North Riverside News DecJan2015

North Riverside Neighborhood Association
INTRODUCING
December 2014/January 2015
(Left to right)
2015-16 NRNA OFFICERS
Vice-President Sharon Quincy
Treasurer Sue Erwin
President Aimee Basham
Secretary Barbara Hammond
A CELEBRATION OF GOOD FOOD
AND GOOD FRIENDS Nov 17th was our
annual pot luck supper held at Woodland Methodist Church.
Officer Jerrell reminded us to take precautions as the holiday
season approaches– to not leave packages in our cars or visible
through the picture windows under a Christmas tree! We also
discussed other safety issues in our neighborhood and elected
association officers for the next two years. We enjoyed delicious dishes, met new neighbors and shared experiences.
MULCHING AT TRIANGLE GARDEN
Thank You Sutherlands, for Support-
ing our Neighborhood and for again donating 50
bags of mulch for our landscape projects. Be sure
to tell the manager, Gary , how much we appreciate their support.
Saturday, November 22nd we had an afternoon of mulching
madness. Volunteers trimmed and cleared the Triangle Garden
and added a new layer of mulch to help keep the weeds down
and the water in. Sutherlands at 21st and Amidon generously
donated 50 bags of mulch for the 2nd year and we purchased
24 more bags. Thanks to our neighborhood volunteers, Debbie
McCurdy, Clayton Pearson, David McDonald, Aimee Basham,
Claire and Warren Willenberg and Sutherlands, the Triangle
plantings have been tucked in
for the winter.
No December Neighborhood Meeting
January 19th Meeting
7pm at Woodland Methodist Church. It is YOGA time.
Donna Froese has been practicing yoga for many years, and began teaching in
1996. Donna adapts the movements to any age or level of ability, emphasizing that participants should do what they can physically within their own ability to activate this new
way of moving, balancing, breathing and strengthening. All are welcome.
Donna has classes at Twin Lakes Apts, Kechi City Hall and Lorraine Avenue Mennonite
Church. Join us and work out to welcome the new year!.
A Celebrate Safe Communities block party was also held
at 13th and Garland. New neighbors, firemen, and
mounted police were welcomed, hot dogs grilled and consumed. Thanks to officer Jerrell for arranging the visits!
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Woodland Health and Wellness Magnet
Woodland would like to thank the members of the Woodland United
Methodist Church for sponsoring our Walk to School Day. We had 51%
of our students participate. We met at the church and walked to school
together in a pack. The church had volunteers there to greet us, provide coffee for our parent volunteers and give each student a bracelet
that said “Woodland Wolf Pack”……….Thank you so much.
Michelle Cuda - Principal
(316)973-0103
NORTH RIVERSIDE GOLDEN GOOSE AWARD
Submitted by Delora Donovan
The Golden Goose award went to the home at 1435 Woodland for the
month of October. If you did not observe this yard, put it on your list of
places to watch next spring. Linnea Glenmaye and Jeanne Hanson will
once again be making a beautiful yard for us to enjoy.
The home chosen for the month of November is Mary Jo Fraipont at
1800 Woodland. This too is a beautiful corner in our neighborhood.
*Editors Note: As a recognition of outstanding community spirit, neighborhood
improvement or volunteer participation, this award is given to one of our neighbors. The Golden Goose yard sign is placed in a prominent location on their
property as a token of our appreciation of their work in making North Riverside a
great neighborhood.
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Community Christmas Project for Riverside Academy
Submitted by Marsha Carr, Riverside
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Best wishes for a joyous
holiday season.
Check out some of the
seasonal events listed in
the calendar on page 12.
Take time to share the
spirit of giving. Save time
to enjoy family and
friends. Don’t miss the
holiday decorations and
lights and be sure to
drive by the display at
1462 N. Coolidge.
If you are an empty-nester who misses out on the fun of giving gifts (or you just like to
help others) -- please consider donating to the Riverside Academy Christmas Fund at Riverside Christian Church. There is no affiliation between the two groups; however, the
church has agreed to gather the funds and shop for Christmas gifts for the 35 children and
youth who are currently living at the Academy.
The Riverside Citizens Association has participated in this project for years and now are
asking others to help these kids have a great Christmas. Kathy Dittmer has asked for your
donations for years and I'm sure she'll do so again. You can send your donation to Riverside Christian Church (a 501.c.3 organization) -- Attention: Larry Bunton; memo for the
Riverside Academy Christmas Project. All funds will be spent for 35 individual Christmas
gifts and for the unit gifts that the children can share (games, music, books, art supplies).
We also have a need for shoppers! If you like to shop, and enjoy spending someone else's
money, please contact Marsha Carr at 265-1635 or [email protected]. Our plans are to do
the shopping on Thursday, December 11th at 10:00 a.m. If you can help, please contact
me as soon as possible.
Keep leaves out of
the street and
storm sewer
Do you get rid of grass clippings or leaves by blowing or
raking them into the street?
Did you know?
*Yard waste in the street enters storm drains, which lead
to creeks, ponds, and the Arkansas River.
*Yard waste disturbs the nutrient balance in ponds, killing
fish and plant life.
*Yard waste such as brush
clogs storm drains, leading to
street flooding.
*Disposing of yard waste in
the street carries a minimum
$350 fine in Wichita.
What you should do with
yard waste:
*Grasscycle: use a mulching
mower or blade and leave
grass clippings on your lawn.
Clippings act as a natural fertilizer.
*Compost leaves and grass.
Call the Sedgwick County Extension office at 316-7227721 for a compost demonstration schedule.
Yard waste is accepted for a
fee at Brooks C&D Landfill:
4100 N. West (316-722-0601)
and at some private facilities.
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Students Recognized during 99% Awards
THE NEXT CHIEF OF POLICE
Ashley Meyer, North and Areana Smith, Marshall were
among the twenty-nine students recognized by the Board
of Education during the 99% Awards ceremony for the first
quarter. The awards recognize middle school and high
school students who are making a contribution to their
school and serve as a role model to their peers, but who
may not be getting the recognition they deserve. “These
students put forth their best effort every day and represent
the best in our schools,” said Bill Faflick, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools. The 99% Awards are
sponsored by Butler Community College.
Barbara Hammond and Aimee Basham recently represented North Riverside as part of a focus group helping to
identify issues critical to neighborhoods in preparation for
the hiring of the next Chief of Police. The meeting was
held Nov. 12th by the Center for Urban studies at the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs. After the retirement of
Chief Norman Williams, the Center was asked to assist
the Wichita Police Department with an organizational assessment. The focus group provided input of needs and
concerns important to them, and Barbara and Aimee took
time to be a part of this process. Our thanks to you!
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JOHN MARSHALL ADDITIONS
Marshall received a new addition of approximately
5,000 square feet through the bond issue that includes
a vocal music room and a technology classroom. The
entire wing is designed as a storm shelter. The school
also received renovations to students support spaces
and the front office including a secured entry.
Warren and Dave M unloading the second load of mulch for
the Triangle Garden. Dave McDonald was the one who first
negotiated the donation of mulch from Sutherlands.
St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church
ELCA
925 N. Waco 263-0810 stpauls-wichita.org
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 7 and 11 pm.
refreshments preceding each service
Single Service 10 a.m. Sunday Dec. 14
(includes Children’s Christmas Program)
Regular Sunday Worship Times
Contemporary Worship 9:00 a.m.
Traditional Worship 11:00 a.m.
Join us in Making Disciples to Make Peace
Kid’s Kingdom Daycare at St. Paul’s offers loving childcare with a strong
pre-school curriculum Mon.-Fri. from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Moderate prices. Now enrolling. Call 263-2433.
English Classes for Adults Monday – Thursday from 9:30 a.m. – 12. $25 a
month plus books. Call 263-0810 or email [email protected].
Photo by Susan Arensman.
MARSHALL STUDENTS
recently worked on a mural about embracing cultural
diversity. It is located at 2258 N Arkansas. The 12
students were asked to draw their own ideas about
diversity. Then art teacher Joel Escarpita made a
composition of all of the drawings for the mural.
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Editors Note: If you had a Safe Communities
Event and would like them published, send
Information and pictures to me at
[email protected]
NRNA Meeting: Monday, Jan. 19
Woodland Methodist Church
Barbara Hammond
Bi-Lingual North Riverside
Safe Communities Block Party
by Elizabeth Kertz
This year Safe Communities (formerly National Night Out) was moved to October,
where we had much better weather. Because our neighborhood has changed dramatically over the past several years, I decided we should have a bi-lingual Safe Communities Block Party. Our block consists of
16th Street to 17th Street and Julianne, and
we often don’t have many participants in
the summer, due to the heat, mosquitoes,
and long summer daylight hours. However,
this year, thanks to my next door neighbors
and myself, we pulled off a truly remarkable
event.
You can see for yourself, we had the horse
patrol show up, thanks to Officer Jerrell, our
beat officer. He also sent a fire truck. I had
also requested a fire truck, which also came
by later. The kids were so excited to have
the horse patrol they could pet and kiss,
and two fire trucks to climb on. The comradery between law enforcement and the
neighborhood could not have been better,
or more enthusiastic. We are already planning the 2015 event, which we believe will
be even bigger.
Yoga. If you are like me, the word evokes an
image of a hippy-dippy flower girl from the ‘70s
bending and balancing in ways that I no longer
(actually, never could) do. But…much to my
surprise, I tried yoga a couple of years ago (yes,
I lapsed), and again recently in a class led by
one of our neighborhood friends, and found it
very do-able.
And so, I invite all of you shy persons to come
and try it at our January neighborhood association meeting. Donna Froese will lead us
through some gentle and soothing poses and I
promise that you will leave refreshed and
wondering why you never dared try this sort of
thing before.
Donna will introduce “Chair Yoga.” Yes! We
may not even have to stand up ! Donna’s classes feature reminders on posture, breathing,
and stretching to relieve stress. How is that
not a benefit in exchange for a half hour of
your time? So if you know how to sit in a chair
while breathing, you will be able to do this.
Bonus: wear comfy clothing– I’m talkin’ sweats
or whatever. If you are experienced in yoga,
come anyway and follow the practice on your
mat. And men, this is not just a chick trick–
you can do this too.
Created by Barb H
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North receives grant to support physics classes
North’s physics department received a $3,000 STEM Innovation Award from
Westar Energy to support the expansion of physics offerings to students and to
increase enrollment in physics classes. The grant will allow North to purchase
kits that will allow students to collect, save, view and graph data with multiple
projects including sound waves, laws of motion, speed, energy flow and the
atom. The labs help students see the connections between physics in the classroom and physics they encounter in their daily lives. “This grant will provide
relevant, hands-on physics lab experiences which promote future STEM careers
North physics teacher Ryan Owen, center,
for students who would not traditionally take physics,” said Hannah Kelderman,
demonstrates a physics lesson about trajecphysics teacher at North. “We are so excited to be partnering with Westar!”
tory for Westar Energy representatives
Patrick Woods, left, and Don Sherman.
Westar supports North’s physics and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering
Photo by Susan Arensman
and Math) lessons because the students of today are their employees of
tomorrow. As part of that commitment, North High School will discuss other
partnership opportunities with Westar, including job shadowing.
North is expanding the number of students who are taking physics classes by making it a required class. The goal is to
have all students as prepared as possible for college, STEM careers or other opportunities when they graduate high
school. Students need algebra to take the class, but not the higher-level math courses that may have prevented some
students from taking physics. North will have 80% of juniors taking physics next year and 90% the following year.
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OCT 20TH NRNA MEETING
From Aimee Basham
We had a great neighborhood meeting last month. A 911 representative shared
information about when to call 911 and about locking your cell phone to prevent
inadvertent calls to 911.
We met Michelle Cuda, the new principal of Woodland Health & Wellness Magnet
Elementary. Kameelah Alexander of Communities in Schools, spoke about some
needs and opportunities for giving at North High.
Did you know that an Earth Overshoot Day is observed each year?
This day marks the approximate point in the calendar year when we begin using more resources than the earth can
replenish within the year. This year, that day fell on August 19, while in 1993, it fell on October 21. This day continues
to come earlier each year. Earth Overshoot Day is the clever brainchild of the Global Footprint Network, whose mission
is "advancing the science of sustainability." It is startling to realize that in just eight months, the world consumption has
gone into deficit spending.
Signage Seen in the Neighborhood
During the recent election campaigns, it was not unusual to
see a row of one or another political parties signage in a
residents yard, but it was more notable when two neighbors
had opposing lines of candidates, with the sign above placed
in between.
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Woodland celebrates
Veterans Day
Students and staff at Woodland thanked veterans
and those actively serving during a special Veterans Day
celebration. Students were able to get a close-up look
at a couple of military vehicles, while members of the
Air National Guard talked to students about the folds of
the flag and what each fold means.
KASB Leadership for Tomorrow
visits Horace Mann and North
Woodland students climbed military vehicles that were brought to the
school by members of the Air National Guard. Photo courtesy Woodland
Wichita Public Schools Choices Fair is Jan 29
2015 Choices Fair is Thursday, January 29, 5 – 8 p.m., at
Century II Exhibition Hall. The Fair allows parents to do
“one-stop school shopping” and look at the different educational options the district offers. Representatives from
24 magnet schools, neighborhood schools, alternative
middle and high schools, special programs and district support programs will be on hand to provide information and
to answer parents’ questions. Magnet school applications
for next year will be available online starting December 1.
All magnet school applications are due on Feb. 13, 2015.
KASB Leadership for Tomorrow participants met at
Horace Mann Magnet and North High School for a twoday seminar. Kansas State School Board members, district, and building-level administrators from all over
Kansas discussed a broad spectrum of issues related to
public education and student achievement.
At North, they visited AVID classes while school staff
and students shared the academic achievements North
has made over the past decade. They toured the
school and compared North’s old athletic facilities to
their new ones and learned more students are engaged in extra-curricular activities because of the bond
improvements. The Leadership for Tomorrow participants meet across the state throughout the year.
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Mayor Speaks on Sales Tax Vote
Mayor Brewer provided the following statement during a morning
news briefing at City Hall, the day after voters rejected a citywide,
one-cent sales tax to fund projects related to a future water source,
improved streets, expanded public transit operations and a jobs
growth plan:
I'd like to start by thanking everyone who voted, participated
in the community engagement process and took the time to
learn about the sales tax proposal.
The outcome of the vote is now known, and it's time for us your city's elected representatives and leaders- to move forward and address concerns that are not going away; concerns
that were identified as part of a two-year engagement process; Concerns that were identified in more than 100 plus
meetings; And concerns that must be addressed to move our
city forward. Wichita is a great city, a great place to work, live
and educate our children. We can't let disagreement over the
outcome of the vote divide our community or prevent us from
working together. We still need to address four key community
priorities.
We must improve our water supply: We know that demand
is expected to increase by seven billion gallons by 2060. Projections tell us we need $250 million to fund new water supply.
We must serve those who rely on Transit: We have many
citizens who depend on public transportation to get to work,
school, medical appointments and buy food and other necessities. But due to revenue shortages, declining federal funds and
higher operating costs- Wichita Transit cannot continue to operate at its existing service levels. We have tough decisions to
make.
We need to improve our infrastructure: We need better
neighborhood streets. We already fund street repairs at $8
million a year but we know that's not enough for a growing
city. Without the sales tax funds, it will take longer to repair
some of the worst neighborhood streets. We ask for your patience and support.
We need a more diverse economy: That starts with better
job growth; 1% job growth is unacceptable for a city of our size
and our potential. Wichita has some of the most skilled and
best workers in the world. We need much better job growth to
keep them here.
Yes, the sales tax was rejected but these challenges will not
defeat us. The Wichita City Council and I will explore next
steps to address these very real issues.
We will also continue to engage you and come together to find
solutions for these community priorities.
But this isn't just about Wichita. These decisions affect the
South Central Kansas region. I'm asking our neighbors to continue to help in efforts to create jobs, improve infrastructure
and enhance the overall value of our region– at a time of
increasing competition. We will continue to expand and
enhance our engagement process. It's my hope that employers, civic groups and citizens will continue to participate.
In the days ahead, we will continue to discuss next steps.
We want to hear from all of you.
The clock is ticking for Wichita and we must act in an
urgent manner while competing cities are moving forward. It's up to us as a City, County and region to position
Wichita to be the best it can be today and for future
generations. Together we can find solutions for our community, we can move our community forward and we can
do great things.
Free Firewood and Mulch
Sedgwick County Zoo, Westar Energy and the City of
Wichita are teaming up to give away firewood and mulch
this winter. The firewood and mulch is provided from
Westar Energy’s Reliabili-Tree tree trimming program and
the City of Wichita’s forestry tree pruning and removal
operations.
The public can pick up free wood chips (to use as mulch)
and firewood now through February 2015 from 7:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. in the north parking lot of the Sedgwick
County Zoo. The wood is normally delivered between
3:30 and 4:30 p.m. daily. Sedgwick County Zoo, Westar
Energy and the City of Wichita ask that anyone picking up
firewood please refrain from using chainsaws, splitters or
any mechanical equipment. If you have questions
about wood delivery, please call 261-6581.
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NORTH RIVERSIDE CALENDAR
DEC 1 - DAB MEETING- 6:30pm Evergreen Park
clubroom, 2700 N. Woodland. Hear about issues
coming before City Council that impact our area.
DEC - NO NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING
DEC—CityArts Winter Classes—Register now
and classes begin the week of January 5, unless
otherwise noted.
DEC 2—A NIGHT WITH SANTA—Join Mayor Carl
Brewer, Wichita City Council and Santa for the
official lighting of the City Christmas tree at
Century II from 6-6:30pm. Fun for youth ages 12
and under. Free.
DEC 5,6,12,13—Cowtown: LET'S MAKE MERRY
--A Victorian Christmas, 6-9pm, an evening of
old-fashioned Christmas celebrations. Regular admission.
DEC 9 - Wichita Symphony Orchestra - HOLIDAY CONCERT, 7:30pm – 9:30pm, Century II
Convention Hall. Admission Fee.
JAN 5 - DAB MEETING- 6:30pm Evergreen Park
clubroom, 2700 N. Woodland. Discuss issues coming before City Council that impact our area.
JAN 19 - NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING-7:00pm
Woodland Methodist Church, 15th & Payne. Donna
Froese, community Yoga instructor will inspire us
to participate in relaxing yoga exercises.
JAN 31 - DISTRICT 6 COFFEE, Meet with Janet
Miller, our City Council rep. at Mead’s Coffee Shop,
430 E. Douglas, 9-10:30am. Discuss local city
projects/issues.
WICHITA LIBRARY EVENTS
All events are free and open to the public. For more information: (316) 261-8500 or http://www.wichita.lib.ks.us
Tuesday, December 2. 10:30am Preschool Story Time
(Central Library). 11:30am Baby's 1st Story Time (Central
Library). 1:00pm Monthly Book Discussion: First Tuesdays (Evergreen Branch). 6:30pm Stories and More
(Central Library)
Wednesday, December 3. 10:30 Senior Wed: Holiday
Party, at Wichita Art Museum. 10:30am Puppet Show:
What’s That Awful Smell? (Evergreen Branch).
10:30am Nursery Rhyme Time (Central Library)
Friday, December 5. 10:30am Nursery Rhyme Time
(Central Library).
Saturday, December 6. 10:30am Technology Training:
Downloading E-books (Central Library).
Thursday, December 11. 6:30pm Gingerbread Houses
(Central Library).
Thursday, December 18. 2:30pm Technology Training:
Photo Editing & Organization (Evergreen Branch).
Monday, December 29. 2:30pm Winter Break: Snow
Dough (Evergreen Branch).
Tuesday, December 30. 10:30am Celebrate Winter!
(Central Library). 6:00pm Technology Training: Kindle
Fire (Central Library)
Wednesday, December 31. 11:00am Ring in the Noon
Day! (Central Library).
Tuesday, January 6. 1:00pmMonthly Book Discussion:
First Tuesdays (Evergreen Branch).
Thursday, January 8. 6:30pm Monthly Book Discussion:
First Thursdays (Evergreen Branch).
Tuesday, January 20. 5:30pm Monthly Book Discussion:
Open Books, Open Minds (Central Library).
Next North Riverside News Deadline
January 15, 2015
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