and watch him play this solitary and fascinating game. Often times mother would come along as well, and the instances when a larger group of uncles would join my dad provided hours of entertainment. I’ve seen people in our party hit neighboring houses, throw their drivers further than they hit the ball, and I was once even struck in the back by a stray shot from another golfer. As I got older, I was allowed to play. Looking back, I realize how much patience my father had. I, and my brother for that matter, did not play well in the early years. We didn’t follow the rules of not walking across the green and ruining the line of where my father was going to attempt to sink his putt, Todd Vogts publisher@wichitafamily.com and we were
rarely quiet. However, my father never got mad at us for these infractions of golf decorum. Instead, he would guide and instruct us on how to properly conduct ourselves. This instruction wasn’t to help when we were playing with him. Rather, he did it so we could be golfers well into our lives and not violate the rules while playing with others. My father taught me a lot about golf, and though my brother improved, I am still a relatively poor golfer. However, my father’s love and care for me while I was on the course left a lasting impact. To this day, I love playing the game. For instilling that passion within me, I am truly grateful. Over my years of attempting to improve my game, I also have learned a lot about myself while on the links. In Steven Pressfield’s book, “The Legend of Bagger Vance,” he truly explains how I view golf, and he does so much more eloquently than I had ever considered it. He discusses the fact that golf is a “higher plane” activity. It makes the point golf is a sport of the gods. It brings you closer to the divine. It is the only sport where the golfer has to judge himself. If he makes an error, the onus is on him to call the penalty. It is a sport where you become one with nature on courses carved out of the land. Pressfield writes of finding the “authentic swing,” which is the representation of your true self. In it he says
all the knowledge a person needs can be found in the hands as they grip the club. He wrote that one must play golf, as one must play the game of life, with abandon. Hold nothing back and give it your all. This spoke to me. He makes the claim that there are multiple existences occurring simultaneously, and our true self, guided by our hands and grip on our world, finds the existence we are meant to live and drives us forward, both literally and figuratively. Essentially, Pressfield writes “Bagger Vance” to describe golf as a metaphor for life. In life, as in golf, integrity, respect, competitiveness, focus, and peace are key components. The story centers on a golfer who is struggling to find meaning in his life by the narrator telling the story of another golfer who was struggling to find meaning in his life. All three of the primary characters — the narrator, the current golfer and the past golfer — are all influenced by the mysterious caddie, Bagger Vance. Vance shows all the players “the field,” which is the dimension of the world where all the possible existences live. He shows them how to give themselves to the game, which is to give themselves to life. My father is my Bagger Vance. He opened the door to golf, allowing me to find my true self. This is a gift better than anything wrapped in shiny paper. It is a gift to last a lifetime, and for that, I am eternally in his debt. Wichita Family • June 2015 - 5
News and Information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools
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McLean teacher Sue Conner leads students around the park next to the school as part of Bike to School Day.
Schools participate in Bike to School Day
Many schools to participated in Bike to School Day on May 6. Bike to School Day, sponsored by the Safe Kids Wichita Area, Via Christi Outreach and Prevention, Sedgwick County EMS, the Wichita Police Department, FedEx and the Wichita Public Schools, teaches the importance of safe bicycling to school and the rules of the road. At McLean, students in morning latchkey rode their bikes around the park next to the school. Other students rode their bikes to school with their parents. Students who didn’t 6 - www.wichitafamily.com
have a bike helmet received a free one. Volunteers fitted each of the students to make sure their helmet fitted properly. Representatives from the Wichita Police Department, the Wichita Fire Department, Sedgwick County Sheriff, Sedgwick County EMS and FedEx let students sit inside their vehicles and talked to students about their jobs and about safety. An obstacle course was set up so students could learn about the rules of the road.
To date, nearly $30 million in scholarships have been offered to Wichita Public School seniors.
District celebrates top scholarship recipients
The Wichita Public Schools celebrated the accomplishments of high school seniors for being some of the top scholarship recipients for 2015. The students were recognized at a Board of Education meeting for being the top ten scholarship recipients at their high school or for receiving $40,000 or more in scholarship earnings. “Of the 2,649 graduates we will have this year, 850 of those
graduates received some type of scholarship this year,” said Bill Faflick, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools. For the class of 2015, nearly $30 million in scholarships were offered to students to date. To see a list of the top scholarship recipients for each high school, visit www.usd259.org.
Hadley students take off to wrap up Flying Challenge Students from Hadley Middle School got a birdseye view of Wichita to wrap up its year-long Airbus Flying Challenge, a partnership between Hadley, Airbus, the United Way, Communities in Schools and Wichita State University. The Airbus Flying Challenge matched Hadley students with mentors from Airbus. The students and their mentors have been meeting throughout the year. The final event was taking students up in an airplane, provided by Kansas State University-Salina. It was the first time many of the students had flown. The partnership encouraged students to learn about careers in aviation and engineering and to see how math, technology, science and engineering can Hadley Middle School students flew in a small airplane to be used every day. But for many students, it was also wrap up the Airbus Flying Challenge. an opportunity just to talk with a caring adult. Wichita Family • June 2015 - 7
Emergency Preparedness
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Prepare your home for a power outage
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mericans who have recently endured a prolonged power outage at home are much more likely to improve their family’s emergency preparation for the future, according to a recent report. A 2014 survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of Briggs & Stratton found almost one in four U.S. adults had endured a power outage lasting 12 hours or more in the last two years. That experience motivated twothirds of respondents to be more prepared for future incidents, according to the survey. “The high percentage of respon-
dents who took action to better prepare their families and homes for future emergency situations really underscores the level of frustration a power outage can cause families who aren’t properly prepared,” said Amanda Grandy, with Briggs & Stratton. Your Preparedness Checklist Planning Ahead When you have advance warning of a potential loss of power, which is often caused by a strong weather system, there are many steps families can take to minimize the stress it can cause.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that you create an emergency preparedness plan with a checklist of items: • Make sure your gas tank is full • Fill plastic bags with water and place them in the freezer • Stop by the bank to ensure you have some cash on hand • Fill prescriptions that are approaching their refill date Disasters, however, don’t always come with prior notice, so having an emergency kit prepared ahead of time
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images 8 - www.wichitafamily.com
s s g
k o t a a k s
is the surest way to protect your family. Be sure to include items such as: • A three-day supply of non-perishable food • Adequate water (a gallon per person, per day) • First aid supplies • Matches • Battery-powered radio • Flashlights • Extra batteries • Essential toiletry items, such as toothbrush and paste An expanded list of items to consider when packing your emergency supply kit can be found at www.fema. gov.
between these options will help any family determine which is the better choice for their home.” A portable generator is an immediate, but temporary, solution. A portable gas generator is less expensive than a standby unit and doesn’t require installation time. Its benefits have limits, as it can only power a few home appliances for a few hours before needing refueling. A standby generator with an automatic transfer switch provides a seamless and permanent backup power solution. It is professionally installed outside the home and can power more of your
home’s appliances for long periods of time. Powered by natural gas or liquid propane, recent power management technology has allowed homes to still receive whole-house backup electricity, but with a smaller, more affordable generator than in years past. With an emergency kit on hand and the right backup power source available, the frustration of weathering a storm can be greatly lessened. Visit www.briggsandstratton.com to learn more about backup power options. — Family Features
Portable vs. Standby Generators “Beyond preparing an emergency kit, purchasing a portable generator or installing a standby generator is the simplest way to keep the power on and ensure a family stays safe when a strong storm or other emergency knocks utility power offline,” Grandy said. “Understanding the distinction
For Kids Entering Grades 1 - 12
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images
Fill your child's summer with these unforgettable experiences that engage curiosity, promote creativity, enhance scientific knowledge – and are fun!
Topics Include: • movie making • building robots and puppets – includes trip to Music Theatre Wichita! • flight and outer space • behind-the-scenes at the museum
PLUS • Summer Technology Edventures • Air Capital Aviation Adventure: Build & Fly • Camp at The Independent School
Register Now! 316.660.0620 or www.exploration.org 300 N. McLean Blvd., Wichita, KS 67203
Wichita Family • June 2015 - 9
Fiancé and Finances Five questions to ask before marriage
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arriage is a milestone in life; yet, many enter into the next phase without asking their spouse some vital questions about money. If you are among the soon-to-be wed, consider starting a conversation using the questions below. Couples who plan their expenses ahead of time are more likely to enjoy their earnings, and less likely to need credit repair intervention. Men, women and weddings Females are often portrayed as materialistic or over-the-top when it comes to their big day, but recent findings from an online Harris Poll tell a different story. Surprisingly, the study found that twice the number of men stated they would or did go into debt to pay for their dream wedding. The study also found that both men and women valued financial responsibility. In fact, 91% indicated a preference for entering marriage debt-free as opposed to having a dream wedding. “Marriage is a lifelong commitment built on trust, clear communication and honesty,” said John Heath, Directing Attorney for Lexington Law. “While some may find financial discussions unnecessary, understanding each other intimately in terms of what you both bring to the table - be it wealth or debt - will strengthen your relationship and help to avoid potentially serious friction to your marriage down the road.” Discussing money matters So how does one go into a marriage with a solid financial standing? Those soon-to-be-wed couples who converse openly about their finances are more likely to enjoy their big day with an understanding of their mate’s views on 10 - www.wichitafamily.com
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images
money. The experts at Lexington Law offer these questions every newly engaged couple should ask before the big day: 1. How do you view money? This is a loaded question, but your fiancé’s answer will help you understand their perspective and how it aligns with yours. Here are a few conversation starters on the subject: • How do you budget your money? • Are you meticulous about your bills and expenses, or are you comfortable to just “wing it?” • What’s the most you would ever spend on a home, car, piece of clothing, etc.? 2. How should we budget for a family? Kids are expensive, especially if you haven’t planned for them. Talk to your partner about how many kids you would both like to have. Plan for child living expenses and how they will impact your budget, i.e. clothes, food, activities, medical expenses, schooling, etc.
National Traveling Exhibit Opens Saturday, May 23 Face your fears and test your responses to common fears, through hands-on challenges in a safe environment. Exhibit Highlights • Immerse yourself in a savannah and try to collect fruit without being caught. • Experience falling backward and watch your reaction. • Match facial expressions with basic emotions. • And more!
3. How should we communicate about money? Some couples are content to let one person handle the finances, and others like to split up the bills and share household responsibilities. Regardless of what you decide, it is important to have a plan in place before getting married. 4. What should we do when we disagree about spending? You and your spouse won’t agree on everything. In fact, you may completely disagree on how to spend, save, and generally manage your money. The question is: What should you do when these disagreements arise? Avoiding the subject will put you at greater risk for financial (and marital) trouble. There’s no easy answer for this one, but presenting the topic during your conversation is a good start. 5. Do you have any debts that I should be aware of? Secrets aren’t the best addition to a marriage, especially when it comes to debt. Be sure you and your soon-to-be put the credit cards on the table before walking down the aisle. Marriage is a life partnership; start by dealing with your debt together. You’ll head into your new life as a married couple with ease when you have an open and honest dialog about your financial situation. For more tips for managing your money, or your credit, visit www.LexingtonLaw.com. — Family Features
Join Us For the Fear Buster Challenge! Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 21, Noon - 5 p.m. Attempt to tackle your fears with special activities throughout the museum. Complete a Courage Card along the way and win a fun prize for your efforts. • Learn dance steps and be part of a flash mob. • Walk through a narrow tunnel before the walls collapse. • Speak in front of a crowd of strangers.
Included in general museum admission, free for members.
300 N. McLean Blvd. Wichita, Kansas 67203 316.660.0600 www.exploration.org Developed by the California Science Center and supported, in part, by the Informal Science Education program of the National Science Foundation under grant ESI-0515470. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the National Science Foundation.
Wichita Family • June 2015 - 11
Summer Must-Haves for Family
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By Todd Vogts
he calendar flipping to June can mean only one thing — summer is here. If you are like most families, the summer months can be a doubleedged sword of activities and more time together with the children being out of school. The best way to make the best of this new schedule you and your loved ones are facing is to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better way to do that than by playing a rousing game of Rollors. It is truly the perfect yard game!
ROLLORS: The Perfect Yard Game Bring back family game night! Put down those smart devices and get outside as a family! Rollors is the perfect game for getting the family together outdoors. A must have for bbqs, summer beach vacations, and camping trips! So how do you play? It’s easy! Here is a run-down of the rules, straight from the game itself: • Position the red and blue goals approximately 25 feet apart on a level terrain. 12 - www.wichitafamily.com
• Each player uses one color set of rollers in the first round of play, blue goes first. Standing behind the red goal the blue player rolls one rollor at a time to the other goal. The rollor should be rolled on the edge, with a wind-up and release as in bowling. The rollor must touch the ground with in 4 feet of the release (no throwing allowed!). Once the blue player has played the red player takes a turn. • Only one player scores each round and that is the player with the rollor that is closest to the goal. The measuring cord should assist in determining which player is closest. In the case of a tie neither player scores. All rollers of the closest scoring color to the goal receive points. • In order to score, a rollor must fall entirely within a 5 foot radius of the center of the goal. A measuring cord is provided to measure this requirement. Points are given as follows: 1. Rollors that land on their side - score a point value equal to the number that is showing. 2. Rollors that stop on the edge - score a point value equal to the sum of both sides. 3. Rollors that come to rest against the goal - score a point value of double the number showing. • Play continues with rounds that are started by the last color that has scored, rolling back and forth between goals. To win, a player must achieve a total of 21 points or more, and must have two more points than the opponent. Doesn’t this sound like good, oldfashioned fun for the family? Trust us here at Wichita Family. It is. Want to buy it? Check out www.rollors.com. The game can be yours for only $49.95, and there can be as few as two or as many as six people playing. And don’t worry, there are even rules for a kids game, so everyone can be a part of the fun.
TEN YEAR JOURNAL Now, with a new family game for all to enjoy, not to mention all the other activities you will be participating in, you need a good way to record those memories. Let’s keep with the theme of ditching the smart phones and other gadgets. Instead, utilize the Ten Year Journal to record everything your family does this summer and for many summers to come. The Ten Year Journal believes in the power and intimacy of the handwritten memoir. Just a few sentences a day will quickly become a decade of memories and observations that can be read over and over. Unlike other journals that leave writers staring at a blank page, the Ten Year Journal includes dated and lined pages with room to record everything from daily events to family adventures to funny things your child said. There are also pages for long-range planning, monthly overviews, addresses and phone numbers, and it is all contained within a beautifully bound leather cover. This is a must-have for any busy family. Visit www.tenyearjournal.com today and order one today for only $39.95.
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Wichita Family • June 2015 - 13
~ A Milestone Of Childhood Essay ~
Pastimes and Passing Time
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By Ian Anderson
s a child and a young man, I spent countless hours playing and thinking about baseball. The months that made up the spring and summer were filled with games, and still June, July, and August mean baseball to me. Somehow, the smell of clay and grass and sunflower seeds, the pop of the ball into the glove, and the drop of my stomach as I stepped into the batter’s box are sensations I can’t escape. I remember with vivid clarity the first double play I turned. With a runner on first base, my thought process was simple as I stood waiting for the ball at my second base position: if the ball came to me, I planned to tag the runner and throw to first. A moment later it happened. Yet the image that sticks in my mind isn’t the actual play but my jumping father who was in the dugout. He extended his arms into the air and leapt from the bench, his face beaming. This summer I make the full transition from player to coach; I’ve hung up even my softball cleats in favor of that spot in the dugout where I’ll spur on my own son. Of course, we’ve already played enough baseball in the house and backyard to fill whole seasons, and the coaching began
14 - www.wichitafamily.com
long ago. Yet, my gut turns at the thought of stepping on the field with my son and his little teammates; I can see their eyes as I type these words, and they’re waiting for me to help them, show them how to play the game. More than that, they’re waiting for things they don’t know they need — a coach to tell them that winning is only frosting on the cake, and that giving up is not an option, and that their performance is measured by whether they gave their best. I heard those words long ago, and they first took hold on the baseball field. A seemingly trivial sport played by a group of children is more than a game, and that’s why the images and the words are rushing back at me as I prepare for my first practice as my son’s coach. What will I show them? In twenty years they’ll either look back on their first days playing baseball with joy or disdain, happiness or frustration. I want to cast the images in my son’s mind carefully, I want to speak my words thoughtfully — I want to leap from the dugout bench and I want him to see me do it. Ian Anderson is a teacher, a husband, and a dad. He lives with his family in Central Kansas. Occasionally, he tweets here: @ian_writes.
Wichita Family • June 2015 - 15
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West side of Wichita in Goddard