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District IV Newsletter
from the
Office of Community Services
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MESSAGE FROM JEFF BLUBAUGH...
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Whether its to visit the burial site of a loved one, or simply a minute or two of quiet reflection, let's not forget to honor those that have sacrificed their lives, their health, and at times their sanity, in order to keep our country from harms way. If you happen to see a veteran this weekend, stop and thank him or her for the time they served and for keeping the American Dream alive for us all. God bless our City, State, and this great Country!
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J
R Custom Metal Products, Inc., 1001 S McComas St, established in Wichita in 1974, is a manufacturer of a diverse line of metal fabricated products and equipment. The company specializes in the unique designing and engineering of metal products from aluminum, stainless steel, titanium and hot roll steel materials. They boast a diversified customer base that includes manufacturers of agricultural and construction equipment, meat processing and trucking companies, oil and gas industry, and others. Read more about their latest expansion...
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Councilman Blubaugh (center) on a tour of JR Custom Metal Products with Patty Koehler (left), President & CEO of the company |
On May 17th, the Wichita City Council voted unanimously to grant JR Custom Metal Products Industrial Revenue Bonds.
Councilman Jeff Blubaugh made the motion for the issuance of tax-exempt industrial Revenue Bonds, in an amount not to exceed $5,300,000 so that this wonderful company could continue to expand. Councilman Blubaugh was with Ms. Koehler when the former President of Mexico, Vicente Fox, visited JR Custom Metal Products this past November. The reputation of this company is now worldwide! At the City Council meeting Council Member Clendenin thanked JR Custom Metals and their family for everything they are doing for our City, stating that he found out about all of the things they are purchasing to go along with this and how they are supporting not just the economy here in Wichita but the economy around Kansas.
District IV is so proud of JR Custom Metal Products and all they are doing for our community. You can see many of their products and career opportunities by visiting their website at http://jrcmp.com
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DISTRICT IV EVENTS & NEWS
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KEYSTONE PLACE PROJECT RESOLUTION
OF SUPPORT
APPROVED AT MAY 17th CITY COUNCIL MEETING!
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LEFT: Undeveloped land at Julia and Taft.
ABOVE: An example of one of many group homes Mark Cox has built for special needs residents. |
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Just about everyone in town has turned on to Julia Street from Maple as a way to get to Walmart or Sam's Club on West Kellogg Drive. And if you're like me, you keep wondering what the heck is ever going to be done with those big empty lots on the west side of Julia. Enter Vintage Construction, LLC, a local company that has been in business for 30 years with Keystone Place being the 16th Tax Credit Development during their past 13 years of business. This project will be a total of 32 studio suites contained in a 4-duplex style building as shown above. The bulk of the funding will come from Tax Credits awarded by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) and the balance will come from donations made from Mr. Cox and Starkey, Inc.
There will be staff, community living trainers, on site Monday through Friday during the day/evening, and one will also be assigned to work throughout the weekend. The trainers (Starkey staff) teach the residents meal planning and preparation, shopping, how to manage finances, planning leisure time activities, and learning to ride the city bus or use other means of transportation. And of course there will be regular practices of safety and security drills and procedures.
Starkey has made such a wonderful contribution to the City of Wichita and has been a provider of housing for individuals who have low incomes and intellectual or developmental disabilities since 1978. They presently own and operate 42 individual group homes.
As for Mark Cox and Vintage Construction, their listing of developments are far too vast to put in this article, but I can tell you it's quite impressive. Mr. Cox holds an ICC-Class "A" Contractor's License, has been married for 31 years, and has two children. Since 2002 he has specialized in the development, construction, and ownership of LIHTC (low income housing tax credit) properties. He has twice been awarded the State of Kansas Ad Astra Award.
We would like to thank Mark and also Colin McKenney, President of Starkey, for being such great District IV neighbors! We look forward to seeing your projects come to fruition.
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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 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 FACEBOOK PAGE
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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BOOK A LIBRARIAN AT THE WICHITA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Get free one-on-one technology help with computer, iPad or other tablets, a variety of software, searching and applying for jobs, downloading e-books, learning about social media and much more.
Call 316-261-8506 to set up a session at the Central Library or contact your local branch (Alford, Evergreen, Rockwell, and Westlink branches).
Reservations are required with at least one day advanced notice, and a library card in good standing is also needed.
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DISTRICT IV SAFETY REPORTS
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DON'T GET $TUCK WITH
COUNTERFEIT MONEY AT YOUR $ALE!
According to the Wichita Police Department, counterfeit money is being used at local garage and yard sales. It was advised that if you are having any type of sale that takes cash, that you purchase a counterfeit money detector pen. These can be purchased at office supply stores for usually around $12.00 and can save you possibly hundreds. Last year KAKE News reported the same, so be on the lookout for these fakes.
Police say not to put yourself in any danger, but if you can write down a description of the suspect and a vehicle tag and description of the vehicle, call 911 and report immediately.
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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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FINAL FRIDAY EVENTS IN WICHITA, KANSAS
Final Friday events will be at the following venues: Alzheimer's Association Central and Western Kansas,
CityArts,
Delano Bed and Breakfast,
Delano BBQ Co,
Dock 410,
Go-Away Garage,
Fisch Haus,
Great Plains, Transportation Museum,
Harvester Arts,
Hopping Gnome Brewing Company,
HUE Gallery,
Mead Street Gallery,
Reuben Saunders Gallery, Sandbar Trading,
Shelter Salon,
Tessera Fine Art Gallery,
The Fiber Studio,
TISSU Sewing Studio,
Vertigo, 232 Gallery,
Visit Wichita,
Visual Fusion, Graphic Design Studio, Wichita
WSU, Shift Space, and
42° BELOW
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June 3rd - June 11th, regardless of what it's been called over the years, Riverfest has always been about bringing people together. From the beginning, as part of the City's Centennial celebration in 1970, the goal was to bring the entire community together, to build community pride and focus on Wichita's beautiful natural resource, the Arkansas River.
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Riverfest Do's
and Don'ts
DO
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Wear your Riverfest button! It's your admission ticket to nine days of fun. Nearly all events are FREE with your button, but only if you're wearing it!
Provide ample time for bag checks. All bags, purses, etc., will be checked for your safety.
Visit WichitaRiverfest.com for the most up-to-date event and concert schedules. Before you head to the festival, be sure to check out all the details online and confirm event times.
Remember to wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes.
Be courteous to other festival attendees, so they'll have as much fun as you do!
Visit often! There are concerts, events and new surprises every day of the festival.
Plan ahead and don't miss one exciting minute!
- leave blankets, tarps and other personal belongings on the banks of the Arkansas River or in other festival areas overnight. Wichita Park Department personnel will pick up and discard any abandoned items. (City code #9.04.020)
- bring pets, coolers or or outside food and drink inside the festival area. (City code #6.04.055)
- ride bicycles, skateboards, scooters, etc., inside festival areas.
- bring weapons of any kind to the festival.
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KID POWER CAFE
FREE lunches this summer!
Kid Power has teamed up with Wichita Public Schools to be the mascot of the Federal Summer Food Program. Kansas is ranked 48 out of 50 states for participation. Since Kid Power Cares, Inc. was formed to help Give Kids the Power to Feel Great we think this community coalition with WPS will be an opportunity for the 50,000 students in the school district to have more knowledge about the program through a new name and logo. If you know of any children, ages 1 thru 18,
that need breakfast, lunch, or snack this summer, click
here
to view the list of sites that are safe places
to eat and socialize.
No paperwork needed
...just show up and have a nutritious summer!
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Get ready for a great summer of reading and fun at your library! This year, the library will have three reading programs available for youth from birth through grade 12: Baby Bookworms, Kids Read, and Teens Read.
Register online or at
any Wichita Public Library location
between May 25 and July 20. Prizes will be awarded through July 29. The earlier you start reading and the more days you read, the more prizes you'll win. Make your summer better with a daily reading habit!
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Attend any Wichita Park & Recreation class, athletic league, or special event and take your best selfie! Follow@WichitaParkandRec on Instagram. Post your selfie using #ICTSummerSelfie. Be sure to check often and "like" your favorite photos. The photo with the most likes will be featured in the 2016 Fall Activities Guide. Winner will be notified on August 1st through Instagram.
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Wichita's hub for arts
and entertainment is Downtown.
Read More
for a schedule of days and times of events!
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Honor Flights Schedule
Mark your calendars so you can participate in the welcome home celebrations for our Honor Flight veterans at the Dwight D Eisenhower Airport.
Friday, May 27 @ 11:15 am
Friday, June 17 @ 11:45 am
Friday June 24 @ 11:45 am
All flights are on Southwest Airlines.
Free parking and shuttle service are available at the Best Western Airport Inn, 6815 W. Kellogg.
Shuttle service starts at 10 a.m.
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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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MERIDIAN STREET CONSTRUCTION UPDATE!
The contractor is working as diligently as they can to repair potholes after each rain. This is an issue contractors have to mitigate with every project. The pavement in this area was obviously in bad condition already due to poor drainage that has existed in this area for years. The combination of heavy rainfall and all traffic driving on one side of the road makes it difficult for the patch material to stay in place, especially along the curb lane. We will continue to monitor the situation. The good news is the project is currently on schedule despite the rain. With some cooperation from mother nature, the first half of the road will be complete this fall, and traffic will be on new pavement.
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THE RAIN IS GREAT, BUT WHEN CAN WE MOW OUR LAWNS?
Below is some information regarding the City's ordinance on tall grass and weeds!
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In addition to a letter, inspectors can also use door hangers as a "Courtesy Notice"
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IF YOU SEE GRAFFITI OR ILLEGAL DUMPING, PLEASE SEND AN
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WICHITA IS A BEAUTIFUL CITY! LET'S KEEP IT THAT WAY BY REPORTING NUISANCES SUCH AS THESE!
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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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TO CHECK OUT THE LATEST JOB FAIRS AND TRAINING COURSES, CLICK HERE.
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CLICK
HERE
FOR MORE INFORMATION. THIS IS A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL THIS YEAR, OR FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO LEARN NEW SKILLS!
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Teen Volunteers
YOUnited Teens
YOUnited Teens is a volunteer program designed by students for students.
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Want to help your community, but don't know how? Try the Library this summer!
You'll meet other teens, help kids sign up for the Summer Reading Program, and assist staff with important tasks. It's a fun way to get experience that looks good on a college application or resume! If your school or club requires community service hours, volunteering at the Library could help you meet your goals.
What do volunteers do at the Library?
- Help other young people enroll in summer reading and collect prizes
- Tidy library areas and assist with shelving (must be able to alphabetize!)
- Help staff with special events and programs
- Type and do data entry
- Prepare crafts, cut paper and organize items
What you need to know
- To volunteer, you must be entering grades 8-12 in the fall
- You need to be dependable and show up for your shifts. Make sure you have a ride worked out!
- Ask your parents or guardians for permission
- Make sure you can commit to at least six weeks of volunteering 2-6 hours per week
- Be available to work between May 25 and July 29 (let us know if you have a camp or vacation scheduled)
- You can indicate which library location(s) where you'd prefer to volunteer. Different branches have different methods of selecting teen volunteers - call if you have questions about the application and selection process!
For more information, click
here
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MORE COMMUNITY INFORMATION
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2015 City Accomplishments
Learn about the City's many accomplishments and find out more about the exciting projects slated for 2016!
You can check out the exciting news
here
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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
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Visiting someone at the hospital?
1. Before visiting the patient,
phone ahead to let him/her know you are coming. The times I have spent in the hospital, I did not want visitors just popping in whenever, and I especially didn't want someone visiting me just because they knew one of my relatives.
2.
Do your research. See if there are any restrictions for visiting times, and on bringing any gifts. This is especially important if visiting someone in an intensive care unit.
3.
Don't plan on a long visit. Sick people tire easily and it's bad enough that they only get rest in between all the tests and checks from staff.
4.
If you are taking a gift, keep it small. Not only do they have to take everything with them when they leave, but it's best to just leave a card and maybe a book, crossword puzzles, a lottery scratch ticket, maybe some new slippers, hand or body lotion, or something that can be consumed during the patient's stay. And NEVER take cut flowers without having something to keep them in that can hold water.
5.
Make it fun! Maybe give the patient a manicure or fix their hair. Give a foot or hand massage. Bring up their favorite board game. All of this helps take their mind off being sick.
6.
Never visit if it can compromise the patient's health or your own immune system. Simply visit by phone if the patient is able.
7.
Suggest helping out with a task. This can be straightening the patient's room or area, picking up their mail, watering their lawn or houseplants, feeding any pets at home, or any other chore that helps the patient from worrying and feeling helpless.
8.
Don't be afraid of silence. Don't force conversation. Sometimes just sitting with a patient and watching their favorite TV show lets them know that you are there if they need you.
9.
Ask if they want you to intervene on their behalf. Many of my friends and family have asked me to be with them at the hospital because my philosophy is that we don't work for the nurses and doctors...THEY work for us! And often times someone is too sick to think about questions they should be asking. Even if it's as simple as "what are you putting into their IV?"
10.
Think twice before bringing a child with you. Children can be especially scared of seeing someone they know or love with tubes and wires attached to them. And beeping monitors, oxygen tanks, and other foreign objects can worry them. If you have to bring a child with you, explain as much as possible ahead of time and stay for just a very short time. And let the child ask YOU the questions, NOT the patient themselves.
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May 27
National Grape Popsicle Day (Stop the ice cream truck driver!!)
May 28
National Hamburger Day
May 29
National Paperclip Day (Really?)
May 30
MEMORIAL DAY
May 31
National Save Your Hearing Day (What did you say?)
June 1
National Say Something Nice Day (My, you look nice today)
June 2
National Leave the Office Early Day (Far be it from me not to celebrate this day!)
June 3
National Doughnut Day (So many to choose from, but glazed is still my favorite)
National Cheese Day (I hope they mean the kind you eat)
June 5
National Cancer Survivor's Day (Give a survivor a BIG hug!)
June 6
National Drive-in Movie Day (Load up and head to the Starlite)
June 7
National Chocolate Ice Cream Day (Make mine a double)
June 8
National Best Friends Day
June 9
National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day (Mmmm, I'm ordering one from Spears)
June 10
National Herbs and Spices Day (A great day to visit the Spice Merchant)
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DO YOU HAVE YOUR DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY?
I am not an attorney and this information is certainly not legal advice. It is only to offer basic information that could make all the difference for you, your family, or the person you want to handle your affairs.
Many of us are not aware of the importance of having a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions. This legal document is a must in order for doctors, hospitals, emergency rooms, assisted living communities, health care centers etc. to release information to you, your loved ones about you, (unless you are a spouse) AND for medical decisions to be made on your behalf or your loved one such as a parent, sibling, relative etc.
With siblings and parents, each child must be listed on the on the Durable Power of Attorney (D.P.O.A) for Health Care. For example, mother goes to hospital, child with D.P.O.A. provides copy to hospital, and is placed in mother's chart. Child from out of state calls to see how mom is doing, hospital cannot/will not release information to this child because they are not listed as a D.P.O.A. for Health Care.
In addition, there is also a General Power of Attorney for Finances, which is just as imperative as the D.P.O.A. for Health Care. This grants access to finances, so bills can be paid, determining if assisted living or a health care center is affordable, place a home on the market, pay for home health services, funeral arrangements etc. The banks will not share financial information with you without a General Power of Attorney for Finances and you will not have access to any funds.
Take the time to be pro-active so you may protect yourself, your parents, and loved ones for that "just in case" day which we never seem to receive any warning about.
Consult your attorney to learn more about a Durable Power of Attorney and remember, when we take care of matters today, we are prepared for tomorrow.
(This article was contributed by Pam Boggs, Director of Marketing for Prairie Homestead Senior Living, Wichita, KS)
Kansas Legal Services expounds on this and you can download forms from their website
here.
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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 and street sweepers in your area.
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Sedgwick County Extension Building, 7001 W 21st St North
Saturday from 7 am until noon
Every week you can find produce, plants, meats, jams, salsas,
honey, baked goods and a variety of crafts.
SATELLITE MARKETS:
Green Acres Market- Tuesdays 3:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Derby Market - Saturdays 7:00 am - Noon
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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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