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District IV Newsletter
from the
Office of Community Services
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A MESSAGE FROM
JEFF BLUBAUGH
For those new to Wichita, or for those that have been out of the loop, one of the most exciting days in Wichita is when
LOVE Wichita Day
occurs every April. This year the
LOVE Wichita
organization will be working on hundreds of projects all around town for two days, April 23rd and April 30th. Thousands of volunteers representing churches all across the city join together in an attitude of service and love. Their vision is "
To seek the peace and prosperity of Wichita believing that our city will be forever changed, one life at a time." For those in need, whether it is a large family that cannot make ends meet, or a senior that is unable to work on their home any longer, LOVE Wichita can hopefully assist. Already, hundreds of projects have been submitted, and for those that can volunteer, please contact them with your time and skills. As the volunteers will tell you, they get more out of the experience than those that they assist. You can contact LOVE Wichita by clicking on their site, or call 316-247-2399. And thank you for loving ICT!
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| New sod and sprinkler system ready for spring! |
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American Sprinkler is another fabulous company that is independently owned by a wonderful and hard-working couple living in District 4.
They install new sprinkler systems the old fashion way by
using a small trencher that makes a 3" cut in the lawn and
in about 3-4 weeks is almost invisible. They
only use "class 200" PVC pipe, not poly pipe, and only
professional grade valves, heads and controllers are used.
Their process takes only 5-7 days to complete (weather permitting). "
It takes a little longer this way but is well worth it", states Jim Thompson. "
As the pipe is buried, we hand rake over the trenches several times.
This makes a nice finished look!"
All work and materials are guaranteed for 1 (one) full year.
Price includes all permits, initial startup, backflow test, winterization,
and all adjustments in the 1
st
year.
In addition to installation, other services are offered as well:
Annual backflow test for the city $30 --A copy of the test is left with homeowner, and the city is updated on test the day of testing.
Complete sprinkler system start up INCLUDING backflow test $65 -- (They walk every zone & check/align every head.)
Sprinkler system winterizing (residential) $50 --up to 12 zones.
Most repairs are $65 plus parts.
So for those that want a free estimate on a whole system, or maybe just a spring check-up, give them a call or go on line to
http://www.americansprinkler.us/
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DISTRICT IV EVENTS & NEWS
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Councilmen Blubaugh and Meitzner inside one of the advanced flight simulators at FlightSafety International, Wichita, KS |
FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL, WICHITA, KANSAS
On April 13th Councilman Blubaugh was invited to tour the Wichita branch of FlightSafety International. FlightSafety International, that has training centers around the world, states "We put our customers at the center of everything we do, helping them operate their aircraft to the highest level of safety. For more than six decades, we have continually invested in technology, personnel, and an expanding worldwide network of Learning Centers". They support new high-quality training programs and advanced-technology simulators for current and next-generation aircraft. Their world-total of 1,800 highly experienced and qualified instructors provide more than 3,500 individual courses for 135 aircraft types, using more than 300 simulators to serve Customers from 167 countries, and their range continually increases. Commercial, government and military organizations take advantage of their advanced flight simulators, visual systems and displays. If you fly or support any type of aircraft, you can benefit from their programs and services. FlightSafety. Their name is their mission.
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TAKE OUR DAUGHTERS AND SONS TO WORK DAY - APRIL 28th
Most people/families experience the "catch-22" of work and family life: when we're home cooking dinner, we're worried about what we didn't get done at work. On the job, we worry about spending enough time with our families. This is the reality for most working adults today, and the worries are even greater for families working multiple, low-wage jobs just to make ends meet. Yet, girls and boys want and envision a future in which they are able to be involved in all parts of their lives.
Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work is an opportunity to broaden the conversation about family and work and make children's voices heard. The program encourages girls and boys to share their ideas about the workplace of the future with the companies that will someday employ them. Once again, we believe that children's voices will spark change in the workplace and for
A New Generation at Work.
If you participate this year, please send us a photo that we can post in our next newsletter and let us know about your experience. In fact, encourage your child to write about their thoughts.
Read More
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District IV Advisory Board and Neighborhood Associations
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The District IV Advisory Board meets the first Monday of the month at the Lional Alford Library, 3447 S. Meridian, Wichita KS 67217. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. For a listing of the 2016 meeting schedule, click
here.
To find DAB IV agendas and minutes click
here
To see a listing of the meeting schedule for District IV's neighborhood associations, click
here
District IV and the City of Wichita are looking for board members! To see what's available, click
here
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WICHITA DISTRICT 4 FACEBOOK
Do you ever wonder what District IV is currently up to? Click
here to join the action, leave a request, or simply "like" our posts.
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DISTRICT IV SAFETY REPORTS
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Cpt. Dan East
Patrol West |
SPRING PREVENTION TIPS - Part 2
- by Captain Dan East
- Put all ladders and other tools back into a secure storage area after you use them. Ladders and other tools can be used by criminals to access your home.
Always lock any storage unit or shed you have on your property.
- Be aware of home improvement scams. If you did not solicit the contractor or salesman who shows up at your door unannounced, do not do business without checking who they are and what their company is.
- If a utility representative comes to your house, request identification. True representatives will carry their identification and they will gladly show it to you.
Call their company for verification.
- In warm weather months personal property thefts increase; there is a tendency to leave items, such as bicycles, gardening tools, lawnmowers, weed eaters, and other yard tools lying around in the open. Make sure you lock up your personal property in your garage or yard shed; it doesn't take long for someone to ride by and quickly take your property. An open garage door or yard shed can also be inviting, keep them closed even when you're at home.
- Always remember to roll up your car windows, take any valuables out of your car, and lock your doors every time you exit your vehicle, even if your vehicle is parked in your driveway.
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THE WICHITA POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS YOU COVERED!
District IV is covered by two WPD substations that are accessible Monday thru Friday, 8 am - 5 pm.
Patrol South is located at 211 E Pawnee, and their phone number is 350-3440. Patrol West is located at 661 N Elder, and their phone number is 350-3460.
You are free to walk in during those hours to record an incident report (minor traffic accidents, vandalism, larceny from your vehicle, stolen property, etc.) Of course if it is a more serious offense that requires an officer on site, please call 911 as they are able to dispatch officers to the scene.
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Grab your friends, family or bring a date to the first evening food truck rally of 2016 at the Wichita WaterWalk.
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BOTANICA GARDENS - May 1, 2016 - 11 to 2 p.m.
(Kids $40/$35 members and $10 all adults)
Bring the kids to Botanica on May 1st to get your Mother's Day gift completed. We will have a planting station where kids can plant flowers from Dutch's Greenhouse in a terra cotta pot they can paint. Kids will get their photo taken and make a rustic garden frame. They will also visit the gift wrap station and card making station so you will be ready for Mother's Day. With your reservation you will also receive a yummy lunch you can enjoy with your kids.
If you are participating in this event and want to receive $15 off a family membership to add to your gift call Natalie Mahaffay at 316-264-0448 ext. 107
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Summer of Discovery is a 10 week summer recreation program offered by Wichita Park & Recreation. This program is filled with exciting, fun and educational activities that will keep participants busy all summer. Designed to accommodate the working parent, fun is provided Monday-Friday from 7am to 6pm. Camp begins Tuesday, May 31 and ends Friday, August 5.
Summer of Discovery is licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and is open to children ages 6-13 in a 1:15 staff to child ratio setting.
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Summer of Discovery is offered at three of the City's Recreation Centers: Edgemoor, Linwood, and Orchard. Program hours are Monday through Friday, 7am-6pm. Core activities take place between 9am-4pm.
Register NOW to reserve your spot!
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RIVERFEST BUTTONS - BUY THEM ON SALE
THROUGH MAY 5TH
Click
here for more information
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L
LIFE HAPPENS HERE!
Wichita's hub for arts and entertainment is Downtown.
Read More
for a schedule of days and times of events!
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Beginning April 12th, Wichita Eisenhower Airport passengers can fly nonstop to St. Louis International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Southwest Airlines.
St. Louis will be served with two daily flights that offer convenient connections to popular destinations in the Midwest and the East Coast. The Phoenix route will be served with one daily flight and will also offer connections to key western destinations. Southwest also serves Las Vegas, giving Wichita passengers two daily flights to the west.
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DISTRICT IV STREET CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
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TO SEE
THE LATEST NEWS FROM KDOT ON WICHITA PROGRAMS, CLICK ON
WICHWAY
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The current DuraPatcher |
POTHOLE REPAIR
Last summer, the City unveiled its first, and currently only, spray injection patching machine. Since then, staff has been putting it to good use throughout the City, working hard to resolve problems where traditional methods have typically failed. The results thus far have been very encouraging. Repairs made using the new technology are being accomplished much more quickly and cheaply than removal and replacement, and lasting much longer than traditional patches. In fact, evidence to date suggests that these repairs will last at least 5 times longer than traditional patches, which means significantly higher returns on the City's investments.
However, Public Works & Utilities staff is looking for opportunities to take this and other technologies even farther. Just this week, the manufacturer of our existing spray injection machine conducted a formal demonstration of its single operator version, called DuraMaxx. The DuraMaxx utilizes the same spray injection technology, but couples it with in-cab, single operator operation. By keeping the operator safely inside the cab, alternatives like the DuraMaxx could allow for a 50% reduction in patching crew size, from 2 persons to just one.
The department intends to continue vetting the DuraMaxx, competing alternatives and, of course, budget implications. But, the future looks very promising. The end result could very well be not just huge efficiency gains in patching operations, but also freed resources and the ability to get even more done on City streets.
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Crime Stoppers encourages citizens to call if they have information about a felony crime, and wish to remain anonymous. This means that they have not directly contacted law enforcement. Crime Stoppers always encourages cooperation with law enforcement, but in those cases where citizens do not want to call police, they are encouraged to provide the information they have anonymously through Crime Stoppers by one of the following ways:
Call (316) 267-2111 or 1-800-222-TIPS
Text TIP217 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637) or
Report a tip online here!
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WHAT, WHERE, WHEN....
THE WICHITA POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS A GREAT PUBLICATION THAT IS HELPFUL FOR ALL RESIDENTS OF WICHITA, AND THEY HAVE BEEN GENEROUS IN GIVING US AN ON-LINE ACCESS. SO NOW YOU CAN REFER TO THIS DOCUMENT AT ANY TIME YOU HAVE A QUESTION REGARDING WHAT, WHERE, AND WHEN....
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TO CHECK OUT THE LATEST JOB FAIRS AND TRAINING COURSES, CLICK HERE.
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MORE COMMUNITY INFORMATION
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WATER CONSERVATION REBATE PROGRAM
The City dedicated another $100,000 to the Water Conservation Program this year. Beginning February 1, water customers became eligible to receive a rebate for switching to high efficiency appliances and other water efficient devices: such as HE washing machines, dishwashers, toilets and smart irrigation controls, rain sensors and rain barrels. In the first 30 days of the program, nearly $30,000 in rebates have been awarded.
Rain barrels are often an overlooked possibility for conserving water. Studies suggest that one inch of rain dumps 500 gallons of water on the roof of a 2,000 square foot house. EPA estimates that a rain barrel can save nearly 1,300 gallons of water usage during peak summer months. This is a cost effective solution for gardening and irrigation and also reduces the City's demand for treated water. READ MORE...
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Home Improvement program has funding
available
for income qualified homeowners
The Housing and Community Services Department's Home Improvement Program now has funding available for interest-free, forgivable deferred payment loans of up to $5,000 for income-qualified (60% of median) owner-occupant homeowners. Loans are provided for emergency needs, such as furnaces, water heaters, sewer lines, water lines, electrical system repairs and plumbing repairs. Loans are also provided for minor home repair needs for senior citizens, age 62 and older. Property taxes must be current. Call 462-3713 for more information or to apply.
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STAY FIT TIPS
- Becky Fields
ADHD can be caused by various sources including genetic predispositions, neurotransmitter imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, environmental toxins, trauma, and various other origins. Rarely addressed however, is the nature deficit that may be at the heart of many cases. Vitamin N is a low-cost, high-benefit, remarkably safe answer which has also been validated through research to support positive results in this population.
A paper published in the American Journal of Public Health discusses the use of nature as therapy for ADHD in great detail while also analyzing data from previously published studies. The intent of the paper was to determine if children showed a reduction in ADHD symptoms when participating in various activities within a green outdoor setting, which was defined as any "mostly natural area - a park, a farm, or just a green backyard or neighborhood space."
...green outdoor activities reduced symptoms significantly more than did activities conducted in other settings, even when activities were matched across settings. Findings were consistent across age, gender, and income groups; community types; geographic regions; and diagnoses.
In other words, children with ADHD had fewer symptoms when activities were carried out in a green or natural outdoor setting such as parks, woods, farms, etc., than they did when in outdoor human-built settings or in indoor settings.
Here's the start to a list of ways to bring your child's vitamin N levels back into the balance:
- Take a 20-minute walk outdoors before starting homework. Take a route which offers plenty of opportunities to view and interact with a natural and green setting.
- Add plants and other natural items to your child's study area.
- Locate your child's study area where s/he can see the sky, trees and other greenery while engaging in school work.
- Take frequent outdoor trips on weekends and holidays including hiking, camping, fishing, swimming and visiting nearly any body of water including oceans, streams, lakes and rivers.
- Enjoy bike rides with your child through nature trails in the evenings and on the weekends.
- Create a peaceful environment in your home with nature-inspired music, fish tanks and plenty of plants where your child can sit quietly to read and study.
- Take weekend trips to local farms, community gardens, botanical gardens, Community Supported Agriculture and "U-Pick" locations.
- Grow a garden on the patio or in the backyard. Teach them to plant and care for seeds or small starter plants. Easy to grow plants include flowers, mints and other herbs, radishes, lettuce and zucchini.
- Encourage imaginative play. Create forts, castles, and cities amongst the bushes and shrubs in a yard or a safe neighborhood location where they are easily monitored by responsible adults.
- Encourage your child in unstructured play including jumping in piles of leaves, climbing trees, and collecting bugs.
- Let them get their feet and hands into sand, mud, dirt, snow and water when in a safe natural environment.
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike." - John Muir, The Yosemite, 1912
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April 15
National Tax Day (But this year they give you to the 18th)
April 16
National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day (Wouldn't you know this is a Saturday)
April 17
National Cheeseball Day (What's your favorite?)
April 18
National Lineman Appreciation Day (and Linewoman)
April 19
National Garlic Day (No vampires will live through this day!)
April 20
National Look Alike Day (I think I will dress like Annie Oakley)
April 21
National Chocolate Covered Cashews Day (The Spice Merchant has these!)
April 22
National Earth Day (Hug a tree)
National Picnic Day (Head for a park and get some Vitamin-N)
April 24
National Pigs in a Blanket Day (I think this is the treat/not the animal)
April 25
National Hug a Plumber Day (Look out Lonny Wright!)
April 26
National Kids & Pets Day (Head for the dog park and more Vitamin-N)
April 27
National Tell a Story Day (Once upon a time...)
April 28
National Blueberry Pie Day (That's what I'm talkin' about!!)
April 29
National Teach Children to Save Day (Start this at age 2)
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Stay up-to-date on City events, announcements and headlines by reading our daily News Releases
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Online Reporting for
Animal Control Problems
Wichita Animal Control has launched an online form to report non-emergency animal control problems as part of an ongoing effort to improve services. The form can be accessed here.
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F
ind out about Park and Recreation SPRING Classes by clicking here!
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DISTRICT IV
PLACES OF INTEREST
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3447 S. Meridian
Auburn Hills Golf Course 433 S. 135th St. West Tex Consolver Golf Course 1931 S. Tyler Pawnee Prairie Park 2625 S Tyler |
Click here to find up-to-date information
regarding street maintenance in your area.
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City of Wichita, Office of Community Services | 316-268-4197 |
City Hall, 455 N Main St.
Wichita, KS 67202
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