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District IV Newsletter
from the
Office of Community Services
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A MESSAGE FROM
JEFF BLUBAUGH
Once again, you will find so much to do in Wichita over the next two weeks that you will face the dilemma of having to pick the best options for you and your family and/or friends. April is always a busy time as the weather starts warming up and the schools start winding down. April is also a time when many homeowners decide it's time to upgrade or downsize, and that first-time homeowner-hopefuls enter the market. It's a busy time for me personally. It's also the month that the City of Wichita launches this year's Neighborhood Cleanups. According to my assistant at City Hall, there are now 55 cleanups scheduled for 25 Saturdays beginning April 2nd. If your neighborhood association or homeowner's association does not have a cleanup scheduled, it's not too late. You can click
here for an application that has the guidelines and rules. And then call Becky Fields at 268-4197 to find out which Saturdays are still available. But I will warn you that April, May, and June Saturdays are already filled.
Tomorrow, April 2nd, I hope to see you at the District IV Breakfast with our new Chief of Police, Gordon Ramsay. It will be a great way to fortify your body and your mind for a busy day in Wichita! For breakfast details,
click here.
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| Councilman Blubaugh with Darrin Teeter, Chairman |
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Chairman, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and owner, Darrin Teeter, served as a research associate and composites lab manager for the National Institute for Aviation Research (N.I.A.R.). It was there that Teeter recognized a market need for the production of composite parts with greater manufacturability. In 1991, Mr. Teeter decided to capitalize on the advantages of Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) and opened the doors of Fiber Dynamics. On March 31st, Councilman Blubaugh was able to tour their newest facility located at 3730 Midco in southwest Wichita.
Today Fiber Dynamics, Inc. is a leader in the design and fabrication of simple to complex, derived from autoclave composites. Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) is their core technology and expertise. They have built their business on solving seemingly impossible customer problems. Their approach is to develop a thorough understanding of each customer's unique needs and then apply their technical expertise to offer the customer an innovative, comprehensive solution. This approach frequently results in Fiber Dynamics' solving problems that others thought to be impossible. In recent years they have seen an increased need for their "One-Shot" integrated structure solutions, which offer customers increased performance often at a lower total cost to the customer. Fiber Dynamics Inc. is yet another amazing manufacturer located in southwest Wichita.
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DISTRICT IV EVENTS & NEWS
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District IV Advisory Board and Neighborhood Associations
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NOTICE: The District IV Advisory Board meeting for April 4th has been cancelled. The next DAB IV meeting will be held on May 2nd. Hope to see you there!
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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District IV Breakfast with
WPD Chief Gordon Ramsay
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15th ANNUAL TREE FESTIVAL
Saturday, April 2nd
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sponsored by Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers
and K-State Research & Extension - Sedgwick County
Trees are an investment in our landscape, for both financial and aesthetic reasons, and choosing, planting, and maintaining the best trees for our local conditions is important. Tree Fest will feature information on choosing, planting and maintaining trees that provide an important element for our quality of life and that are well-suited for our area of Kansas.
Tree care professionals will be on hand at the 2016 Tree Festival to share their advice on these topics, and more, on Saturday, April 2nd at the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center located at 21st and Ridge Road north in Wichita.
Seminars include appropriate topics for both the homeowner and commercial audience. Plant vendors from around the region will have unique trees and plants for sale. Admission is FREE. Click on the link below for a flier with more information.
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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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DOWNTOWN CLEANUP
April 9th - 9:00 am
Location: Wichita Downtown Development - 505 E. Douglas
Join the WDDC and City of Wichita Park and Recreation Department and Public Works, to help keep Downtown beautiful at Downtown Clean Up on April 9!
Cleanup projects include, painting the Douglas underpass, curb and parking stall painting, sidewalk sweeping, landscaping at Naftzger Park, landscaping at A. Price Woodard Park, graffiti and sticker removal, and trash pick-up
If you plan to attend, please register with your choice of task by Wednesday, April 6 to [email protected] or 316-264-6005. Choice of CleanUp task will be on a first come, first serve basis when registering. All other volunteers will be responsible for trash pick-up. Register now to get your choice of project!
Please wear work clothes and bring work gloves if you have them. In the event of rain, the Downtown CleanUp will be postponed for a later date. If applicable, cancellation notification will be provided via email, Facebook and Twitter.
A full event schedule will be sent to volunteers prior to Downtown CleanUp.
Tentative event schedule:
9am-9:30am - Check-in at WDDC at 505 E. Douglas
9:30am-11:45am - Volunteers work on tasks
12pm - Lunch
Thanks to the City of Wichita for their partnership in making Downtown Cleanup possible!
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| Is he the next Vincent van Gogh? |
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The 8th Annual Young Artists' Exhibit at the Wichita Public Library
Starting April 1st, the Wichita Public Library will display artwork created by hundreds of local preschool students. This is the 8th year the Library has hosted this unique exhibit. It occurs surrounding the Week of the Young Child, April 10 - 16, a national celebration of early learning, young children, their teachers and families.
Throughout the month of April, the Young Artist Exhibit can be seen at the Central Library and 5 library branches: Maya Angelou Northeast, Lionel D. Alford, Evergreen, Ford Rockwell, and Westlink.
Artist Receptions will be held at each of those locations for the artists and their families to enjoy a storytime and mingle with fellow artists. The public is welcome to attend.
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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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Mayor Longwell's 2016 State of the City
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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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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 WICHITA PUBLIC LIBRARY NEEDS YOUR INPUT!
Please take time for this survey that you can take on-line from April 1 thru April 22nd, about how people use and benefit from Library technology services and resources. To take the survey, click
HERE!
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HELPFUL LIBRARY CLASSES
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Various well-known job searching web sites will be featured in this class. Topics include searching for job listings, filling out online application forms, and submitting electronic resumes. Using Microsoft Word, guidance will be provided on using the resume templates to build a resume. Must have basic keyboard and mouse skills. Registration is required, beginning Mar. 22; call 337-9119 or register online.
Class will be held on Tuesday, April 05, 2016
6 pm - 7:30 PM, Alford Branch Library - Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
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Learn how to search, post, bid and reply to posts safely on online auctions sites like eBay and Craigslist in this demonstration-style class. Participants must have basic keyboard and mouse skills. Registration is required, beginning Mar. 29; call 337-9456 or register online.
Class will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2016
6 PM - 7:30 PM, Westlink Branch Library
Age Group: Adults
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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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It's a Breeze... Orchard Breeze that is!
Come one! Come all! Shop til you drop at the many garage/yard sales in the Orchard Breeze neighborhood this Saturday, April 2. Look on Elder, Doris, Sabin, First, Second, Sabin and Young streets. Then pick up a map to find the other locations.
For more information, contact Liz Hicks, President of the Orchard Breeze Neighborhood Association, at 942-5374.
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STAY FIT TIPS
- Becky Fields
TO DRINK OR NOT?
So which is it? When it comes to drinking alcohol, the key is doing so only in moderation. Certainly, you don't have to drink any alcohol, and if you currently don't drink, don't start drinking for the possible health benefits. In some cases, it's safest to avoid alcohol entirely - the possible benefits don't outweigh the risks.
If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger.
Examples of one drink include:
- Beer: 12 fluid ounces (355 milliliters)
- Wine: 5 fluid ounces (148 milliliters)
- Distilled spirits (80 proof): 1.5 fluid ounces (44 milliliters)
Moderate alcohol use may be of most benefit if you're an older adult or if you have existing risk factors for heart disease. If you're a middle-aged or younger adult, some evidence shows that even moderate alcohol use may cause more harm than good. You can take other steps to benefit your cardiovascular health besides drinking - eating a healthy diet and exercising, for example.
So when your grandparents advised "Everything in moderation", they were right. (Darn it!)
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April 1
April Fool's Day (Watch your back)
April 2
National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day (Are you creamy or crunchy?)
April 3
National Find a Rainbow Day (I'd rather find the pot of gold)
April 4
National School Librarian Day
April 5
National Deep Dish Pizza Day (Go to your favorite Pizza Hut!)
April 6
National Walking Day (First Wednesday in April)
April 7
National Beer Day (Wichita has over six breweries)
April 8
National Zoo Lovers Day (Sedgwick County Zoo ranks 7th in the U.S.)
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day
April 10
National Siblings Day
April 11
National Pet Day (Be sure to give your pet an extra treat!)
April 12
National Library Workers Day (Tuesday of National Library Week)
April 13
National Scrabble Day (My personal favorite)
April 14
National Pecan Day (Do you say
pi-kahn or
pee-kan?)
April 15
YIKES! National Tax Day
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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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