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City of Wichita District V Newsletter |
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A Message from Council Member
Bryan Frye...
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Last year, noted researcher, James Chung, identified four key challenges facing Wichita. The goal being to meet these challenges head-on in order to build a better, stronger community.
The
Perception Challenge
says Wichita has an identity crisis inside and out. Changing this perception is not going to be an easy task. But it's the one challenge in which everyone in our community can contribute. Through engagement and participation, we'll help define how others see us and how we see ourselves.
The next opportunity for involvement is at a "Pride-in-Place Meetup" on October 6 or 13. Both meetings will be from 5:00 to 6:30pm at Distillery 244 Old Town, 244 N. Mosley. This is a great opportunity to hear how local business leaders are promoting Wichita and helping to raise our city's profile and perception.
Each Pride-in-Place Meetup will feature a set of five guest presenters ranging from private businesses to non-profit community organizations who will outline the work they are doing to raise our city's image. Presenters include: City of Wichita, Fidelity Bank, Marketplace Properties, Visit Wichita, Wichita Community Foundation, The Wichita Eagle, Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce, Wichita State University, The Workroom and Yellowbrick Street Team.
The events are free and open to the public and each night's presentations include an opportunity for attendees to network and share ideas.
And speaking of Pride in Place, the Wichita Area Builders Association Fall Parade of Homes begins this weekend continuing through October 16. The Parade of Homes offers something for everyone, whether you are looking to upgrade to a new home, downsize to smaller home, or you're taking that first step to becoming a homeowner. For more information about the 108 homes on display, check out
www.wabahome.com
Changing perception starts with you, me and everyone who calls Wichita home. It's how we move forward.
Bryan Frye
District V City Council Member
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Getting to Know DAB V:
Ben Bradley
I was born and raised in Oklahoma City, but have been happy to call Wichita home for more than a decade.
My family and I moved to Wichita when I accepted a position at KAKE-TV. At the time, we weren't sure we would live in Kansas for longer than two or three years. That's the nature of the TV news business. But my wife and I fell in love with the city and area, and have now lived here for 12 years. Eleven of those years have been in District V.
I worked with Bryan Frye for many years at KAKE. When he was elected to the City Council, I expressed interest in serving my community. I was appointed to the DAB in the summer of 2015.
Since living on the west side, I've been nothing short of astounded at the growth of housing and businesses in the area. I'm honored to have a voice on the issues of the district and in that growth. I look forward to continuing my service on the DAB, and meeting more area residents.
My wife, Karie, and I have two sons, ages 14 and 11. My oldest son was very young when we moved to Wichita, and this is really the only home he's ever known. My youngest son is the only native Kansan in our family.
One of our favorite things to do in Wichita has always been to visit the area around the Keeper of the Plains. My kids are now even more excited about that area because of all the Pokemon Go characters they can catch during our walks.
The more time I've spent in Wichita, the more involved I've strived to become. I've served as a reserve police officer in Maize, and also serve as a committee member for Boy Scout Troop 450 in west Wichita, where both of my sons are scouts.
Karie and I both now work for Gray Television, the parent company of KWCH. When not working, we enjoy spending time with our children and the many wonderful friends and neighbors we've made since moving here. You can also occasionally find us at our favorite Westside spot, Old Chicago.
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Wichita District V Facebook Page
Stay up-to-date with news and events in our District.
Click here to visit our Facebook page. Send us a message or request or simply "like" our posts.
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BUILDING TO HOUSE
WAMPO, MAPD, AND MABCD
Just south of Wichita City Hall, at 271 W Third St., is the former IRS building that Sedgwick County recently purchased in order to expand three joint city-county agencies.
- Wednesday, August 31, the Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization(WAMPO) offices closed to the public. WAMPO re-opened on Monday, September 12.
- Thursday, September 1, the Metropolitan Area Planning Department (MAPD) closed to the public. MAPD re-opened to the public on Monday, September 12.
- Beginning Wednesday, September 28, the Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Division (MABCD) closed its Seneca office at 3 p.m. As of Thursday, September 29, its City Hall office closed to the public. On Monday, October 3, MABCD will be re-open for business.
Customers who regularly have business with these three agencies will find the new facility more convenient and easier to access. A ribbon-cutting and open house event for the 271 building will be held at 1 pm on October 11th.
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Opening Night is Friday, September 30!
It's here - Watson Park's infamous Wicked Island is back and more WICKED than ever! Once you brave the eerie sights and sounds of the Wicked Island your nights alone will never be the same!
Open 8 PM - 11:30 PM, Fridays & Saturdays and Halloween night
Visit our facebook event or call 529.9940 for more information.
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Big Read Kick-off Party!
Join us for the kick-off party for this year's Big Read Wichita on Saturday, Oct.1, at the Wichita Art Museum,
1400 Museum Blvd
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Enjoy reader's theater of Fahrenheit 451 & more at this free event emceed by KWCH 12 Eyewitness News Anchor Melissa Scheffler.
Music and refreshments begin at 2:00; the program begins at 2:30.
More info...
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Free Technology Class:
Android Tablets and Smartphones
Learn the basics of your Android device. Discover ways to customize your device, install apps, and get around on your device.
Tuesday, October 4
1:00 - 2:30pm
Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
Bring your own device, but please have it registered before class.
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With October around the corner, Botanica's biggest family-friendly event, BOOtanica is approaching quickly. Saturday, October 8, from 11:00am to 4:00pm, the entire garden will be transformed into different stations with activities for children of all ages.
General Admission is $8 and $6 for Members.
Games, arts and live animals are the kinds of things families can expect from BOOtanica. Some returning activities include the fortune teller, the Bug Lady, Exploration Place; Paint the Towne, live performances, Candy and so much more.
More info...
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SENIOR WEDNESDAYS
Senior Wednesdays are always fun and there is something different to do; someone new to meet. There are also many senior activity centers in Wichita and the surrounding areas, so be informed. Be entertained. Be active.
To see the upcoming events for October's Senior Wednesdays,
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Saturday, October 8, 2016,
located at Union Station, 701 E. Douglas, in downtown Wichita. Predicted to be the biggest and best free community event in the ICT! We want Bloktoberfest to be the cap that will completely enhance the day of downtown fun and awareness to local arts and culture.
Bloktoberfest will have food, music, a "SAUSAGE CONTEST" where local businesses will compete for the crown of KING WIENER, and of course the best in local and seasonal October beers, all within a one block radius!
- Hot Dog Eating Contest sponsored by Emerson Biggins
- Wiener Dog Contest: Best Dressed
- Weenie Dog Races Sponsored by Buddyrest Dog Beds
- Local Business Compete in "King Wiener"
- King of October: Battle of the Local Beers
- Adult Yard Games: Giant Chess, Mega Jenga, Corn Hole
- Beer Belly Contest: Show 'em off fellas
- Local Music / Band
Visit the event Facebook page for more info...
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14th Annual Tallgrass Film Festival: October 12-16, 2016
The full film guide has arrived! Browse the 191 official selections of the 14th annual Tallgrass Film Festival and create your own festival schedule. See one movie, or see them all!
Experience Tallgrass >
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Walk with Friends!
Whether with a friend, family member, neighbor or pet, having a walking partner will remind you to get moving while you enjoy October's mild temperatures.
What is Walktober?
Walktober is a free, community-wide physical activity initiative, encouraging you to engage in the recommended 30 minutes of activity five or more days of the week and walking is a perfect way to meet that goal.
Why Walktober?
Why do we need a designated month to put one foot in front of the other? On average, experts say, we take a fraction of the recommended 10,000 steps per day. Walking is an easy exercise that packs powerful benefits, such as weight management and blood pressure control. Walking also decreases your risk of a heart attack, lowers your risk of a stroke and even protects against hip fractures.
What do you need to do to participate?
2. Record your physical activity on the calendar card. Any physical activity counts - walking, swimming, biking, etc. Count in minutes, steps, miles - whatever is most convenient for you.
3. Be inspired by the weekly newsletter.
4. Report your Walktober participation at the end of the month with the link provided for a chance to win prizes!
Follow Walktober Wichita on
Facebook for up to date information, prizes and more!
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Join us for our 2nd annual walk to raise awareness in Sedgwick
County of relationship and domestic violence during October, domestic violence awareness month. We will walk to honor lives lost to violence and say "no more"! This year's opening ceremony will include the voices of community and campus youth. The one mile course on Wichita State University's campus will include a special remembrance area at the Plaza of Heroines, information booths along the route and an activity area at the end of the route. This event is both pet and family friendly. Light breakfast refreshments will also be available. We hope you will attend this important event, raise your voice and speak out against this societal epidemic.
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Life Happens Here!
From year-round to seasonal events, Downtown is the preferred location for Wichita to celebrate throughout the year. A variety of events cater to the diverse interests of Wichita residents and many visitors from Kansas and throughout the regional area.
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Volunteers Needed!
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is looking for individuals to assist with free tax preparation so families and individuals with low to moderate income get the benefits they need. Positions include greeters, interpreters and preparers. Training provided, flexible hours (January through April), and multiple site locations available.
Contact United Way of the Plains in Wichita by calling 211 to volunteer or get more information.
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JOBS are here in Wichita!
The Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer a job board with local, Wichita area, jobs only! A free service for job seekers, it will save you the time of searching through dozens of jobs outside of the area. Create a free account here
and you will be automatically signed up for all Wichita area updates and can customize the search further if you wish.
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Check out the latest information on job fairs and training courses. Click here.
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Kellogg/I235 Updates
Stay up-to-date with construction of the improvements to the Kellogg/I235 interchange. KDOT has established and is maintaining a website to keep citizens informed.
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Vote Like a Mother!
The Health & Wellness Coalition of Wichita and other community partners want you to be the example for the future generation!
The goal of Vote Like A Mother is to educate members of the community on all things voting - where to vote, when to vote, ho
w to register to vote, what options are available for voting, where election information can be found, and more. Our goal is for people to have NO barriers that prevent them from participating in local, state and national elections and voting opportunities.
Visit their
Facebook page for more information!
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Don't be Left in the Dark!
Help deter crime and keep our communities safe by reporting street light outages. If you notice outages within your neighborhood, fill out this simple form on Westar Energy's website.
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Find out about spring
Park and Recreation classes
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| Westlink Branch Library
8515 Bekemeyer
Southwest of Central and Maize
1011 N. Maize Ct. |
District V Advisory Board and Neighborhood Associations
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The District V Advisory Board meets the first Monday of the month at Fire Station #21 at 2110 N. 135th St W. Wichita, KS 672235. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. For the 2016 meeting schedule, click
here.
To find DAB V agendas and minutes click
here.
To see a listing of the meeting schedule for District V's neighborhood associations, click
here.
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Become part of the solution and tell us what's on your mind. Visit Activate Wichita today!
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Click
here to find up-to-date
information regarding street
maintenance in your area.
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Stay up-to-date on City events, announcements and headlines by reading our daily News Releases
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City Manager's Office
455 N. Main, 13 Floor
Wichita, KS 67202
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