District IV Newsletter
from the
Office of Community Services
 

July 22, 2016

MESSAGE FROM JEFF BLUBAUGH...
Kudos to the Wichita Police Department for taking "first steps" in building a trustful relationship with the citizens of Wichita.  As everyone has probably seen by now, local law enforcement went all out by having a First Steps Community Cookout on July 17th and invited everyone to join them!  Over a thousand citizens showed up, and for some it was the first time seeing officers as "people" just like them.  The cookout was at McAdams Park on east 13th Street, and not only was there lots of food, but also basketball, music, and great conversation. The Wichita Wagonmasters stepped up and offered to do the cooking so that the officers were free to mingle among the guests. Chief Ramsay stated "That one-on-one conversation in a positive environment is a step in the right direction, there is still a lot of work to be done, but this is a step in the right direction."
Another of those steps is the upcoming Neighborhood Night Out that is scheduled for August 9th, 5:30 - 9:30 pm. The City will provide barricades at no charge to groups that want to block off a portion of the street for their event. You can obtain all of the information and fill out the registration form by going to the WPD website here.
It's a great way to get to know your neighbors.   But don't delay. Forms must be received no later than August 2nd!
FEATURED DISTRICT IV COMPANY
GraceMed
Dental, Medical, Education & Outreach, and Prescription Assistance

For more than 37 years, GraceMed Health Clinics were founded upon the desire to address the growing health care needs of the unemployed, underinsured, and underserved residents in central Kansas.  With the leadership of CEO David Sanford, GraceMed has now grown to 12 clinic locations with more in the planning.
GraceMed's dental outreach team is staffed with Licensed Hygienists who also have Extended Care Permits I and II.  Extended care permits are what allow them to work in community settings such as schools, head starts, retirement homes, community centers, and churches.  The dental services include cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, partials, bridges, and dentures.
The medical services included acute care, children's services, disease and chronic illness management, optometric services, wellness and prevention services, physicals (sports, school, etc), and women's health services.
In keeping up with today's technology, GraceMed also offers an online patient portal that can provide health reminders for important chronic care appointments, reminders for upcoming appointments, find lists of providers, and more.
The latest location is currently under construction at 3405 S Meridian, just east of the south YMCA, and is known as the Virginia & George Ablah Family Clinic.  Stay tuned for the ribbon cutting later this year!    
Architect's rendering of the new clinic on south Meridian

CEO Dave Sanford speaking at the ground "blessing" on June 30th

DISTRICT IV EVENTS & NEWS
LOTS of parking at new location
SEDGWICK COUNTY TAG OFFICE -
NEW LOCATION IN DISTRICT IV
Last month the Sedgwick County, Kansas Tag Office opened up a new headquarters at 2525 W Douglas where a Dillon's grocery store had set vacant for many years.  The hours are from 8 am - 5 pm, and a  $3.00 fee will be applied to each transaction handled at any of the tag offices.  There are still the Tag Office Substations located at 2120 N Woodlawn and 2330 N Maize Rd.  You have three ways to reserve your spot in line.  For more information,  read more.

Friends University to Offer New
 Cyber Security Master's Degree
 
Friends University is offering a new graduate degree in cyber security that will prepare graduates to be on the front line of defense against malicious hackers. The Master of Science in Cyber Security (MSCS) is a two-year program for leaders who defend the critical information infrastructure of the nation's businesses, government and military.
"The program uses a creative, responsible and ethical approach to teach graduate students how to provide leadership for preparedness, prevention and protection against cyber vulnerabilities and cyber threats," said Dr. David Hofmeister, dean of the Graduate School.
With 13 years' experience as an officer in the Air Force, Jonathan Lanning has been hired to serve as director of the program. Lanning earned an M.S. in security administration from Southwestern College. He has served most recently as the Lead Defensive Cyberspace Operations planner at the 624 Operations Center in San Antonio, Texas, and the senior instructor for Crew Commander training on the Air Force Cyberspace Defense System.
The program will be offered beginning in August and may be taken on campus, online or in a combination of the two formats. For more information, contact 316-295-5300 or adultrecruitment@friends.edu You can visit the Friends University website  here !
District IV Advisory Board and Neighborhood Associations

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  
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.
DISTRICT IV SAFETY REPORTS
HOW TO BUILD A SAFER NEIGHBORHOOD
Nextdoor.com is the free private social network for you, your neighbors and your community. It's the easiest way for you and your neighbors to talk online and make all of your lives better in the real world. And it's free!
Thousands of neighborhoods are already using Nextdoor to build happier, safer places to call home.  
And it's only for you and your neighbors!!
People are using Nextdoor to:
  • Quickly get the word out about a break-in
  • Organize a Neighborhood Watch Group
  • Track down a trustworthy babysitter
  • Find out who does the best paint job in town
  • Ask for help keeping an eye out for a lost dog
  • Find a new home for an outgrown bike
  • Finally call that nice man down the street by his first name
Nextdoor's mission is to use the power of technology to build stronger and safer neighborhoods.  Click here for more information.
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.
  GET TO KNOW WICHITA POLICE 
CHIEF GORDON RAMSAY
We invite you to keep up with the Wichita Police Department on Facebook at Facebook.com/WichitaPolice and on Twitter @WichitaPolice  
Chief Ramsay can be found at Facebook.com/WichitaChief and @Chief_Ramsay .
COMMUNITY EVENTS
THE CITY OF WICHITA and
 WICHITA OLD CITY HALL 
BIRTHDAY PARTY - JULY 23RD - 1:00 PM
Wichita was officially born July 21, 1870. Twenty years later, a grand ceremony was held on July 4, 1890 to celebrate the laying of the City Hall cornerstone. Beneath the cornerstone was a time capsule, opened 100 years later in celebration of the building's Centennial, the contents are on temporary exhibit.
See more of Wichita's remarkable history wandering the four floors of the Museum's exhibits and enjoy special tours, crafts, activities, and refreshments. Admission is free to those individuals and small groups bringing a birthday card! Birthday cake served in Heritage Square (while it lasts!)
WICHITA-SEDGWICK COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM - 204 S MAIN
MID AMERICA ALL INDIAN CENTER
650 N Seneca, Wichita, KS
Saturday, July 23rd - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

FREE traveling exhibition that explores the interconnectedness of wellness, illness and cultural life for Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. This exhibit and health fair is FREE, open to the public and will feature a number of local organizations. Some of the FREE services that will be available will include:
  • Back to school physicals
  • Sports physicals
            • School immunizations
            • Dental screenings and cleanings                                    
            • Vision tests
            • Giveaways, hands-on activities and more                    
KANSAS AVIATION MUSEUM TO HOST A
 POKEMON  GO PARTY JULY 23rd
The Kansas Aviation Museum, located at 3350 S George Washington Blvd., is a gym location for Pokemon Go (if you don't know what that is, you're probably not attending this event anyway), will be holding a Pop-up Pokemon Go Party this coming Saturday night from 8 pm to midnight at the museum. There is a $5 cover charge with a $75 dollar prize going to the individual who locates the physical Pokemon figure within the museum, retrieves it and returns it to the front counter. They will serve local craft beers, hot dogs, chips, soft drinks and will be featuring songs of the eighties.  This will be a great family event for those who love electronic games!  For more information, you can call 316-683-9242.
LIBRARY VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVES
Kansas law requires you to re-register any time
 you change  your name, address,
 or party affiliation to vote!

 Monday, July 25th:  4:00 - 7:00 pm
 Alford Branch Library

Note: to vote in the primaries for State office,
 you need to be registered by July 12th!
KI
S S Partners with Military
 Veterans for July 25th Concert
Hiring Our Heroes  has chosen to partner with KISS on this tour because of their unrivaled long-term support of military veterans and their families; collectively the members of KISS have raised incredible sums of money for worthy military support organizations.
KISS is donating $150,000 to Hiring Our Heroes as a part of this tour, and in each of the more than 30 U.S. cities on this tour, a military veteran, national guardsman, or reservist will be hired to serve as "Roadie for a Day" - assisting with the production of the concert and managing the VIP section of the concert venue.   Tickets are through Select-a-seat!
Art and music lovers united!
JULY 29th - FINAL FRIDAY IN WICHITA
As the name implies, Final Friday happens the last Friday of each month.  Art galleries, museums, restaurants and retail shops around Wichita stay open late and welcome visitors. Recognizing that Downtown is the artistic and cultural center for the region, the Q-Line trolley service transports art lovers to the concentration of venues in Downtown. The ride is free and allows attendees to park once and visit several galleries. Hours vary between galleries but the majority are open during the core hours of 7 pm to 9 pm.  Most galleries use Final Friday to unveil and debut new shows or as a closing reception. All venues are free and open to the public and several galleries incorporate artist demonstrations and/or live music.
JULY 30th - SUMMER SLAM
 VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT
Join this 6v6 tournament 
in the sand!
Saturday, July 30, 8AM - 8PM
Only $60 per team 
Ages 16 and up 
Register at Watson Park, call 529-9940
 or sign up online and use code 10544.
The free Wichita Public Library is now coming to YOU at the Pop Up Park in downtown Wichita.

LIFE HAPPENS HERE!
Wichita's hub for arts
and entertainment is Downtown.  

for a schedule of days and times of events!

Night Out link
Citizen Soldier
WARNING:  THIS MOVIE IS RATED "R" DUE TO THE REAL LANGUAGE OF REAL SOLDIERS IN REAL SITUATIONS!
COMING SOON SO SAVE THE DATE!
DO YOU OWN A BUSINESS?

DO YOU WORK FOR A COMPANY
 OR YOURSELF?

DO YOU WANT TO BROADEN
 YOUR  CUSTOMER BASE?

Then you probably deal, or want to deal, with customers of all nationalities.
(even if you don't export)

Now is your opportunity to learn more information about understanding cultural challenges in a multicultural marketplace.

Save the date
August 18th, 2 - 5 pm! (Networking and beverages following.)

This will be held at the High Touch building,
110 S Main, Suite101

If registered by August 1st, the cost is only $35 per person.





For further information, please contact:

Holi Schletzbaum
Marketing and Communications Manager
Kansas Global Trade Services
316-264-5982, or e-mail to schletzbaum@kansasglobal.org

TRAVEL
Eisenhower Air
 Wichita Dwight D Eisenhower National Airport has a new magazine just for you travelers.  Check it out!
DISTRICT IV STREET CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

  TO SEE  THE LATEST NEWS FROM KDOT ON WICHITA PROGRAMS, CLICK ON  WICHWAY
MERIDIAN STREET CONSTRUCTION UPDATE!
The west side of Meridian is coming along nicely, and then they will switch to the east side. My advice... stay off Meridian when it rains, and for a day or two following a bad rain which gives the contractor a chance to repair the impending potholes that occur on the old part of Meridian.  And remember that left turns are prohibited from Meridian onto Harry.  The construction is staying on course and we will all be glad when it's behind us.  Plus, kudos to Greg Baalman, City of Wichita, for keeping this project on course!
Hirundo rustica a/k/a barn swallow
Nesting Migratory Birds Halt
 Construction on Pawnee Street Bridge

While a large group of barn swallows hatch and nurture their off-spring under the current Pawnee Street Bridge at McLean and the Arkansas River, construction will be delayed.  According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the additional noise and vibration that comes with bridge repairs could affect these wonderful birds that help keep the insect population down.  For further information, go to Kansas.com!

The good news is that the bridge will be reopened for the duration of delay!
HELPFUL INFORMATION 
YARD WASTE?  CLEANING OUT THE BASEMENT?
IS YOUR GARAGE FULL OF USELESS ITEMS?
HERE'S THE ANSWER....
Bulky Waste Coupon

BROUGHT TO YOU BY SEDGWICK COUNTY.  EXPIRES OCTOBER 16th, SO DON'T DELAY AND MAKE IT COUNT.  (ONLY ONE COUPON PER RESIDENCE!)  FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 660-7200
Westar Energy App
Goosegrass can be found in lots of yards
PUBLIC ENEMY NUMBER TWO!
(In your yard that is)
Goosegrass ( Galium aparine ) is an annual weed found in warm season turf grasses.  The grass seeds readily and spreads on the wind from lawn to lawn. The methods on how to kill goosegrass range from cultural to herbicidal. Goosegrass weed control is essential because the rapidly spreading plant can take over entire areas of the lawn. Lots of lawn fertilizers also contain herbicides to rid your lawn of such unwanted "grass".  C lick here for the
KDA's report on Noxious Weed Control.   Good luck and keep pulling before it seeds!
SAFE STREETS ICT:
  Rules and Guidance for
 Safely Sharing Wichita Streets
With the bicyclists out and about this summer, it's a good idea to know the proper way to pass a cyclist if you are in a car, and what all the street markings indicate. If you are a bicyclist, it's a good idea to know proper traffic etiquette, and the rules that apply to all.  To see a well diagramed brochure that highlights tips and rules for using and sharing city streets, click here.  And when in doubt, err on the side of caution!


IF YOU SEE GRAFFITI OR ILLEGAL DUMPING, PLEASE SEND AN
 E-MAIL 
TO:


WICHITA IS A BEAUTIFUL CITY!  LET'S KEEP IT THAT WAY BY REPORTING NUISANCES SUCH AS THESE!
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 r eport a tip online  here!
JOB & VOLUNTEER 
OPPORTUNITIES
TO CHECK OUT THE LATEST JOB FAIRS AND TRAINING COURSES, CLICK HERE.

MORE COMMUNITY INFORMATION
LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN!

Wichita Public Schools online enrollment begins July 11
In-Person enrollment is August 8 - 10 - Schools have consistent enrollment times
Online enrollment for returning WPS parents with an active ParentVUE account will begin Monday, July 11. Online enrollment as a convenient option for returning students to complete standard enrollment forms, see class schedules, approve policies, complete waivers and pay for enrollment fees and school meals online from a computer, tablet or smart phone.  Parents are encouraged to use this service and pay fees online in order to streamline the enrollment process. ParentVUE, https://parentvue.usd259.net, will be available on July 11.
New parents or parents who do not have a ParentVUE account are encouraged to set up an account at their child's school during in-person enrollment August 8 - 10. All schools will have computers and assistance available during in-person enrollment for parents to access or set up their ParentVUE account. Parents can also go to  www.usd259.org/enroll  to print off and complete common enrollment forms before they go to their child's school to enroll during in-person enrollment.
WEDDING AT PARK VILLA, RIVERSIDE PARK - NORTH
HOW TO RENT A WICHITA COMMUNITY FACILITY,  RECREATION CENTER ROOM, OPEN SHELTER OR GAZEBO
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. 
STAY FIT TIPS
HOT TEMPER ADVISORY
Drink 8 - 10 glasses a day!!!
Constantly crabby? Then make more stops to the water cooler.  I recently read an article that states: 
Many people feel a little hotheaded when the mercury rises.  In fact, hot and especially humid weather is known to be associated with increases in aggression and violence, as well as a lower general mood.  And whether you're at the office or on the road, recognize that people you deal with may also be a bit testy.
Otherwise, everyone's fuse is going to be a little shorter. The number one way to handle this is to drink LOTS more water, stay inside if you can, and offer water to those that are working outside.
Habitual high-volume H2O consumption led to a better mood and a significant decrease in fatigue and sleepiness, finds new research from France.  In the study, 30 people who drank little water each day-less than 1.2 liters-were asked to increase their water intake to more than 2.5 liters for three days. Not only were people getting their thirst quenched, but also participants reported feeling less fatigued, less confused, and more satisfied overall with their mood at the end of the study.

Researches also flipped the script and had 22 people who regularly drank lots of water decrease their consumption. The reverse happened: Lowering how much water they drank worsened participants' moods, leading to negative effects such as headaches, confusion, and fatigue, says study author Nathalie Pross, Ph.D.

FUN FACTS ...
July 22
National Hammock Day (TGIF!)
July 23
National Vanilla Ice Cream Day (Add anything to make it your "own")
July 24
National Cousins Day (Can you name all of the cousins in your family?)
July 25
National Merry-Go-Round Day (Visit the local elementary school yard)
July 26
National Aunt and Uncle's Day (The makers of July 24th)
July 27
An extreme dust storm covered Phoenix, AZ in 2012.  
July 28
World War I began in 1914.  RIP veterans.
July 29
National Lasagna Day  (There are lots of great ones in Wichita to try)
July 30
National Dance Day (Learn some new steps)
July 31
For 30 days in July 2011, Dallas, TX exceeded 100 degrees!  Now that's brutal.
August 1
National Girlfriends Day (I have some great gal-pals)
August 2
National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
August 3
In 1898, 5.8 inches of rain fell in just 2 hours in Philadelphia.  Yikes.
August 4
National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day (I still like Toll House the best)
August 5
National Oyster Day (I thought this should be on "Fat Tuesday")
DISTRICT IV PLACES
 OF INTEREST
MORE
 HELPFUL LINKS
3447 S. Meridian

433 S. 135th St. West

1931 S. Tyler

2625 S Tyler

City Council Agendas, Minutes and streaming video  link
  


  

Click  here to find up-to-date information 
regarding street maintenance and street sweepers in your area.
Stay up-to-date on City events, announcements and headlines by reading our daily News Releases

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.

 
  
Sign up now for classes at CityArts by clicking here!
 
 F ind out about Park and Recreation SUMMER Classes by clicking here!
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


City of Wichita, Office of Community Services | 316-268-4197 |
City Hall, 455 N Main St.
Wichita, KS 67202
Have questions or concerns? E-mail Jblubaugh@wichita.gov or call 316-268-4331