District IV Newsletter
from the
Office of Community Services
 

November 23, 2016

MESSAGE FROM JEFF BLUBAUGH...
This guy could end up on your table!
Be thankful for America!
In 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November, entreating all Americans to ask God to "commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife" and to "heal the wounds of the nation."
So whether your Thanksgiving Day includes a turkey feast with friends and family, or a meal at a local shelter or church, President Lincoln's words are still applicable today. The recent election has brought forth much strife and anguish as the Country prepares for a new leader and cabinet, leaving many who feel as though they were wounded. But the  message of Thanksgiving should be one of solidarity and coming together to celebrate all that is good with our lives, and to not take our wonderful freedom for granted.  So especially on November 24th, give thanks to our Armed Forces and ask for the leaders of our cities, states, and country to be blessed with compassion, good health, and guidance.  Now pass me the mashed potatoes and gravy please!
THE FOLLOWING CITY SERVICES WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE
 THANKSGIVING DAY HOLIDAY -   NOVEMBER 24th-25th

City Hall, 455 N Main, will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 24th & 25th)

All Wichita Public Library locations will close early at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 23 and be closed all day Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24 and 25.

For Museums, Century II Administrative Offices, City Arts, and more, find out here!
FEATURED DISTRICT IV COMPANIES
DISTRICT IV IS FULL OF INDEPENDENTLY OWNED
 RETAIL SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS.
SHOW THEM YOUR SUPPORT THIS SATURDAY!
Small Business Saturday
HEAD FOR WICHITA'S INDEPENDENT SHOPS ON NOVEMBER 26th
Wichita is blessed with some great independently owned small businesses, many of which are retail stores.  So if you're looking for unique items and wanting your dollars to stay in our community, then support them on Small Business Saturday, November 26th.  The money these companies earn help to pay for jobs and services for those that live in our great city which adds to the strength of our economy!  So get great deals, support our community, and purchase unique gifts for those on your list!
And don't forget the wonderful gift shops at our very own Mid America All Indian Center, Old Cowtown Museum, City Arts, and the Wichita Art Museum.  They all support local artists.  It's a win-win situation.
DISTRICT IV EVENTS & NEWS
NCUMC
  Enjoy a free home-cooked turkey dinner with your friends and family.  For reservations and/or a ride,
 call 316-945-3051

Final Friday
NOVEMBER 25th -  FINAL FRIDAY DESTINATIONS
Just a few of the Final Friday destinations.  For the entire list, click here !
Mead Street Gallery, City Arts, Gallery XII, The Fiber Studio, Wichita Art Museum and so many more. Let the Downtown FREE Q-Line 
take you around. 
Star Bond District
EASTBANK
 REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT?

This will be a topic of discussion at the City Council Meeting on December 6th, City Hall, 455 N Main, at 9:00 am.
If you would like your voice to be heard, the City Council Meeting will be opened to receive public comments.  There will be no discussion on the project at this time, just about  expanding the boundaries for STAR Bond purposes.
Children of Domestic Violence
Your donation might be the only present they receive.
WPD needs your donation
for  children in domestic
 violence shelters
Imagine having to hide out to avoid a violent situation.  You have been uprooted from your home, your friends, and the holidays are coming.  The Police Officers at Patrol West have been helping to meet the needs of these children for several years.  This year they are asking for children's clothing and gifts (newborn through 19), shampoo, soap, baby wipes, toiletries, pillows, batteries, books, board games, blankets, and diapers (sizes 4,5, and 6). You can drop off any donations to Patrol West (661 N Elder), Midwest KIA (8725 W Kellogg Dr.), or Rusty Eck Ford (7310 E Kellogg Ave).   Please help these kids get through the holidays.

WEEKLY LIBRARY STORYTIMES ARE BACK
 AT THE  ALFORD BRANCH LIBRARY!
3447 S Meridian
(Now through December 9)
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
(3 years to 6 years) - 10:30 am - 11:00 am - Mondays
NURSERY RHYME TIME
(2 years and under) - 10:30 am - 10:50 am - Tuesdays

For the full schedule and all library locations, go to www.wichitalibrary.org
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

Don't be left in the dark
 
If you notice outages within
your neighborhood, fill out
this simple form on
Westar Energy's website

WPD Recruitment
Bicycle easier and safer by knowing the rules.

Crime Stoppers
Anonymously report a crime tip.  You could get a cash reward and no one will ask your name.

Illegal dumping
Learn how to report nuisance cases and neighborhood issues by clicking on the photo above.


WPD car
Contact the Wichita Police Department here.
LOOK FOR THIS DECAL WHEN  HIRING  A
 COMPANY TO HAUL YOUR JUNK/BULKY WASTE
Don't become the victim of an illegal trash or junk hauler.  Unfortunately there have been several complaints about paying an individual to haul off large items or junk from houses and garages, and the items end up in a ditch, behind a company, or a country road.  If there is anything that identifies you, the owner of these items, you will receive a severe ticket and fine from a City or County inspector.  If you respond to an ad of someone that will haul your junk, make sure they are licensed to do so.  They will have this decal on their trailer or truck!  Don't let a mistake cost you double.
COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
FREE CARRIAGE RIDES
 IN  OLD TOWN SQUARE
NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 17th: NOON UNTIL 4 PM

Carriage rides in Old Town Square are back for the holiday season!  Rides are free and the carriage departs from the plaza located at 1st Street and Mead.  Bring your family for a fun afternoon of holiday entertainment sponsored by Old Town Association.   Read More

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
 AT OLD COWTOWN MUSEUM
DECEMBER 2, 3, 9, and 10
From 6 - 9 pm for regular admission prices

Visitors will enjoy seeing Cowtown decked out for the holidays, and if we're lucky, covered in a blanket of snow.  There will be popcorn stringing, wagon rides, strolling carolers, crafts and activities for the kids, and more. Make this event part of your family tradition.  And don't forget to stop at the gift store for unique holiday gift giving!

MAYOR'S TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY - DECEMBER 4th
West Side of Century II on Kennedy Plaza - 5:15 pm

After the Tree Lighting ceremony, you can head on over to the Wichita Boathouse for Lights on the River, a FREE family event where there will be winter wagon rides, S'Mores Stations, food trucks, a special appearance by Santa Clause, and a lantern launch and fireworks show, hosted by Lights on the River, a non-profit organization.  Read more here.
Spirit of the Season
FREE Family Holiday Concert - December 6th 7:30 pm at
 Century II Convention Hall

Book Sale
Illuminations 2016
You can simply click on this photo to find out about tickets and cost for this wonderful family event.
Share the Season
NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS
PROVIDING HELP AND HOPE TO THE WORKING POOR
During the holiday season, one of the best ways to help people in need is through the Share the Season program. A 16-year program, Share the Season is a joint effort of The Salvation Army, The Wichita Eagle, and the Wichita Community Foundation.  Here are a few facts about Share the Season (STS):
  • STS is a special program providing help and hope to the working poor during the holiday season
  • Families who do not qualify for other indigent programs apply for assistance and are screened carefully by the Salvation Army personnel to verify needs
  • Each family can receive one-time assistance for needs such as utilities, paying medical bills, etc.
  • Payments are made directly to vendors, such as the bank or utility company
  • Best way possible to get charitable donations directly to those in need
  • The Wichita Eagle donates ad space and runs daily stories on families in need
  • The Wichita Community Foundation handles all donations and issues receipts to all who contribute
  • STS works in the best possible way, reaching those in need and encouraging our community to be charitable
  • Program began in 2000, raising $72,069.59 and helping 100 families the first year
  • 3161 families have been helped with $2.9 million in donated funds since inception
Last year $218,000 was raised that benefited 145 Wichita families.  To apply, or to donate, click here
.
NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH
Senior Services
Senior Services at 200 S Walnut in Delano
SENIOR SERVICES IN DELANO

Senior Wednesdays are great, but...
Did you know that the building in Delano at 200 S Walnut has activities, exercise classes, a quilting club, pool tournaments, grand slam bridge, and so much more going on every week.

To see the ongoing activities that are too numerous to mention here, click on the photo to the right.  You will be in for a treat!
Kids to Parks Day
CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO ENTER THE CONTEST!
KIDS TO PARKS DAY SCHOOL CONTEST
This year, National Park Trust is once again hosting the Kids to Parks     Day National School Contest! The purpose of the contest is to empower students to create and plan their own park experience. This national contest is open to all under-served schools across the country and in all U.S. Territories. Students can submit proposals for a Kids to Parks Day event at a park in their community. National Park Trust will award grants up to $1,000 to winning entries . Grants will be used by the winners to implement their Kids to Parks Day event during the month of May 2017. 
Contest entries will be accepted beginning on Monday, November 7,  2016. Deadline for entries is on Tuesday, February 14, 2017
.
COMING SOON SO SAVE THE DATE!
Breakfast with Grinch
December 17, from 9:30 am - 11 am
Kids ages 6 - 12 can have breakfast with the Grinch
at the Linwood Recreation Center.
Click on photo for registration information.

Victorian Tea at Senior Services
A Victorian Christmas Presentation Tea & Coffee - December 15th at 2:30 pm at Downtown Senior Center, 200 S Walnut.  Call 267-0197 for reservations.

Paw Patrol Live
Century II Concert Hall - Morning & Evening times. Click on the photo above for tickets and more information.

Nutcracker Ballet
December 16, 17, and 18 - Century II Concert Hall
TRAVEL
 Wichita Dwight D Eisenhower National Airport has a magazine just for you travelers.   Check it out!
BLACK FRIDAY deals are available through Delta and American Airlines.   Click here to see!  And while you're at it, check out the roundtrip fares to major cities in Europe for under $500.
DISTRICT IV STREET CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

  TO SEE  THE LATEST NEWS FROM KDOT ON WICHITA PROGRAMS, CLICK ON  WICHWAY
MERIDIAN STREET CONSTRUCTION UPDATE!
The east side of Meridian is now underway.  There is still water accumulating after a strong rain, but not as much and the main hindrance now is that the rain slows down the construction process. However, 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 and looking forward to May 2017!
Traffic Impact:     Meridian is restricted to one lane in each direction between McCormick and Pawnee. Left turns are prohibited from Meridian onto Harry. Harry is one-way westbound, east of Meridian while intersection is reconstructed.  
PAWNEE BRIDGE CLOSED
Pawnee will close between Broadway and McLean Boulevard, beginning August 8, until spring 2017.  Thru traffic will detour to 31st Street South at Broadway and McLean Boulevard.  Local traffic on Pawnee will be allowed west of Broadway for access to residential streets.
JOB & VOLUNTEER 
OPPORTUNITIES
TO CHECK OUT THE LATEST JOB FAIRS AND TRAINING COURSES, CLICK HERE.

kANSASWORKS
KANSASWORKS helps with job seekers, employers, training/education, and resources.
MORE COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Family Promise
Family Promise of Greater Wichita addresses the needs of homeless families
Being without a safe, warm place to sleep, eat, and care for children; living without the security of familiar people and belongings-that is homelessness. The loss of one's home, the most basic element of stability, is a profound crisis for anyone, but especially for families. Parents endure the heartache of being unable to provide a secure environment for their children. And children, who now make up 25 percent of our nation's homeless population, are deprived of a fundamental requirement for healthy development-a safe, permanent home.
What Can We Do to Help?
People of faith want to respond to the needs of their homeless "neighbors," but this can be an overwhelming task for one congregation. What do we do? How do we become part of the solution? Family Promise of Greater Wichita is part of a national program that responds to the growing need to provide shelter, meals and comprehensive support services to families without homes. The program unites the congregations from area churches to assist the homeless families.
For more information, contact Carrie Corliss at 316-204-9997, or e-mail:  carrie.corliss@familypromisewichita.org
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.  Read More
It's time for your lawn to rest.
AND NOW FOR A REST!
If you have been preparing your lawn, there really is not much 
lawn care that needs to be done during the cold months of 
winter. If you properly prepare the  lawn during the fall, it will be fine until the warm days of spring arrive once more. Make sure you aerate, fertilize, and mow the  lawn before the first freeze of the season.  And now take a well-deserved rest!
STAY FIT TIPS
League Bicycle Friendly

Bike-Friendly Initiatives

Wichita has been recognized nationally for its ongoing efforts to improve conditions for bicycling. The League of American Bicyclists awarded the local government an Honorable Mention designation on Wednesday for working with community partners to create a bicycle-friendly city.  
According to a press release from the city, communities that are given an honorable mention are generally recognized for having popular shared-use paths, community-wide bicycling events or recent bicycle planning processes. More than 100 communities that originally earned an Honorable Mention have gone on to be awarded a Bicycle Friendly Community Bronze designation or better.  The City of Wichita has been working to implement its Bicycle Master Plan since 2013. So far, the city has installed more than 30 miles of bikeways, created the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, and worked with community partners to secure funding for a variety of bicycling-related initiatives.
FUN FACTS ...
November 25
Final Friday in Wichita
CITY HALL CLOSED
 FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
November 26
Small Business Saturday (shop local)
November 27
First Sunday of Advent
November 28
Cyber Monday (get on-line and snatch up those bargains!)
November 29
National Day of Giving (set some money aside for your favorite charity)
November 30
National Package Protection Day (Be aware of thefts from porches)
December 1
Rosa Parks Day
December 2
National Mutt Day (celebrate your "Heinz 57" dog)
December 3
National Roof Over Your Head Day (another day of thanks)
December 4
In 1913, 63 inches of snow fell in Georgetown, Colorado  
December 5
International Ninja Day (what??)
December 6
National Microwave Oven Day (I thought this was EVERY day)
December 7
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
December 8
National Brownie Day
December 9
TGIF!!
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 FALL Classes by clicking here!

I CT SOS is a project-based human trafficking organization that acts as a liaison between specific local professional groups who work with trafficked youth and the Wichita volunteers who seek ways to be involved in finding solutions to fight sex trafficking.  You can help in so many ways.  For additional information, read more.









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