family

Connecting, Sharing, Learning & Playing

WichitaAPRIL 2012

Wichita

2012 BEST FOR FAMILY AWARDS

OuR READERS vOTED FOR THE BEST BuSInESSES

AnD SERvIcES FOR WIcHITA FAMILIES.

JOIn uS AT THE

DETAILS InSIDE

5K AND 2-MILE FAMILY FUN WALKApril 21, 2012

EL DORADO CIVIC CENTER

For more information or to register online go to:RAINBOWSUNITED.ORG

9 a.m. 5K Race9:45 a.m. 2-Mile Family Fun Walk

Runners, walkers, wheelchairs, and strollers welcome!

www.WichitaFamily.com | 3

Connecting: A note from the editor 4

Spotlight on a local Mompreneur 5

2012 Best For Family Readers’ Choice Awards 6

Rainbows Run-Walk: Supporting Children with Special Needs 10

Learning: From the District News and information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools 12

Childcare/Classified Directory 13

Families Around Town at Chick-fil-A 14

familyWichitaWichita

Inside this issue:

Connecting, Sharing, Learning & Playing

familyWichita

JULY 2011

BOTANICA OPENS NEW CHILDREN’S GARDEN

SUMMER FUN WITH FAMILIES ‘AROUND TOWN’

Place your ad today!

Dedicated to our reputation

and yours!

316.295.8465

I'm certainly not going to have any problems filling our family's free time this spring and summer.

Just around the corner is Tanganyika Wildlife Park's family event, Bunny Bonanza. Eggs found around the park can be redeemed at the Egg Factory, explains Tanganyika's Matt Fouts. The Easter Bunny will be on hand and crafts and live bunnies will be around as well. The Bunny Bonanza will take place on Saturday, April 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This is also a great time of year to explore Botanica. Botanica's Tulips & Fairies Festival has been going on since March and will continue during the first two Saturdays (April 7 and 14) in April. After you enjoy a couple Saturdays at Botanica, head to El Dorado on April 21 and take part in the Rainbows United 5K Run and 2-Mile Family Fun Walk!

Chick-fil-A at Central and Rock opened in March and has a nice little indoor play place for the younger kiddos. Operator Brad Fuller and his wife Laura and their four kids are thrilled to be able to share this yummy and laid-back family restaurant with Wichita. Brad, and all of the amazing corporate and local staff, have put a lot of time and labor into making the Chick-fil-A dream a Wichita reality. I am more than willing to support their effort by grabbing some nuggets and waffle fries whenever possible!

If you're looking for an incredible opportunity that will further your personal and/or professional life, you’ll want to get your ticket now for the Chick-fil-A Leadercast. Tickets and more information are available at www.wayfm.com. The event is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 4 at Riverlawn Christian Church. Wichita Family Magazine proudly partners with radio station 90.7 WAY-FM to further its family-friendly and family-focused mission.

What are your plans now that the weather has warmed up? My kids and I started a tradition last year of making a huge, “Summer Fun” list. We wrote down all of our ideas on poster board and hung it on the wall, crossing off activities we accomplished as we went along. I’m a big list-maker, so having a list on the wall where we could see ideas and make them happen was huge for us.

Keep us updated on the fun things your family is doing and help us spread the word about Wichita Family to your friends!

Spotlight

4 | Wichita Family

Publisher:

For the Families, LLC

316.295.8465

Publishers

Eric and Christy Clark

Editor

Jessica Lindsey

Advertising inquiries contact:

Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Cari Fischer

316.841.9379 or 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 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.

familyWichitaWichita

Jessica LindseyEditor-in-Chief

jessica@wichitafamily.com

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SpotlightIt has come with a great deal of sacrifice and many sleepless

nights, but when a vision as clear and intense as The Cottage Collective hits, it’s worth the hard work.

So says Abbe Doll, the lead collaborator behind the brand new shop at 509 N. Lorraine in The Green Elephant Village in Wichita. The Cottage Collective, which opened March 30, is now home to Doll and six other local mompreneurs who sell hand-crafted, vintage and refinished items.

“The biggest thing I’ve learned along the way is you have to be passionate and you have to believe in yourself and what you’re doing,” said Doll. “Dreams do not come without a price. It’s not like in the movies where there’s a music montage and things just fall into sequence and all of a sudden you’re putting an open sign up in your store window.

“It has taken a lot of work,” continued Doll. “I tuck my kids into bed, put on painting clothes and paint until 1 or 2 a.m. Get up and drive the carpool in the morning. I do it because I love it and I believe in it.”

It hasn’t been a one-person effort. Doll is quick to point out that the decision to pursue the dream of owning a store was one that her family entered into together. Doll and her husband of ten years, Adam, and their three kids, Dakota, 6, Creyton, 4, and Maggie, 2, all are supportive and involved in every aspect.

Discovering a passion

It started with a dresser. A $20 estate sale dresser that Doll purchased at a sale down the street from her home with the intention of scraping it down and dressing it up to look similar to the style of one she loved in Pottery Barn. She was pregnant with her daughter and her two sons were moving into a shared bedroom.

“We didn’t have much money to spend, but the boys needed more storage,” said Doll. “I began sanding and priming and painting. Within a matter of hours, my love affair began with painting furniture.”

That was just over two years ago. Things progressed quickly as friends, friends of friends and eventually complete strangers were calling Doll requesting her to repurpose their furniture or even find and redo pieces.

“I’ve always done everything on a budget, I believe anyone can have a beautiful home without spending a lot of money,” said Doll.

The vision hits

With custom orders coming in by the truckload, Doll established her business, All Dolled Up. She had a long-term dream of owning her own store but she knew that would take time. In the spring of 2011 Doll’s friend Polly Peake gave her the first chance at retail exposure.

Peake opened At Home With Style, an interior design store near Central and Woodlawn, and suggested Doll take a section of the store to present her goods.

“She gave me the opportunity to sell some of my things,” said Doll. “I had the mindset of, ‘we’ll just see how this goes.’”

At the same time, Adam Doll felt called to serve the community by changing jobs and working full time for Habitat for Humanity. In addition to the chance to have fun and pursue selling her items, it was also a chance for Doll to earn extra money to help support her family and back up her husband’s change to a career in the non-profit world.

She sold out in two weeks and soon had a waiting list for custom items.

Fast forward to Christmastime when Doll was shopping for gift at Christiane’s Closet, an upscale boutique in The Green Elephant Village when she noticed a “for lease” sign in a nearby space. Doll asked the landlord if it would be possible to lease a section of the store, since the entire store would be too large. The landlord was only interested in leasing the entire area so Doll left knowing that renting the entire space was not an option for her small business.

Doll had a longterm dream of owning her own store. Her garage was full of projects, as was her house, and she and her husband were talking about leasing a storage unit to use for a work space and to host the occasional tag sale.

“I went back (to The Green Elephant Village) in hopes of maybe offering to rent half of it again,” Doll recalled. “The second time I went in, I experienced a vision in a way I never had before. I saw the place full of different women’s things, all were locally made. It was like an incredible dream, I pictured all kinds of vintage and handmade items, jewelry, baby things, all the things women want to find. The things we find on Etsy and Pinterest but aren’t able to walk into a brick-and-mortar store and buy locally.”

Doll followed through on her vision. She felt led to each pursue six specific women, most of whom she had never even actually met, she had only heard of them or their products, their skills or talents.

She knew it would sound crazy, but she approached each woman about joining her in the venture.

“I prayed and I called six women,” Doll said. “All six said yes, you’re speaking my dreams. They each said that they’d wanted a store but couldn’t support it on their own. It was born out of that. It was an accumulation of dreams coming into fruition.”

Just a few short months later, The Cottage Collective is a reality.

on a local Mompreneur

Owner, Abbe DollThe Cottage Collective316.719.2969509 N. Lorraine, Wichita, KS 67214www.thecottagecollective.comThursday 11-7, Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-4.

familyWichitaWichita

www.WichitaFamily.com | 5

6 | Wichita Family

W I C H I TA FAM I LY MAG A Z I N E ’S

READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

2012

On the next several pages appear the first half results of our second annual Best for Family Readers’ Choice Survey. During the months of September, October, November and December, Wichita Family Magazine published a ballot asking our readers to submit their votes for all of their favorites in the categories listed.

Businesses and organizations were allowed to post signs announcing the survey and asking patrons to vote for them, but handing out ballots was prohibited.

You will probably see some big surprises and some results that you might find predictable. There are locally-owned businesses as well as national chains.

Please keep in mind that the winners were chosen purely from votes by Wichita Family readers. Wichita Family Magazine is excited to honor the winners, but we also know that there are many, many other deserving restaurants, doctors, real estate agents, photographers, etc., that could be on this list.

SCHOOLSPublic: Maize South High School3701 N. Tyler Rd., Wichita, KS, 67205. 316-462-8000.

The 2011-2012 school year is the third year as a school for Maize South High School. The over 600 students and the administrations consider it more of a home away from home than just a typical school.

Private: Wichita Collegiate Schoolwww.wcsks.com9115 E. 13th St., Wichita, KS 67206. 316-634-0433.

Wichita Collegiate School is an eastside private school that offers classes for everyone from early childhood through high school. The school was founded in 1963 and has gone from 100 students the first year to more than 1,000 students.

With a strong focus on challenging academic curriculum and many extracurricular opportunities, Collegiate strives to provide each student with a well-rounded educational experience.

Alternative: Metro Meridian301 S. Meridian, Wichita, KS, 67213. 316-973-0550.

Just under 150 students attend Metro-Meridian where the motto is, “The little school with the big heart.” USD 259 spokesperson Susan Arensman said, “Metro-Meridian’s biggest asset is the ability of the staff to connect with students in an effort to make them academically successful. As students experience success at Metro-Meridian, they accept ownership in all aspects of the school and their lives.”

ENTERTAINMENTArt Exhibit: City Artswww.wichitaarts.com334 N. Mead, Wichita, KS, 67202. 316-462-2787.

There really isn’t any other place like CityArts in Wichita

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Take a high-fl ying ride across the Arkansas River on the 450-foot Riverfest Zip Line when you take a closer look at all Wichita has to off er.

See more at gowichita.com

316.265.2800 | 800.288.9424

TAKE ACLOSERLOOK ATRIVERFEST

Wichita Riverfest

W I C H I TA FAM I LY MAG A Z I N E ’S

READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

2012

that offers a comprehensive art exhibition and art education experience. Art and creative expression is such an important part of a community’s overall health and quality of life. Students and visitors of all ages can come to CityArts and use their hands and minds to explore their creative sides and leave with a new view of the world. CityArts strives to be an advocate for the arts and a community meeting place where people of all backgrounds and races can gather to appreciate and discuss diverse forms of artistic cultural expression.

Concert Venue: Intrust Bank Arenawww.intrustbankarena.com500 E. Waterman, Wichita, KS, 67202. Ticket information: www.selectaseat.com, 316-755-SEAT.

The 15,000 seat arena opened on January 9, 2010. Since then the Arena, as it’s been affectionately called by its fans, has brought Wichitans a variety of shows that they would have had to travel to a bigger market to see in the past.

Golf Course: Sand Creek Stationwww.sandcreekgolfclub.com920 Meadowbrook Drive, Newton, KS 67114. 316-284-6161.

Chosen as one of the Top 50 public courses by Golf World Magazine, Sand Creek Station is a “Public course, private experience,” golf club just up the interstate from Wichita in Newton.

Live Theater: Music Theatre of Wichitawww.mtwichita.org225 W. Douglas, Wichita, KS, 67202. 316-265-3253.

Music Theatre of Wichita was founded in 1972 and features Broadway artists in lavishly-scaled productions and is one of few theatres in the nation to create all of their own productions rather than outsourcing shows to touring companies, explains Producing Artistic Director, Wayne Bryan.

Museum: Museum of World Treasureswww.worldtreasures.org835 E. 1st St., Wichita, KS, 67202. 316-263-1311.

8 | Wichita Family

BEST FOR FAMILY

The Museum of World Treasures is keeping up its tradition of offering family-friendly fun for a wide variety of ages. There’s Ivan, the 40-foot-tall T-Rex, The Ancient Civilizations Galleries and the Fossil Gallery, which are great for younger children, and an extensive collection of military history that older children tend to enjoy.

Non-Profit Event: Zoobileewww.scz.org555 West Zoo Blvd., Wichita, KS 67212. 316-660-9453.

The Sedgwick County Zoo is the 18th largest zoo in the U.S. and celebrated its 40th anniversary this past year. Zoobilee is the Sedgwick County Zoo’s largest fundraising effort.

The Zoo is open 364 days a year, Zoobilee is the only day of the year that the Zoo closes. About 5,000 people attended Zoobilee last year, sampling food and drink from area restaurants, dancing to one of the several bands on site and bidding on auction items. The event requires tickets to attend. This year’s Zoobilee is set for September 10 and nearly 70 different restaurants plan to serve their best foods.

Place to Take the Family: Tanganyika Wildlife Parkwww.twpark.com1000 South Hawkins Lane, Goddard, KS, 67052. 316-794-8954.

For a step out of reality and into a “wildly different experience,” head on over to Tanganyika Wildlife Park.

Tanganyika is far from the typical zoo. With hands-on exhibits, you’re free to roam and explore as you encounter creatures and make great memories with your family. Tanganyika also is a great place to hold birthdays, weddings and other special events. Check out more details on the park as well as information about educational programs for all ages at Tanganyika’s website.

Playground: Watson Park3022 S. McLean Blvd., Wichita, KS 67217. 316-529-9940.

The City of Wichita’s O.J. Watson Park is a 119-acre park with a long list

of amenities. There’s a lake for fishing and pedal boats, plenty of places to picnic, rides, playground equipment and much more. According to Wichita Family readers, it is definitely the park to try on a warm day with the family.

Runner-up: Sedgwick County Park:6501 W. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS 67205. 316-943-0192.

Sedgwick County Park is located in northwest Wichita and has lakes for fishing, picnic areas, playgrounds, paved walking paths and plenty of space to relax and enjoy nature.

Sports Experience: Wichita Wingnuts Baseballwww.wichitawingnuts.com300 S. Sycamore St., Wichita, KS, 67213. 316-264-6887.

Entering their fourth year in Wichita, hitting a Wingnuts game during the spring and summer is definitely a fun, family-friendly event. It’s also affordable, a family can go to the ballgame for around $20. There are always fun things to do, too, like an inflatable batting cage, sending the kids to run the bases and even fireworks.

Theater: Warren Old Town Theatre www.warrenoldtown.com353 N. Mead, Wichita, K. Movie Line: 316-691-9700.

The OldTown Warren topped our list as the place to go for movies in Wichita. Located at the head of Old Town Square, this seven-theatre location is all about comfort and convenience. Order from a full-menu of food straight from your seat in any of the auditoriums.

The OldTown Warren has a great deal to try. On Wednesdays, all tickets are $5.00, all day and night.

Water Park: Rock River Rapids:www.rockriverrapids.com1900 E. James St., Derby, KS 67037. 316-788-7665

Open from late in the month of May to mid-August, Rock River Rapids in Derby has been making a splash since

it opened in 2004. Daily rates are $8 for ages 3 to 17 and $9 for ages 19 and older. Children 2 and under are free.

Weekend Getaway: Kansas City and SchlitterbahnSchlitterbahn is located near the Legends Kansas City Outlet stores, Kansas Speedway and the Kansas City Wizards stadium. If you’ve visited this exciting water park before, you know that it’s a fun time but plan on going again this year since Schlitterbahn has added six new attractions and plans to grown even more. Pack a picnic lunch, lather on the sunscreen and plan on spending the day riding the waves and enjoying everything that Schlitterbahn has to offer.

SERVICES:Cleaning Service: Home-Maid:528 N. Washington, Wichita, KS 67214. 316-838-MAID.

Locally owned and operated since 1997, Home-Maid Professional Maid Service is fully-insured and bonded, has a 24-hour guarantee, uses professionally trained crews, gives free estimates and does not require a contract.

Adoption Agency: Youthvillewww.youthville.org4505 E. 47th St. S., Wichita, KS. 316-529-9100.

Youthville has been living out its mission of, “Giving Children Back their Childhood,” since 1927. The organization cares for more than 1,000 children every day who suffer from abuse, neglect, abandonment and trauma. Youthville helps children through programs specializing in foster care, adoption, psychiatric residential treatment, secure care, counseling and trauma therapy.

Assisted Living Facility: Catholic Care Centerwww.via-christi.org6700 E. 45th N., Wichita, KS, 67226. 316-744-2020. The Catholic Care Center is the largest continuing-care retirement community in South Central Kansas. It provides a variety of care levels on the large campus including 40 memory-care

www.WichitaFamily.com | 9

units and a 32-person special care unit for residents with advanced dementia.

Auto Dealer: Davis-Moore Autogroupwww.davis-moore.com

In the 56 years since forming, Davis-Moore has become the largest auto group in Kansas. Seven new car dealerships and an internet team make up the Davis-Moore Autogroup.

Auto Repair: Auto Craft Collision Repairwww.autocraftinc.com1427 E. 1st St. N., Wichita, KS, 67214. 316-265-6828.3131 N. Ridge Rd., Wichita, KS, 67205. 316-722-6828.10760 W. Kellogg, Wichita, KS, 67209. 316-729-6828.8532 E. 32nd St. N., Wichita, KS, 67226. 316-630-9494.418 N. Andover Rd., Andover, KS, 67002. 316-927-3770.

The first Auto Craft Collision Repair was opened in Wichita in 1976. The business has grown but has kept the original mission in mind when it comes to car repair: repairing cars to pre-accident condition and treating customers with personalized service.

Like a doctor’s office for your car, Auto Craft Collision Repair is ready to assist customers and guide them through every step of the repair process to minimize their inconvenience.

Carpet and Rug Cleaner: Be Amazed Carpet Cleaningwww.beamazedclean.com316-854-0558

Be Amazed Carpet Cleaning aims to give you the “most amazing clean you’ve ever seen” and it seems Wichita Family readers have been happy with the results. Be Amazed Carpet Cleaning promises to arrive within a 30-minute window of time, provide a written estimate, completely explain the process and treat your home as if it was their own.

Childcare: La Petite Academywww.lapetite.com7431 E. 21st St., Wichita, KS 67206. 316-682-8333.8181 E. Harry, Wichita, KS 67207. 316-686-5867.431 N. Waco, Wichita, KS 67202. 316-265-1037.

La Petite Academy is one of the nation’s largest child care companies with more than 500 locations open in the United States. The three locations in Wichita provide infants, toddlers, twos, preschoolers and pre-K programs.

Counseling Service: Adult, Child and Family Counseling6700 W. Central Ave., Ste. 106, Wichita, KS, 67212. 316-945-5200.

With 12 therapists on staff to serve patients with a wide variety of needs, Adult, Child and Family Counseling was voted the winner of the best Counseling Service in Wichita. A variety of licensed therapists who specialize in many different aspects counseling, along with a caring staff and flexible hours make it a convenient and comfortable place to go.

Realtor: Cindy Carnahanwww.thecarnahangroup.com1551 N. Waterfront Pkwy, Ste. 110, Wichita, KS 67206. 316-634-6767.CindyC@thecarnahangroup.com

Cindy Carnahan—a Wichitan, born and raised—has been selling houses for 38 years. As Broker and leader of The Carnahan Group, Inc., with JP Weigand & Son’s Realtors, Cindy has been named the top sales associate in

the greater Wichita area for the past four years in a row.

Retirement Community:Asbury Parkwww.asbury-park.org200 SW 14th St., Newton, KS 67114. 316-283-4770.

Just a quick drive up I-135 to Newton is where you’ll find Asbury Park. At the southern edge of Newton, Asbury Park sits on 34-acres near popular attractions such as the Chisholm Trail Mall and Sand Creek Station Golf Course as well as close to Newton Medical Center. The community boasts innovative programs and a caring staff.

Wedding Service: David’s Bridal8241 East Kellogg Drive, Space 2A, Wichita, KS 67207, 316-682-1199

David’s Bridal offers brides-to-be and their bridal parties extensive collections of dresses at prices that fit all budgets. Matching accessories such as shoes, jewelry, gloves and more are also available right on site. n

W I C H I TA FAM I LY MAG A Z I N E ’S

READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

2012

Thank you readers for your votes!

10 | Wichita Family

Spring brings new life and new growth, sunshine and welcome raindrops. New this Spring is the inaugural Rainbows Run •

Walk to support children with special needs in Butler County. The event will take place Saturday, April 21 starting and ending at the El Dorado Civic Center.

“We are excited for this new event,” said Susan Harsh, Butler County Infant/Toddler Services Coordinator. “The event will bring families right past our location and we hope people will remember us when they need early intervention, child care provider training and targeted case management services.”

Registration forms are available at RainbowsUnited.org and online registration is at Active.com. You can also register in person at 409 Main in El Dorado. Participants are encouraged to wear rainbow costumes and come for a great time and a great cause. There are individual and family rates as well as volunteer opportunities available. A portion of each registration will go directly to providing services to a child

with special needs

The 5K portion will be chip timed with the 2-mile event all for fun. A special needs category welcomes participants who may currently or previously been served through Rainbows or another agency who serves people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. “We want this to be different and fun, welcoming to families and serious racers, but most of all we want to raise awareness and funding for the vital services provided through our talented and dedicated Rainbows’ staff,” said Deb Voth, President of Rainbows.

Rainbows’ serves over 3,500 children with special needs or at risk, birth through age 21, and their families annually; 1,450 in Butler County.

BentleyA caring staff of professionals, including physical, speech, and occupational therapists, an early childhood special education teacher, and a family service coordinator assist families as they reach goals for their infant and toddler’s development.

Recently, 18 month-old Bentley moved to Augusta with her family. Her sister’s kindergarten teacher mentioned the services of Rainbows. Bentley’s mom, Kayla, contacted Rainbows and Bentley qualified for services at her evaluation.

A happy baby, Bentley was born with Down Syndrome and is small for her age. She doesn’t talk much and is just learning to walk on her own.

Before Bentley was born, the doctors told her parents she had some of the characteristics of a baby with special needs, but that she shouldn’t worry.

When Bentley was born, her mom says it wasn’t a shock, but it has made her more aware of how special every child is. “I knew our baby would change our lives, but I didn’t know how much there would be to know and how she would need extra help,” said Kayla. “I am thankful every day that Kara, our Rainbows’ therapist comes to our home and gives me ideas of what Bentley can and should be doing. I’ve already seen her making progress after just a few visits.”

Sharing

Infant/Toddler Services (tiny-k in Kansas) makes 17 early intervention services available to families with children birth to age three, including: assistive technology, speech/language therapy, audiology, physical therapy, family training, psychological services, health services, family service coordination, medical services, social work, nursing services, special instruction, nutrition services, transportation, occupational therapy, vision services plus sign language and cued speech. Any concerned parent may request a free developmental evaluation by calling (316) 320-1342 in Butler County, (316) 945-7117 in Sedgwick County.

Smart Start of Butler CountySmart Start of Butler County gives children a critical boost and improves the quality of child care in Butler County. Funded by Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund and in partnership with a comprehensive network of government, early childhood education specialists and the business community. Through Smart Start of Butler County, families have increased access to affordable, quality child care in centers and/or licensed child care homes.

“The staff and resources provided through Smart Start of Butler County are a true blessing in our home. Smart Start has offered our family so much through the last few years,” said Jamie, mother of three. “We will forever be thankful and blessed by their dedication and expertise to help us teach our children and build strong foundations for their future.”

Smart Start of Butler County is opening doors of opportunity for quality child care, early childhood mental health, plus provider training and support through:Providing financial assistance to families in the form of child care scholarships.

Offering scholarship funds to help child care providers advance their skills through college courses in the child care field.Developing mentoring and training opportunities for families and child care providers.

Awarding mini-grants to help providers prepare their home or center in meeting child care licensing standards.

Supplying relevant child care expertise and informational materials to child care providers, families and community

partners.Consulting with a mental health specialist on issues relevant to families and child care providers.

Smart Start of Butler County is a community connection to early childhood education and child care resources and expertise. The Smart Start lending library has over 750 books and videos. Anyone interested in learning more about available resources may contact Audra Kenneson at (316) 320-1342 or visit Butlerkids.org.

Rainbows Run | Walk sponsors include Parks Motors Parks Chevrolet, INTRUST Bank, Wichita Family Magazine, PKHLS Architecture, Concrete Materials Co., Art of Life Chiropractic, Wells Design, Vornado, Tender Care Pediatrics, El Dorado Clinic, PA, Edward Jones – Lance Lechtenberg, Community National Bank & Trust John K. Fisher Inc., Verus Bank and Vintage Bank Kansas. n

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12 | Wichita Family

News and information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools

Brooks students learn history from Tuskegee Airmen

LearningFrom the District

Students at Brooks Technology and Arts Magnet had an opportunity to learn from living history as they listened to stories by the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American fighter pilots in the Air Force during World War II. Major George M. Boyd, (ret.) talked with students at Brooks about his role in the fighter group. He was joined via video feed with other Tuskegee Airmen from across the country. All of the Airmen shared stories of what it was like to serve their country and answered questions from students who participated in the nation-wide event.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to learn history from those who lived it,” Major Boyd said. “It makes it more real for them.”

“We didn’t know we were making history,” he added. “We knew we had to win the war.”

“They were very courageous,” said Madison Davis, eighth-grade student at Brooks. “Listening to them makes everything seem more real. We can’t forget what they have done for us.”

More than 8,000 students across the country participated in the video conference.

Franklin Elementary School students learn about health and safety

Students at Franklin Elementary enjoyed fun activities during the school’s annual Health and Safety Fair. More than 20 community agencies were represented to teach students about the importance of safety, health and wellness. At each booth, students played games or participated in learning activities and

brought home materials to share with their parents.

Some of the agencies included the Red Cross, Wichita Police Department, Wichita Fire Department, Wesley and Via Christi Medical Centers, dentists, optometrists and KU Medical Center.

A Franklin Elementary student learns about proper dental care during the school’s health fair

Tuskegee Airman Major George M. Boyd (ret.), talks with a Brooks Technology and Arts Magnet student before a video conference that included Tuskegee Airmen from across the country.

Elementary students at Gordon Parks Academy received lessons in good nutrition and health by taking an inside tour of the human body. The Body Venture, sponsored by the Kansas Department of Education, gives students the chance to explore a walk-through exhibit representing the human body.

Students’ tours began with a lesson about the food pyramid and the importance of eating healthy foods. The students moved into the brain, the mouth and through the digestive system to learn about those parts of the body. The students learned about how foods’ nutrients are used by the heart, lungs, bones, muscles and skin.

Gordon Parks Elementary studentstake a trip inside the human body

Middle school students at Gordon Parks and students at Friends University assisted with teaching the lessons.

Gordon Parks Academy kindergarten students floss a large tooth during their tour of the human body.

www.WichitaFamily.com | 13

Wichita Family Classified Section

Kidslink Christian Preschool at Westlink Christian Church2001 N. Maize Road, Wichita, 722-1034. 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.

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.

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.

Midwest Classified Network

Not a high-priced consolidation loan or one of those consumer credit counseling programs

CREDIT CARD RELIEFfor your FREE consultation CALL

888-339-5788Not available in all states

BURIEDDEBT?

CREDITinCARDOver $10,000 in credit card bills?Can’t make the minimum payments?

� WE CAN GET YOU OUT OF DEBT QUICKLY

� WE CAN SAVE YOU THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS

� WE CAN HELP YOU AVOID BANKRUPTCY

FREEÊHomeÊSecurityÊSystem.Ê$850ÊValue!* With $99 Customer Installation charge and purchase of alarm monitoring services

.

ProtectÊYourÊHome

Call Today, Protect Tomorrow!1-888-775-2123

Available two-way voicethat allows you to instantlycommunicate with an ADT

Security Specialist!

AÊHomeÊIsÊBurglarizedÊEveryÊ14.6ÊSeconds.**ÊDon’tÊLetÊYoursÊBeÊNext!

$99.00 Customer Installation Charge. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $35.99 per month ($1,295.64). Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. O�er applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may be required. Satisfactory credit history required. Certain restrictions may apply. O�er valid for new ADT Authorized Dealer customers only and not on purchases from ADT Security Services, Inc. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other o�er. Licenses: AL-10-1104, AZ-ROC217517, CA-ACO6320, CT-ELC.0193944-L5, DE-07-212, FL-EC13003427, EC13003401, GA-LVA205395, IA-AC-0036, ID-39131, IL-127.001042, IN-City of Indianapolis: 93294, KY-City of Louisville: 483, LA-F1082, MA-1355C, MD-107-1375, Baltimore County: 1375, Calvert County: ABL00625, Caroline County: 1157, Cecil County: 541-L, Charles County: 804, Dorchester County: 764, Frederick County: F0424, Harford County: 3541, Montgomery County: 1276, Prince George’s County: 685, Queen Anne’s County: L156, St. Mary’s County: LV2039R, Talbot County: L674, Wicomico County: 2017, Worcester County: L1013, MI-3601205773, MN-TS01807, MO-City of St. Louis: CC354, St. Louis County: 47738, MS-15007958, MT-247, NC-25310-SP-LV, 1622-CSA, NE-14451, NJ-34BF00021800, NM-353366, NV-68518, City of Las Vegas: B14-00075-6-121756, C11-11262-L-121756, NY-Licensed by the N.Y.S. Department of State UID#12000286451, OH-53891446, City of Cincinnati: AC86, OK-1048, OR-170997, Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor Registration Number: PA22999, RI-3428, SC-BAC5630, TN-C1164, C1520, TX-B13734, UT-6422596-6501, VA-115120, VT-ES-2382, WA-602588694/PROTEYH934RS, WI-City of Milwaukee: 0001697, WV-042433, WY-LV-G-21499. For full list of licenses visit our website www.protectyourhome.com. Protect Your Home – 3750 Priority Way South Dr., Ste 200, Indianapolis, IN 46240. **Crime data taken from http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/gallery/posters/pdfs/Crime_Clock.pdf

WANT TO ADVERTISE TO THE MIDWEST? Place your classified ads in the Midwest Classified Network anytime online at www.midwestfreeclassifieds.com (MCN)

TO INVESTIGATE OTHER ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Call PaperChain at 931-922-0484 or e-mail info@paperchain.com (MCN)

ADOPTION: A financially secure, childless couple (37-41) seek to adopt. Together 18 years. Flexible work schedules. Expenses paid. Rich & Tim. 1-800-494-4533. (MCN)

ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE Talking Meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 1-888-737-9930 (MCN)

DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 888-757-6941 (MCN)

ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA SUFFERERS with Medicare. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 888-705-4795 (MCN)

MANTIS Deluxe Tiller. NEW! FastStart engine. Ships FREE. One-Year Money-Back Guarantee when you buy DIRECT. Call for the DVD and FREE Good Soil book! 866-542-5009 (MCN)

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. WIN or Pay Nothing! Start Your Application In Under 60 Seconds. Call Today! Contact Disability Group, Inc. Licensed Attorneys & BBB Accredited. Call 888-835-8412 (MCN)

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT Cash Now!! Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500-$500,000++ within 48/hours? Low rates Apply Now By Phone! 1-800-568-8321. www.lawcapital.com (MCN)

HAPPILY MARRIED young couple (30’s) seeks to adopt and complete family. Full Time Mom/ Devoted Dad. Financial security. Expenses Paid. Please call! Lenny & Christina 1-888-537-5055 (MCN)

Help Wanted!!! Make money mailing brochures from home! FREE Supplies! Helping Home-Workers since 2001! Genuine Opportunity! No experience required. Start Immediately! www.theworkhub.net (VOID IN SD) (MCN)

WORK ON JET ENGINES - Train for hands on Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified - Housing available CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-231-7177. (MCN)

MINNESOTA’S BEST FISHING located on Lake Osakis. Choose from 8 Family Friendly Resorts. Over 6,200 acres of water enjoyment. Free brochure www.PlayAtOsakisMN.com, 1-800-422-0785, “Explore Minnesota” (MCN)

TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED - Best Pay and Home Time! Apply Online Today over 750 Companies! One Application, Hundreds of Offers! www.HammerLaneJobs.com (MCN)

HELP WANTED: Manage booths. Help low income families get a free cell phone and minutes. Paid weekly $500-$700. Call (888) 656-9331. (MCN)

STEEL BUILDINGS: 4 only 25x28, 30x44, 40x56, 45x84. Must Move Now! Will Sell For Balance Owed. Still Crated/Free Delivery! 1-800-211-9593 x251 (MCN)

“Can You Dig It?” Heavy Equipment School. 3wk training program. Backhoes, Bulldozers, Trackhoes. Local job placement asst. Start digging dirt Now. 1-877-994-9904 (MCN)

MISC AUTOS: CASH FOR CARS: Any Make, Model or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not Sell your Car or Truck TODAY Free Towing! Instant Offer: 1-888-420-3805 (MCN)

WE BUY PRIVATE REAL ESTATE NOTES. All Cash! Fast Closing! 1-800-369-6790 (MCN)

High QualityEarly Childhood Program

Call (316) 260-4673 for a tour.

enrolling,

Chick-fil-A Preview @ Central & RockAround Town

Families

Playing

14 | Wichita Family

Botanica’sTulips & Fairies Festival

April 7, 149 a.m. - 5 p.m.

sponsored by:

April 7 – Scavenger Hunt & Fairy Activities Picture Day: Portraits taken among the tulips

April 14 – Scavenger Hunt & Fairy Activities

2 p.m. - Kansas Dance Academy ballet performance

701 N. AMIDON BOTANICA.ORG

Teddy Bear Picnic is May 19 and the Butterfly House opens on May 28 visit botanica.org for details

help us celebrate our 25th anniversary in may

MAY 13 - mother’s day: all women get in free, everyone else $5.

MAY 19 - teddy bear picnic

MAY 28 - butterfly house opening

WICHITA FAMILY MAGAZINE’S

READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

2011

HOME OF ‘DIABLO’ THE RARE HONEY BADGER

but Wichita Family Magazine readers do.Honey Badger don't care.

�ank you for selecting us as the "Best Place to take the Family"

two years in a row!

Westside of Wichita in Goddard

(316)794.8954

The most interactive zoo

in Kansas!Giraffe feeding post

Ring-tail lemur feeding island

Rainbow lorikeets feeding post

Camel and

Feeding station for the 2.5-ton Indian rhinoceros

Childrens’ zoo