XYZ Fall 2011

[everything for Topeka families]

summer 2011$3.95 | xyztopeka.com

• work from home• childcare• teen jobs+ more fall 2011 | xyztopeka.com

INSIDE• How 3 Topeka kids in foster care unpacked their bags for good

• Topeka’s best kid-friendly restaurants

• “Mommy Daddy Evan Sage,” Poetry by Eric McHenry

[ what’s inside ]

Amazing things happen when doctors, specialists

and a hospital work together as one. Like when

we created The Birthplace. Then the area’s highest

level Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). And now –

an enhanced pediatrics program with top pediatric

specialists. You get a higher level of care for your kids

when you choose Stormont-Vail, Cotton-O’Neil and

PediatricCare. And it’s all here in Topeka so you don’t

have to drive to KC. So you can get back to living.

Call or visit us on the web to learn more. 785-354-5225 | stormontvail.org

You get top pediatric specialists right here.

Get back to living.

You want the best care for your little one.

[ what’s inside ]XYZ Magazine | Vol. II • Issue I | Summer 2011

14 permanence How 3 Topeka kids in foster care and 2 Topeka families found the family they’d been longing for.

24 friend of the youth North Topeka’s famed Sunrise Optimist Club brings nostalgic ballpark evenings to many Topeka kids.

26 cloth logic If you’ve ever wondered about cloth diapering, here’s the skinny, and, yeah, it will save you thousands.

28 Mommy Daddy Evan Sage Topeka poet Eric McHenry created an absorbing, funny and masterful book about his kids. 4 poems for your enjoyment.

30 for the hipster parents Chances are you’ve seen the trailers for the new, Disney-approved Muppets flick, and parents (maybe more than their kids) are chomping at the bit. Does the soundtrack offer something up for the kids?

44 Imagination

• The Keen Eye puzzle asks kids to use their alphabetical skills

• Fall reads look cozy and thought-provoking

• The art project will get you and your kids making faces

• The eavesdropping is juicy in Heard + Noted

• What’s the Story prompts young authors to use their wildest imaginations.

32 vintage sweet 3 cool kids have the coolest vintage-inspired rooms with real antiques and awesome art creating a truly unique space.

32 cheer it upIt turns out that cheerleading isn’t just about getting gussied up and looking cute in a skirt. Learn about how the sport is so much more than the stereotype and helps kids achieve self-confidence.

IN EVERY ISSUE

4 letter from editor

6 yum, yum - local dining options

7 - F.A.B. - Find A Babysitter

8 family calendar

18 cool kid’s bday

25 buy local

26 environmental parenting

32 cool kid’s room

40 recipes

44 - 47 imagination section

Amazing things happen when doctors, specialists

and a hospital work together as one. Like when

we created The Birthplace. Then the area’s highest

level Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). And now –

an enhanced pediatrics program with top pediatric

specialists. You get a higher level of care for your kids

when you choose Stormont-Vail, Cotton-O’Neil and

PediatricCare. And it’s all here in Topeka so you don’t

have to drive to KC. So you can get back to living.

Call or visit us on the web to learn more. 785-354-5225 | stormontvail.org

You get top pediatric specialists right here.

Get back to living.

You want the best care for your little one.

[ letter from the editor ]

sailing

[ everything for Topeka families ]

on the cover

Kerrice Mapes Publisher

Leah Sewell Editor-in-Chief

WritErs Regina Budden

Rio Cervantes-Reed Anthony Davis Chelle DeckerAlice C. Hunt

Cale Herreman Bailey MarableKerrice MapesLarissa KellerLeah Sewell

Janice WatkinsErin Wynkoop

PhotograPhErs Lydia Barnhart

EJ Drake Adam Koger

Colin MacMillanMegan Rogers

Josh Rouse

art + ProduCtion Kerrice Mapes Justin Marable

Amanda Reynolds Leah Sewell

advErtising [email protected]

785.249.3126 Kerrice Mapes

Rio Cervantes-Reed

CalEndar Heather McKee

MarkEting / WEbsitE soCial MEdia / distribution

Rio Cervantes-Reed Leah Sewell

Kerrice Mapes

adMinistration Elizabeth Bell

rEPrints + PErMission

No part of XYZ may be reproduced in any form without prior consent from

seveneightfive designs. For permission requests, call 785.249.3126 or email

[email protected]

Opinions or advice of columnists are not necessarily those of the publication.

XYZ MAGAZINE [email protected] P.O. Box 750491 Topeka, KS 66675

b y L e a h S e w e l l

Marley’s First Bikeby Megan RogersTrees & Bees Photography treesandbeesphotography.com

I moved around a lot as a kid, and subsequently, I became quite the explorer of each new domain, and

always my choice of vessel was my bike: a pink banana seat affair with Strawberry Shortcake decals grinning across every surface. As a pre-teen, I spray-painted it neon pink and black. It was the coolest ride and my dependable co-adventurer. It went over gravel, through wooded areas, and brought me into contact with a future friend or two.

As a financially-challenged college student, I reasoned that I could part with my then little silver BMX bike for $75. After that, it was about 5 or 6 years before I got on a bike again, and when I did, it was magical. Who knew a $10 pink and baby blue Huffy from a neighbor’s garage sale could be the harbinger of so much happiness?

Although my kids got a kick out of watching me sail by, perched on the squeaky seat, I soon realized that they weren’t that thrilled with watching me

sail off on long-distance rides. A mother’s day gift of a bike trailer helped out on that front. Except for the fact that now I’m often verbally whipped like a horse by my fun-seeking children. “Faster, Mom! Faster! Faster!” they demand as I struggle up a steep hill, pulling dead weight behind me. But, oh, it’s so much fun, for them and myself. It’s exhilerating to become an explorer again, and even more so to take them along for the ride.

I’m particularly excited about biking these days, because it is Fall, the best time for getting outdoors in Topeka, when the weather is at its finest and so much is happening that urges us to get out of the house and soak up our city before we are clapped shut in our homes once again this winter. I’m working on a web story that will explore bike safety for families who want to get out and experience the city in the open air, so check into our website, xyztopeka.com, after you’ve devoured the pages of this issue. Enjoy the magazine, and enjoy this Fall with your family. See you out there.

- Leah

[ our gang ]XYZ Contributors

kErriCE MaPEs was born with a thick-head of dark brown hair and vocal cords that wouldn’t quit. In school, check marks quickly became her favorite glyph. She has always pushed the rules and socialized too much - things that don’t get her into as much trouble now. She is a legit “cool” aunt, now that Anderson was born, on her 30th birthday. Much love to her little sister Cassie and her new journey into mommy-hood.

lEah sEWEll Leah used to make magazines out of construction paper, glue and cut-up family photos. She was grounded a lot as a kid. Today she’s a poet, freelance graphic designer, editor of XYZ magazine and mother to Sylvia, 4, and Oliver, 2.

Colin MaCMillan Colin is a professional photographer right here in Topeka, where he currently heads the Wedding Division for Nathan Ham Photography. You’re sure to bump into Colin, his wife Grace, and 3-year-old son Liam at any of the numerous events going on in Topeka.

hEathEr MCkEE Heather is a mom who’s usually gone against the grain but is slowly turning into your typical “soccer mom.” She spends her days caring for her 3 year old son and afternoons picking up her girls from school and their various activities. In her spare time, she loves to do photography.

CalE hErrEMan ► Cale Herreman is a Topeka-based father and writer. He is left-handed and enjoys cookies.

aliCE hunt Alice Hunt’s favorite subjects in school were (and are) English and journalism, and she’s still in touch with her favorite teacher Miss Glozier, who taught her that life is about showing up, being honest and doing your best. The rest takes care of itself.

JaniCE Watkins Janice is a Topeka-native and mother of two. By day she is a non-profit guru and by night she is the bearer of many hats, including aspiring writer.

Justin MarablE Justin currently resides in the Kenwood neighborhood of Topeka with his wife and three daughters. He works full time at his home as an artist, husband and father. Visit www.justinmarable.com to see more of his artwork.

bailEy MarablE Bailey is mother of Olive, Willow and Kassy, and an Art Teacher at Royal Valley High School. She teaches metalsmithing classes for adults, makes jewelry and is very involved with the ReThink Topeka Movement.

ChEllE dECkEr Chelle is happily Mom to Teddy Mac. She works for jhP and Country Legends 106.9. During playtime, she enjoys volunteering at TCTA.

EJ drakE ► Born and raised in Topeka, EJ loves the art of photography.

rio CErvantEs-rEEd A born and bred Kansan, Rio’s sense of wonderment as a child matured into typical adult confusion. She’s active in too many local groups, watches too much tv, and spends too much time on social media pursuits, but she’ll be okay. She serves as a “Tia” to three nieces and a nephew.

Erin WynkooP Erin is a born and raised Topekan who paints the town red as make-up artist by day, writer, photographer, party-girl supreme by night. Erin’s favorite song lyrics describe her best: “I shall never grow up, make believe is much too fun.”

Josh rousEJosh Rouse is a senior mass media major at Washburn University. He was the online editor-in-chief for the Washburn Review last year and is currently a copy editor for the Review and photo editor for the Kaw Yearbook and co-owns RouseOutdoors.net with his cousin. Some of his best childhood memories include fishing with his grandparents and cousins, playing sports and falling out of a tree. His favorite dinosaur is the megalosaurus.

larissa kEllErLarissa is the proud mother of two hyper dogs and one handsome cat. Larissa and her husband Mike just purchased their first home

together, and look forward to adding new members to the family very soon.

MEgan rogErsAs a child you could find Megan either outside and barefoot, riding the train at Gage Park or at Showbiz Pizza. She wore a

shirt that said “Don’t Tickle Me” but really would beg for more if you stopped. She had a naturally curiosity about the world and still does.

rEgina buddEnRegina is a freelance writer who is soon to be a blushing bride. In her bustling Topeka nightlife she takes a lot of time to be a professional aunt to three lively adventurers: Connall (4),

Fiona (3) and Sean (1). Aunt Regina’s former occupations include (but are not limited to): Witch, princess, singer, teacher, rich person, Barbie soap opera director, swamp monster, mermaid, artist, fairy, puppy, vampires, homeless crime fighting magician, undersea explorer, librarian, Jedi, archaeologist, nun, dragon rider, undertaker, mummy victim, actress, general

imagineer and any combination thereof.

aManda rEynoldsAmanda loved bossing her older brothers around and cleaning bathrooms as a kid, even stomping her foot and threatening that when she grew up she’d clean her own bathroom whenever she wanted to when her mom wouldn’t let her use the cleaning supplies. She also announced at

age four that she would work at Winstead’s, which coincidentally, was her first job.

adaM kogEr ► Adam was born and raised in Topeka. Adam

is finishing up his BFA from Washburn with emphasis in Photography. Adam is also a proud single father to an amazing little girl, who is his motivation for all he does. You can read his journey as a father at http://thenurturingfather.weebly.com and see his captured moments at http://kogerphoto.weebly.com

lydia barnhart Lydia is a cosmetologist at All About U Salon, a passionate photographer and dog-lover.

our staff would love to hear from you! have something to say? email [email protected]

[ local flavor ]

Sweet Pea’s 1306 S Kansas Ave. | 354.9115 eVerYDaY Kids 3 & under eat for free.Kids up to age 11 are $3.99XYZ liKes: Sides are served family-style.

Lupita’s 732 S. Kansas Ave. | 234-6340 eVerYDaY Mini-Me menu - most items are less than $2.50XYZ liKes: It’s family-owned and located downtown. Hazel Hill is just a few doors down and perfect for dessert.

HuHot 5900 SW Huntoon | 271.8190 www.huhot.commonDaY Kids 12 + under eat free after 4 p.m. (Regularly $4.99). XYZ liKes: You can make your own dish. You’re the chef...and it’s fun to watch the cooks.

Buffalo Wild Wings 1227 SW Wanamaker | 783.2999www.buffalowildwings.com WEDNESDAY Kids’ meals $1.99 every Wednesday.XYZ liKes: They have cool trivia machines for entertainment at your table while you wait for dinner (or lunch).

Blind Tiger Brewery 417 SW 37th Street | 267.2739 www.blindtiger.comsunDaY 1/2 price kids meals all dayXYZ liKes: Fried pickles.

Boss Hawg’s 2833 SW 29th Street | 273.7300 www.bosshawgsbbq.comsunDaY $2 kids’ meal w/ purchase of adult meal and beverage every Sunday. XYZ liKes: The kids’ menu includes items titled “Baby-Boss” and asks kids to name as many famous pigs as they can. (We came up with six).

Jade Garden Chinese2038 SW Gage Blvd | 271.2038eVerYDaY Kid-friendly choices on the appetizer menu, including fried chicken strips and shrimp. Prices begin at $3.99XYZ liKes: They are open everyday, except Thanksgiving.

Jason’s Deli6121 SW 12st Ste 400 | 478.4144www.jasonsdeli.com (menu online)WEEKENDS Kids eat for $.99 Sat. + Sun. During the week JD Pickle menu items are under $4.XYZ liKes: A organic salad bar option for kids + a lot of other fresh choices on their menu.

Blue Planet Cafe110 SE 8th Ave | 783.8883 | www.blueplanettopeka.com$4.95 kids’ meals provide a choice of PB&J, grilled cheese or a fun noodle dish, each with a side dish. Bakery items are available, too.XYZ liKes All items are fresh made daily and include vegan options. Plus, it’s just really awesome there.

Topeka Steakhouse526 SE Dupont Road (East on 6th St.) 279.9994eVerYDaY Children’s plates $4.49 XYZ liKes: Long tables in the big room allow for large family gatherings.

Y UMUM

Foodie discounts and kid approved items for dining out in Topeka, family style.

Submit your favorite discount and menu items to [email protected]

Please check with restaurant as specials change.Check out websites for menus and other specials.

Hanover Pancake House1034 S Kansas Ave. | 232.1111 www.hanoverpancakehouse.combreaKfast Bobcat breakfast is $6.69 for one egg, 1/2 order of sausage and pancake. XYZ liKes They’ve been serving hungry Topekans for over 40 years.

O’Dooley’s 1930 SW Westport Dr # 100 | 273.0131 www.odooleys.com eVerYDaY Every night kids’ menu includes meals $4.99 or under.XYZ liKes: Sing-along with Kyler Carpenter every Monday night.

Los Charros 4111 SW Gage Center Drive | 228.8922 eVerYDaY $3.75 “Los Ninos,” menu for ages 12 and under, features full child-sized meals adding rice and beans to faves such as quesadillas and tacos. For the less-developed palette, the little one can get chicken fingers or a hamburger, served with fries.XYZ liKes: For a buck and a half more, parents (or your teenager) can order the smaller meal from the children’s menu. Now how many Weight Watcher’s points will that save us? Hmmm....

Via’s Pizzeria738 SW Gage | 215-8421www.viaspizzeria.comeVerYDaYPersonal 6’’ pizza with one topping $4.99 XYZ liKes: The kids’ corner is filled with kid-friendly items and Via’s is “XYZ picky eater” approved.

b y K e r r i c e M a p e s , E r i n W y n k o o p + R i o C e r v a n t e s - R e e d

3rd Annual Arty Party october 15 | 6pm viP | 7:30 pm startCrosby Place | 719 s. kansas ave.

This annual fundraiser for ArtsConnect Topeka has become the, “Do-not-miss party of the year.” VIP tickets ($145 per couple) gets you in at 6 pm for the splash! sunset salud pre-party with heavy appetizers. Regular entry and after-party passes are $45 each ($55 after Oct. 1) and include a dessert buffet, beer and signature cocktails. Live music provided by Hearts of Darkness, a 16-piece afrobeat, hip-hop, funk, soul collective formed in 2007 and voted “Best Jazz Ensemble” in 2011 via the Pitch Weekly Music Awards. So wear your dancing shoes! Visit www.artsconnecttopeka.org to get your tickets.

Saturday Night Fights october 15 | ks Expo doors 5:30pm | Fights start at 6:30 pm

If pugilism and MMA is more your style, the Kansas Expocentre, 17th & Topeka Boulevard will be the place to be for DangerFire Promotions fight night, followed by an After Party at Reed’s Lakeside, 29th & Croco. As of press time the fight card was not available, so “Like” their page at www.facebook.com/DangerFirePromotions for updates.

eventsfin

d

babysitter

b y R i o C e r v a n t e s - R e e d

XYZ culled its sister magazine, seveneightfive for the best upcoming events for you and your partner to check out. Call the babysitter, get a cab on standby and have a F.A.B. time! [Follow @seveneightfive on Twitter for up-to-the-minute FAB events.]

10.15

10.15

Artful Dining

Artful Dining is a series of eight events from September 30 through November 11 at homes in the Topeka area. The hosts provide beautiful spaces and refreshments and feature works for sale from local Topeka artists. The dates and times vary from Friday nights to Sunday afternoons, and do include a kid-friendly event at Blue Planet Cafe for a Halloween-themed party. Ticket prices range from $35-$65 and benefit the Mulvane Art Museum, along with a portion of the art sales. Visit the website at www.washburn.edu/mulvane or call 785-670-1124 for more information and to make your reservations.

Topeka Performing Arts Center.

Many live performances for varied interests. Country Legends 106.9 is hosting their Listener Appreciation Party on September 30, JoDee Messina and Billy Dean are visiting on October 20 for her Music Room Series, and the Oak Ridge Boys will be back on November 25 for their Christmas Show. Christian artists Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith will be at TPAC November 6. To get your laugh Lewis Black on September 23 and Sinbad on November 11. On January 12 you can help support the local organization, Living the Dream, Inc. by attending Drumming for the Dream Major Drumline Extravaganza on January 12. LTD, Inc. raises money for scholarships for local high school students. Plan for a good time at any of the TPAC events by visiting www.tpactix.org, and for dinner try one of these downtown restaurants, such as Bosco’s, Rowhouse Restaurant, Kansan Grill, Lupita’s, Celtic Fox, The Office Downtown, Pepe & Chela’s, Sweet Peas, The BreakRoom or El Mezcal.

9.3010.210.810.910.1610.2111.11

9.239.3010.2011.611.1111.251.111.12

a

community events for the whole famc o m p i l e d b y H e a t h e r M c K e e • i m a g e s p r o v i d e d

Don’t miss these

traditional Fall events

Aaron Douglas Art Fair September 24th | 10am - 5pm | FREE Aaron Douglas Art Park | 12th & Lanewww.aarondouglasartfair.com

Cider Days Fall Festival September 24th + 25th | 10am - 5pm Kansas Expocenter $6 adv at Topeka Walgreens or $7 at the gate, 10 & under freewww.ciderdaystopeka.com

Apple Festival October 2 | 10am -5pm | $5 adv / $6 gateOld Prairie Town | 124 SW Claywww.topeka.org/parkrec/wardmeade.events.shtml

Winter WonderlandNovember 18 - December 31 | 6-10pm $7 per vehicleLake Shawnee | 3315 Tinman Circle www.tarcinc.org

Miracle on Kansas Avenue Tree lighting + Rescue Run + ParadeNovember 26 | 5 - 9pm Run 5pm | Tree lighting 5:30 | Parade 6pmwww.downtowntopkeainc.com

Have an event you want to see featured here?

We want to get your family-friendly events listed in our calendar. Just contact our calendar editor at mckee.xyz@

gmail.com. Your event could be featured online and/or in print. Please keep in mind that we publish on a quarterly

schedule. December 21 | March 21 | June 21 | September 22

XYZ xyztopeka.com 9

fall 2011

community events for the whole fam

Going Bonkers is oPen!! Come check out Topeka’s newest Family Fun Center. They have a playground, arcade, restaurant, and games - fun for all ages! M-R 10am - 9pm |F&S 10am - 10pm | Sun 10 am - 8pm2-3 years $3 | 4-18 $5 | 19+ $1www.goingbonkers.com

Here We Grow Again September 21st - 24th 400 SW 29th StreetThis twice-yearly event, gives families a chance to clean out their closets, make some money, and save money getting new things - all at the same time. You can volunteer and get first dibs on things, or just go shopping. Friday evening & Saturday are 50% off! There’s also one in Lawrence, Oct 5-8.www.herewegrowagain.com

Rochester Community Fall Festival October 1 | 7:30 am | FREERochester Community Church 3201 NW Rochester RoadPancake breakfast |7:30 am | Lunch 11:30 am featuring brauts, hot dogs, homemade bierocks and pie. Children’s activities, moonwalk, entertainment, craft booths, silent auction, country store offering homemade items and baked goods.

Beatles ShowOctober 7 | 7pm $31.50 All seats reserved1964…The Tribute reenacts an early 60’s live Beatles concert with authentic instruments, clothing, the famous Beatles hairstyles, and onstage banter. www.tpactix.org

Children’s Garden Program October 8 | 10 - 11:30 amGarden House | Lake Shawnee Ted Ensley GardensMore info. call 267.1156

OK Kids Day on the Trail October 8 | 9am - Noon FREE | Shawnee North Community CenterJoin Kansas Wildscapes for a walk on the nature trail. Stop along the trail to enjoy such activities as reel casting, archery, Frisbee golf, compass reading, stream sampling animal track casting, and more.www.kansaswildscape.org

Happy Haunting Party @the Boo Planet CaféOctober 30 | 2 - 4pm | Blue Planet Cafe | 1110 SE 8th$35 for each parent + child / $10 additional child. (costumes requested!)Enjoy art making activities, storytelling, music and ghostly treats like Goreos and Lady Fingers at the Boo Planet.

There’s always something new at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center!Special infant, toddler and pre-school programming throughout the fall, along with rockin’ fun build and art projects. For more information check out the Daily Schedule at www.kansasdiscovery.org

Exploring Nature and Fall Fun!October 5, 12, 19 + 26 | 10 - 11 amFor 3 & 4 yr olds $30 members; $35 non-members

Serious Weekend Fun! Block FestSponsored by Parents as TeachersSeptember 30 | 10 am - 2 pm

In the Dark!Every Friday in OctoberWhat lives in the dark, who painted in the dark, what glows in the dark + more!

Kids’ Business Expo!October 1 | 1 - 3 pm

Discover L’OperaSponsored by Reach Out KansasOctober 8 | 1 - 4 pm

Energy and Me!Sponsored by Westar EnergyOctober 15 | 10 am - 4 pm

The Magic of Halloween!By Richard GuyOctober 29 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

september | october november | december

Gingerbread Homes for the HolidaysNovember 18 | 9am - 7pm November 19 | 10 am - 4 pm November 20 | 11 am - 2 pm$3 per person | $12 for families of 5 or moreTopeka Performing Arts CenterGingerbread Homes for the Holidays is a fun, family event that benefits TPAC’s Youth Education Programming. Attendees can view Gingerbread Homes built by local professionals, enthusiasts and groups on display throughout the entire weekend. Visit Graham Cracker Junction, to build their own houses out of graham crackers, icing and candy. Or visit the Holiday Boutique for seasonal crafts, gift baskets, jewelry and more. To schedule your group call 234.2787 x100.

31st Annual Karate SpectacularDecember 3 | 9am + 11 amCentral Park Community CenterOpen Tournament for brown belt and below, showcasing Kata & Kumite divisions. Spectators $3 for adults and $2 for youth. Come watch competitions in form, fighting and weapons.

10 xyztopeka.com XYZ

W hen I first heard about the Kansas Historical Society’s “Traveling Trunks”

for people who homeschool their children, my attention was caught. My wife and I are interested in educating our children at home, but when we asked the homeschoolers we know, they had never heard of these “trunks” either. I decided to make a visit to the KHS, located next to the Kansas Museum of History, to find out what exactly these educational tools were.The coordinator of Traveling Resource Trunks, Lois Herr, took me through a special warehouse-like room that held stacks of the

huge plastic containers. Okay, I imagined something like a pirate’s wooden trunk, but these held just as much in treasure. “Anyone can borrow any trunk,” Herr said, correcting my assumption. “We have all of the schools, churches, 4-H, and anyone interested in them.” The trunks cover such topics as: the African American Experience in Kansas, Lewis and Clark, Kansas Women and Their Quilts, Volga German Immigrants, the Mexican American Experience in Kansas and two I perused, Symbols and Images of Kansas and Indian Homes in Kansas.“The Symbols and Images Trunk,” Herr explained, “is designed for younger children.” There are several hats, used to talk about Kansas History: Railroad (conductor’s hat), Wheat (baker’s hat), a Jayhawk (a given) and so on. A felt Kansas flag is another activity, with pieces to assemble it fully so one may talk about each part of symbolism in the flag. “A teaching manual is included in each trunk,” Herr showed me, “and these are compliant with the State’s standards, to fit with the education curriculum.” So each trunk is designed with a certain age group in mind, and for certain areas of education—like not only history, but archaeology in the case of the “Puzzles from the Past” trunk.

b y D e n n i s E t z e l J r . • p h o t o s b y D e n n i s E t z e l J r .

[ lifestyle ]

the Kansas history trove

XYZ xyztopeka.com 11

Traveling Resource

Trunks

Use your Smartphone and learn more about programs offered at FSGC. On your Smartphone, get a QR App like ScanLife or NeoReader. Then point your phone at the code to the left and learn more.

Improving children’s lives since 1904

Unlock your child’s vast potential.

Meeting the Mental Health needs of children & families

Community Based Services | Crisis Services Youth Development Center | Psychiatric Services Center for Learning Disorders | Support Groups

Outpatient Services | | ADHD ServicesEarly Childhood Intervention Program

Happy Bear | Internship Program and TrainingTransitional Aged Youth | Anxiety Treatment

785.232.5005 • www.fsgctopeka.com 325 SW Frazier Ave • Topeka, KS 66606

@fsgctopeka

Family Service &Guidance Center

“It’s a hands-on learning experience created by the experts in history.”

There is a $20 handling fee, but you can have the Traveling Trunks for up to four weeks. The KHS ships out the massive trunk or one may pick them up, while it is the borrower’s responsibility to return the trunk. “People come from an hour away to return them,” Herr said.When she showed me the Indian Homes in Kansas, Herr spread a blanket of an outline of Kansas across the floor. On it were pictures of the terrain to match up with what kind of home was used in that area—grass lodge, earth lodge, or tipi—for each of the tribes pre-colonization. She elaborated, “Not only does someone learn the importance of natural resources, but it is a good basis for understanding the demise of the buffalo and the reservation.” With the issues of environment and the problems with post-colonization, I knew I would return someday to borrow this trunk. It’s a hands-on learning experience created by the experts in history.

If you are interested in a Travelling Resource Trunk, contact the Kansas Historical Society at 785-272-8681, ext. 431, or read about and reserve your own trunk on the KHS website: www.kshs.org/p/traveling_resource_trunks/14969. XYZ toPeKa

[ local flavor ]

b y A n t h o n y D a v i sp h o t o s b y A m a n d a R e y n o l d s

JacksonThe Café Next Door

vs.

The Café Next Door

810 SE 15th Street[15th + Adams / by I-70 entrance]

Topeka, KS 66607785.783.3271

age: 7 certified picky: his favorite

foods are bratwurst, bacon, quesadillas, bacon, mac+cheese, bacon, hot

wings...and bacon.

Picky Eater Jackson

the

picky eatergoes out

to eat

J ackson is a pretty quiet and shy kid, almost hiding under the table during his meal at The Café Next Door, and preferring to whisper to his mom, Tamara rather than

answer questions directly. Needless to say, I was pretty surprised how adamant this newly turned seven-year-old was against trying something outside of his usual comfort zone.

I’ve met my share of picky eaters in my time—I’ve even had an extreme case in my own home—but I think Jackson may have been the most difficult type of picky eater: the passive resistance eater.

There are many foods Jackson likes: bratwurst, bacon, quesadillas, bacon, macaroni & cheese, bacon, hot wings & bleu cheese… and bacon.

With so many types of food that are acceptable, it makes it harder to convince him that he needs to try some more variety.

Every suggestion at the beginning of the meal is met with a simple head shake.

“Grilled chicken?”

“No, the black marks are gross.”

“Salad?”

Blank stare.

“Steamed veggies substituted for fries?”

“Sure.”

Wait… Was that a “yes” for the veggies? The number one thing on Jackson’s list of things he will not eat, and I’ve gotten him to agree to get them instead of fries! Looks like this one is in the bag.

While we’re waiting to order, Jackson tells me how his four-year-old sister, Reese, eats vegetables all the time, and even salads, and how he won’t eat any of that stuff (“Not yet,” I think to myself). Tamara laughs at this and tells me how when Jackson was a baby, he would eat a whole can of green beans for a snack, though the young man himself vehemently denies this.

The Café Next Door

When the waitress arrives to take our order, she has a little smile on her face, having overheard all the nagging about eating some greens with the meal. Jackson is up first, and he orders a Junior Breakfast… with bacon. There are no fries with this meal, so there are no veggies to substitute. I’m dumbfounded. Jackson has gotten everyone to leave him alone about eating the dreaded veggies, and deftly avoids having to touch anything he doesn’t like without ever breaking his word.

Despite this massive setback, I have one final ace up my sleeve—the amazing pie made fresh everyday and sold by the slice and whole. I mean, no kid says no to pie, right?

“Hey, Jackson, how about a piece of pie?”

“No thanks.”

Game, set, match—picky eater. XYZ toPeKa

“Jackson may have been the most difficult type of picky eater: the passive resistance eater.”

Great selection, great brands at the best price.

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3703 SW Burlingame Rd.266-0375 | www.mommyandmetopeka.com

Children & Maternity ClothesUnique Gift Items & Toys

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permanenceb y J a n i c e Wa t k i n s • p h o t o s b y E J D r a k e + M e g a n R o g e r s

How 3 Topeka foster care kids unpacked their bags for good.

Eddie nestles in between his parents Michelle and Travis, his arm moves quickly around his mom’s shoulder and his head finds a perfect place resting against his dad as he smiles for the camera. Travis’ profound

comment from just moments before echoes resoundingly, acting as a caption for the framed shot in front of the lens:

“Put us together in a family photo - we pretty much look like we’ve been together from day one.”

photo by EJ Drake


But day one, for the Sutton family came long after the years that Eddie wishes it would have. Day one for the Sutton family could be considered January 19, 2011 – the day that Eddie officially became a member of their family and was adopted.

After not being able to have biological children and over a decade of considering adoption and navigating the complexities of the child welfare and court system, the Suttons came across a picture of Eddie on a website dedicated to achieving permanence for children in foster care. They contacted their foster care agency and expressed a desire in meeting Eddie over two years ago. Eddie, now 11, had been in foster care for over six years before his adoption day.

“In the beginning, I would go bizerk because I didn’t know what was happening and I was too young,” Eddie notes of his early days in the foster care system. “Since I had been in for such a long time, I’ve come to understand my story,” he says, showing a split second of the years of pain behind his sparkling eyes.

“A good part of getting adopted was that I didn’t have to keep going through every foster home. It was a relief,” he sighs, letting out a simultaneous smile.

On November 19, 2011, at least three dozen children of the 722 children in the foster care system in Topeka will feel that same relief, as they prepare for a hopeful happy ending to their foster care stories – adoption.

photo by EJ Drake

photo by Megan Rogers

◄ Eddie Sutton, age 11, adopted by Michelle and Travis▼ Kristie, 15, and Winter, 13, adopted by Sarah, Jason and siblings Noah and Zoey

722 children are in the foster care system in Topeka. On Nov. 19, National Adoption Day, at least 3 dozen will find permanent homes.

continued on the next page >>

◄ Sarah and Jason Long’s 10 year vow renewal also had a portion in it dedicated to their two adopted girls, Kristie and Winter, with promises for them, too. (photo by Megan Rogers)


“National Adoption Day allows the spotlight to shine on the families and children that want to become a ‘forever family’,” says Jonas Leuenberger, reintegration supervisor for TFI Family Services, the local SRS foster care contractor for Shawnee County.

On National Adoption Day, courts across the country open their doors to celebrate adoptive families and assist in finalizing permanency for foster children. Leuenberger adds that on the celebratory day in Shawnee County, the agency anticipates that between 35 and 40 children will be adopted. This will add to the 74 adoptions that have already been completed regionally, this year.

While they did not delay the process further and wait until National Adoption Day, the Long family recently celebrated their own adoption day – August 19, 2011 - finalizing Kristie, 15, and Winter, 13, as permanent members of their family.

With two birth children, Noah, 7, and Zoey, 4, Sarah and Jason Long had always discussed the possibility of becoming foster parents as their children became older. An off the cuff request from a co-worker over two years ago, seemingly made the Longs’ decision easier. As a sign language interpreter with the Topeka Public School system, Sarah had heard about a hearing impaired student who was in need of placement, gearing towards the end of the school year. In June 2009, Kristie was placed with the Longs. Winter, Kristie’s biological sibling, later came to be placed with the family in October 2010.

photo by Megan Rogers

The Long family, Kristie and Winter’s “forever family.”


kansas Children’s service league 877.457.5430www.adoptkskids.org

tFi Family services, inc. 217 SE 4th StreetTopeka, KS 66603785.271.6557www.tfifamilyservices.org

st. Francis Community services866.999.1599www.st-francis.org

kvCwww.kvc.org/kansas

kansas department of health and Environmentwww.kdheks.gov

For more information about adopting a child in foster care, or becoming a licensed foster home in kansas, you may contact the following agencies:

make a difference.

While many families considering adoption do not realize the often lengthy process of adopting a child in foster care, the Longs recommend perseverance.

“It was kind of like when you have a birth child and you find out you’re pregnant and nine months later you get to see this baby,” jokes Jason. “It was like ‘Ok, we’re going to get two new girls.’ Nine months later we final-ly have them.”

“It was a long time coming,” adds Sarah. “The girls had been with us for quite some time, especially Kristie. They were ready for closure. It was a very celebratory day.”

Sarah noted that while Kristie had been placed with the family for a longer time, she had already made the connection that she was in her final placement and with her ‘forever family’, while Winter had some reservations, following multiple, prior placements.

“When she first came to live with us, she didn’t want to unpack her bags and I think for her, she was like ‘they went through with it.’ I think it was especially profound for her,” Sarah notes of Winter’s reaction to the adoption.

As sister, Zoey, clings to Winter’s legs and Winter thwarts her grip with a sprinkle of tickles, sending Zoey into hysterical giggles, she adds, “I thought it was awesome,” of her adoption day.

Although Noah and Zoey inherited two older siblings, both Sarah and Jason feel like the two younger children understand why and what has happened with the addition of Kristie and Winter to the family. Kristie may spend her school days away, living in the dorms at a school for the hearing impaired during the week, each Friday afternoon she is welcomed back by her siblings with glee, nearly sending Sarah to tears each time.

While the Longs note that they never pushed the adoption and left it to the girls to make that call and decision the entire time, the glow in her eyes when she considers her now complete family, indicates that the perseverance was well worth it.

“Keep in the front of your mind that you’re doing it for the kids that really need you,” says Sarah. “It’s frustrating sometimes and other times it might be arduous and time-consuming, but it’s all worth it when you realize that you’re really making a difference in someone’s life.” XYZ toPeKa


bday at the patch

b y R e g i n a B u d d e n p h o t o s b y J o s h R o u s e

“The pumpkin patch is geared toward families with small kids,” Star said. “I want to be someplace where my kids can holler and scream and run around and not be deafening to us.”

For $50 plus the cost of admission per child, parents can reserve a private area for cake or presents and access the other pumpkin patch activities. Kids can run through the corn maze or play on the hay bales, and parents can be sure their children are having a good time.

A Gary’s Pumpkin Patch birthday can be as high-maintenance (or not) as parents want. Tonya, the patch’s event planner, helps with the details as long as parents email her at least two weeks in advance.

“If you think of it on your own, we can make it happen,” Star said. “Tonya will take the birthday party around and show them where everything is. They’ll have their isolated area reserved for about two hours, and then after that, they’ll be free to do whatever they want.”

cool kid’s bday

A birthday down on the

farm

Parents know all about Chuck-E-Cheese birthdays. They smile and do their best to yell conversations over the roar of screaming children, beeping games and giant, singing stuffed mice.Gary Star, owner of Gary’s Pumpkin Patch on U.S. Highway 24, said he can do better. Picture the screaming, running and chaos—minus the echoing, closed-in spaces.


The patch’s website, garyspumpkinpatch.com, has a full list of activities (including the giant pillow and the famous corn maze), a discount option for parties of 20 or more and weather updates for how to dress for a day on the farm.

Star said his favorite thing about birthdays at the pumpkin patch is that it’s an opportunity for children to get messy and enjoy themselves in a way they can’t at in-town venues.

“We’re usually open even when it rains. Some people might call that a disadvantage, some people call it an opportunity to get dirty. If you come out accordingly and bring a plastic bag for dirty clothes, or bring your mud shoes, you’ll still have fun. But it’s not a place for high heels.”

Rain or shine, Star says Topekans with October-birthday children should take advantage of this local attraction.

“You’ve been to Chucky Cheese, you’ve been to the bowling alley, why not try here? Your kid will go home and go to sleep… but if you feed them cotton candy and they’re all sugared up, that’s your own fault.”

XYZ toPeKa

“We’re usually open even when it rains. Some people might call that a disadvantage, some people call it an opportunity to get dirty.” -Gary Star

party plans

Place: Gary’s Pumpkin PatchAddress: 5991 17th St. Grantville (off of HWY 24)Phone: 785.246.0800Email: [email protected]: garyspumpkinpatch.comCost: $50 + cost of admission per childFood + Drink: no outside food/drink allowed (except cake). Gary’s can provide cake, too.Call or email for more information.

Happy Haunting Party @ the Boo-Planet Café Host: Linda Carson

Donation: $35 for parent & child$10 for each additional child Sunday, October 30, 2-4 pm

Blue Planet Café, 110 SE 8 Street

Artful Dining has been created as an annual series of gatherings to benefit the Mulvane Art Museum. The variety of both homes and artists is a spectacular mix that will satisfy food and fine art tastes alike.

Come join us for

Join us for family-friendly fun as we celebrate Halloween! Enjoy art making activities, storytelling, music, and ghostly treats like Goreos and Lady Fingers! Costumes requested!

MULVANE ART MUSEUM’SFantastic Fall Programs 2011

Tuesday Evening ClassesWatercolor Painting for Teens & AdultsDATE: October 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8 TIME: 6-8 pmCost: $55 Members; $65 Non-members

Drawing Sampler (Ages 10-13)DATE: October 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8 TIME: 6-8 pmCost: $55 Members; $65 Non-members

Saturday Afternoon ClassesImagination Station, A Sampler (Ages 4-6)DATE: October 8, 22, November 5 TIME: 1-3 pmCost: $36 for Members; $42 for Non-members

Artist Sampler (Ages 7-9)DATE: October 8, 22, November 5 TIME: 1-3pmCost: $36 Members; $42 Non-members

Beginning & Advanced Ceramics (Ages 13-Adult)DATE: October 8, 22, November 5 TIME: 1-3pm Cost: $40 Members; $50 Non-members

Call 785-670-2420 for registration and additional information, or Online Registration is also available at www.washburn.edu/mulvane.

Call 785-670-1124 for reservations and additional information, or Online Reservation is also available at www.washburn.edu/mulvane.

In Topeka, it is possible to dine out with kids and actually enjoy yourself.

kid-friendly dining

b y L a r i s s a K e l l e r • p h o t o b y C o l i n M a c M i l l a n / N a t h a n H a m P h o t o g r a p h y


Just a few months ago a restaurateur named Mike Vuick made headlines with his “no child under six” policy at McDain’s, a fine casual dining restaurant he owns in Pennsylvania. How far will it go? When my husband Mike and I decided that we would start a family together soon, all the comments I heard about this Pennsylvania restaurant made me a little frightened that the child-free adults of our country would overrule the parents, and my life as I knew it would end.

I was already aware that nights out playing pool and darts and days sleeping in followed by television and movies would probably not exist until our kids were off to college. These would be replaced by dinners where we’d eat the same kid-friendly foods, night after night, wishing for a dinner out downtown. This sad daydream was being fueled by stories like McDain’s and other restaurants in metropolitan areas going kid-free. Would this policy become popular all of the country, leading to kids being banned from all public places forever?

Not quite. Thankfully, in my quest to find out if children would be banned from any local restaurants in the near future, the answer was a resounding, “NO.” Topeka restaurant owners will continue to cater to children, just as they did for our parents. When I asked the whole XYZ magazine group where they like to take their children for dinner, I was flooded with responses. Not only did these parents provide restaurants where it is “acceptable” to bring their children, they praised many local restaurants for creating an enjoyable dining experience for both the parents and the children.

Kid-Focused Restaurants

One of the most exciting restaurants I was introduced to was SubtropiXS. On Tuesdays, a kid’s combo meal is just $2.99, and on Thursdays Subtropixs offers free s’mores with the purchase of two combo meals. In addition to the specials at SubtropiXS, they also have a surfboard simulator and Hawaiian shaved ice in any flavor combination you can come up with.

Another local restaurant that parents have brought up repeatedly is The Pad. The first thing I think of when I hear “The Pad” (my husband has a tendency to mention The Pad when I don’t want to cook) is…rocketship! Maybe I am a bit naïve, but I think any kid who sees a rocketship on the outside of a restaurant would be excited to go inside. After the initial excitement of a rocketship, children are further fueled by a frosty and ring pop with their meal. For the parents (or just the moms), The Pad has a salad bar that has been touted by more than one XYZ writer.

b y L a r i s s a K e l l e r • p h o t o b y C o l i n M a c M i l l a n / N a t h a n H a m P h o t o g r a p h y

You’ll love it,and they will too.

The Pad

1730 N Topeka Blvd

785.234.3596

Parents: Really good burgers, homemade soup and a fantastic salad bar. Ample seating so you’ll be able to purposefully sit far, far away from childless diners if your little one is having a “challenging” day.

Kids: Standard kids’ meal fare, but with a nice sugary twist: a ring pop and a frostie with every kids’ meal. Warning: sugar has been known to increase the “challenging” factor in young children.

Some places that kept coming up among XYZ staffers as both kid and parent favorites.

Blue Planet Cafe

110 SE 8th Ave.

785.783.8883

Parents: Sophisticated and healthy menu and lovely atmosphere in this 19th Century downtown building. Also: coffee and tea to keep you going till their bedtime.

Kids: Food that kids naturally love, like fresh fruit and grilled cheese, along with baked goods that don’t pack a bunch of preservatives and HFCS.

Babies: Organic baby and toddler food available.

continued on next page >>continued on next page >>

[ local flavor ]

For the Kid with the advanced palate

After talking with parents who enjoy bringing their children to ethnic restaurants, my feelings of nights on the town forgotten were soon, well, forgotten. Both Mike and I enjoy ethnic restaurants and experiencing new foods. We learned that children enjoy these restaurants as much, if not more than, their parents. The experience becomes even more interesting for parents who get to watch their children see other cultures for the first time and taste foods they might not get to try very often at home.

As I have found on my quest for kid-friendly restaurants, some dining establishments do better than others in attracting parents. Restaurants that have been repeated among XYZ writers, coworkers, and friends have been The Globe, Sakura, Kim’s and Hanover Pancake House. One XYZ writer commented that “people don’t look at me like I’m crazy for bringing my kids there.” A friend of mine, Dave Stevens, just brought his ten-year-old daughter Alayna Stevens to The Globe about a week ago.

“It was the first time she had Indian cuisine of any kind. She loved it. I was very impressed.”

You’ll love it,and they will too.

Sakura

5632 SW 29th Street

785.271.7878

Parents: Sushi! And fresh-grilled filet minon with veggies and flavorful dipping sauces.

Kids: Fire! And habachi chefs doing silly things like balancing a spinning egg on a spatula and making a volcano out of onion slices. The food is definitely kid-friendly, too.

Some places that keep coming up among XYZ staffers as both kid and parent favorites.

SubTropiXS

909 N Kansas Ave

785.233.7830

Parents: Subs that are rumored to be really good, made on fresh baked bread with fresh ingredients and sauces and dressings of your choice.

Kids: Fun atmosphere (with a tropical theme that even includes a surfing simulator) and food they’ll love (including s’mores!)

The Globe Indian Cuisine

117 SE 10th Ave.

785.354.1500

Parents: Flavors that you’ll dream about for weeks afterwards, and a soothing, wonderful smelling atmosphere. The owners have young kids, too, and are very forgiving of noise and mess.

Kids: Fun and new foods like fried pakoras in a great, colorful atmosphere. But if the picky bug bites, there is plain white rice, nan (flatbread) and mango ice cream.

>> continued from previous page

Dentistry For Infants, Children & Teens

6231 SW. 29th Street • Topeka, KS 66614

785-272-6060Sedation Available

Member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Full Service Salon for the whole family.

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First haircuts are free for Envy customer’s children, like Mia!

For the Parents on Parents Night Out

As exciting as it will be to take my kids to SubTropiXS, The Pad, Sakura, The Globe, and others, I will also be excited to go dining as a duo, just my husband and I. Enjoying a bottle of wine with my husband and a five course meal at the Rowhouse just won’t happen with our future children, even if they are prodigies. I consider this an unspoken rule, one that doesn’t need posted on the home page of the Rowhouse, Chez Yasu or New City Café (as it is on McDain’s) website. These restaurants are clearly for adults, both in terms of palette and environment.

In Topeka, I believe our Midwest hospitality will continue to provide for those of all ages, with children or without, in every kind of environment one could imagine. As a future parent, I look forward to bringing my children to The Pad and SubTropiXS regularly, treating them to The Globe, Hanover, and Sakura, and saving New City Café, Chez Yasu and Rowhouse for date night. XYZ toPeKa

“Enjoying a bottle of

wine with my husband and a five course

meal just won’t happen with

our future children. I

consider this an unspoken rule.”


In North Topeka, the Sunrise Optimist Club (Motto: “Friend of Youth”) has been providing activity for local kids for a half-century now. They’ve worked with the Seaman school district to provide athletic opportunities to kids, especially those in North Topeka. “We had a baseball league that had started in 1968. It was only for boys, only 5th and 6th grade boys, we’ve been expanding it ever since,” said Steve Schiffelbein, director of the baseball leagues. “This year, we had 63 teams, with 671 players.” Now there are leagues for boys and girls, ages 4 through 14, including t-ball and softball.

Their programs are sometimes confused with

[ resource ]

friend of the youth

Sunrise Optimist Club of Topeka720 NW 50th Street785.246.1200 | sunriseoptimist.org

b y C a l e H e r r e m a n • p h o t o s c o u r t e s y S u n r i s e O p t i m i s t C l u b

t e x t a n d p h o t o s b y A n t h o n y D a v i s

buylocal.

Some cool merch we found around Topeka for kids at locally-owned businesses.

Looking for ways to inject a little discovery into your child’s life? A Tasco telescope and microscope set will have your little scientist looking at the world in a whole new way, and the reduced price of $29.95 will probably earn some double-takes as well. While supplies last.

Buttercups & Daisies • 631 S Kansas Avenue10-5 M-W/F, 10-8 Th, 10-4 Sat • 785.235.2817

Kids are always playing with their food. Ditch the mess and bring one of these wooden toy food play sets to the table instead. Priced from $19.99 - $21.95, these sturdy toys will stand up to anything your junior chefs can dish out!

Wolfe’s Camera Shops, Inc. • 635 S Kansas Ave. 8-5:30 M-W | R, F, S, 8-8 • 785.235.1386 • wolfs.com

Seaman school district athletics, in part because of their close relationship with the district. Mike Stock, director of the basketball leagues, explains,

“The parents from the school district were very instrumental in helping out in the construction of the ball field,” at NW 50th and Rochester, just north of Seaman High. “We primarily advertise in the Seaman School district, but certainly anyone that wanted to play, could.”

But just that playing requires a lot of effort by the Sunrise Optimist Club. They just had their 25th annual golf tournament, to fund the athletic programs.

“Because when they pay their $25 to play baseball and basketball, it doesn’t cover near everything,” explains Karen Ireland, president of the club.

The club also has to maintain the fields and facilities, and staff the concession stand. “It’s just fun, and everybody takes their turn working the concessions every night during the ball season. It’s fun seeing the little kids come up and putting their money on the counter and saying, ‘what can I get for this?’ It’s been fun doing that.”

“Everyone takes their turn working the

concessions every night during the ball

season. It’s fun seeing the little kids come up and put their money

on the counter.”

@ the ball game:

When people see that my wife and I use cloth diapers, they often assume itís because of our environmentalism. We recycle, compost, use our own bags at the store, use glass

bowls with lids instead of plastic bags, et cetera, et cetera. However, I’m quick to respond that we use cloth because we save a lot of money.

According to the Diaper Decisions’ website estimates, you’ll pay $381 for prefolds (I’ll get to the explanation of what those are) and covers versus $2,577.35 for disposables over around a four-year period. This does not take into account that you can use the cloth diapers again when new children come into your life. Even with the costs of detergent, water, and electricity it is still less expensive than buying disposables week after week. Plus, with cloth diapers, there are no landfill deposits. “Mothering Magazine,” in their May-June 2010 issue, estimated that if a baby has five diaper changes a day over 34 months, it equals 5,000 disposable diapers going into a landfill. If a cloth fitted diaper is used 150 times, you will only need 34 diapers over those 34 months. After that, one can shout handrags, right?!

Our favorite online site for buying diapers has been TinyTush.com, but there are endless sites to choose from. One can even regularly find great diapers on Craig’s List. Many sites will sell “seconds,” which are products with a minor cosmetic defect, even snaps or seams. Most of our covers are seconds and cost us around five dollars each. Or, with basic sewing skills and a few thrift store flannel sheets, you can make your own diapers pretty easily. XYZ toPeKa

cloth logic

Contours:

Diapers that are made with hourglass shape.

Snappis:

No more safety pins! Snappis are T-shaped in plastic with small teeth on the end. After you place the cloth diaper on, this holds it in place.

There are a few terms and “equipment” one should know about if getting into cloth diapers.

Flats:

A fancy word for the cloth diaper, from generations ago. It is folded into a size that fits baby.

Prefolds:

The new basic cloth diaperómaterial folded over and sewn together, with the middle thicker than the sides. Most prefolds are 4x6x4 or 4x8x4, these numbers refer to the number of layers of cloth in each portion of the diaper. You can find these in Target or Wal-Mart, but these will usually be cotton over a polyester middle and are not as absorbent as the 100% cotton.

b y D e n n i s E t z e l J r p h o t o s b y M e g a n R o g e r s + D e n n i s E t z e l J r .

Environmental Parenting

Covers:

Waterproof covers go over the diaper, often held by Velcro for easy diaper placement maneuvering.Pocket Diapers: Cotton is sewn to the cover with room inside to place more cotton inserts for absorption.

Diaper sprayer:

These are for those for whom the “wash and rinse” routine just doesn’t cut it and run about $45 and are attached to the toilet plumbing.

One Size Fits All:

Can be for fitted or pocket diapers, often with many snaps on the outside to size the diaper to whatever stage baby is in. These do not require covers.

Your family could save over $2,500 in four years by switching your disposable diapers to prefolds.

photo by Dennis Etzel Jr.

Mommy Daddy Evan Sage

Eric McHenry’s new book of poetry Mommy Daddy Evan Sage is written for both children and adults to treasure. I had the pleasure of listening to a few of them a couple of years ago, so I thought I would ask Eric to tell me about how this project began:

Eric: About four years ago I started keeping a blog because of all the funny things my son was saying. We were living in Seattle at the time, and I wanted both to preserve the hilarity and to make it available to members of our family who didn’t live close by. I started transcribing my conversations with him two or three times a week (and, eventually, uploading some photos as well), and it became a hit with relatives and friends. When Sage started talking, the blog became about her too. At some point I heard Richard Wilbur read from his children’s book The Disappearing Alphabet -- all these brilliant short poems that are just extraordinarily funny and that appeal to both adults and children. I decided I wanted to attempt something like that, and, since my kids are much funnier than I am, to use them for material. When I had a dozen or so poems, I showed them to Philip Hoy at Waywiser Press, who asked if I’d be interested in doing a whole book of them and gave them to his friend Nicholas Garland, the editorial cartoonist for the Daily Telegraph, who began illustrating them with woodcuts.

Look for the Facebook page for his new book and purchase Mommy Daddy Evan Sage on Amazon.

poems by Eric McHenrywoodcuts by Nicholas Garland

introduction by Dennis Etzel Jr.


“I think there ought to be a guy,”said Evan, “with one X-ray eye,and extra fingers, who can swallowtop-secret files because he’s hollow,except that he contains a motorthat turns a helicopter rotorthat’s where his shoulder blade should be,and who speaks Dolphin, and who’s me.”

“Rats!” said Sage, whose magic markerrefused to color any darker.“Uh-oh. I think I hear them comin’,”I said. “Be careful what you summon.Rats are responsive. If you calltoo loudly you might get them all.Are you prepared to deal with that?”She scratched her head. “I guess not. Rat.”

“The N is missing from the endof my first name! I’ve been de-N’d!”said Eva. “And don’t call me that!Eva’s a girl’s name,” he spat.“Calm down. You’ll get it back again.Nobody steals the letter N,”I said. He stomped off in a rage.“What’s he so mad about?” said Snage.

“Do you still love me when you’re mad?”“Of course!” I told Sage. “I’m your dad.So when you fuss or make a mess,it doesn’t make me love you less.”She said that made her feel much better,and wiped her nose on my new sweater.


for the hipster parentsb y C a l e H e r r e m a n

p h o t o c o u r t e s y D i s n e y . c o m

[ entertainment ]

Give it a listen: muppetsmusic.com

Children of the 70’s and 80’s are the Muppet Generation. Those fuzzy

puppets haven’t ever gone away, but they don’t have the kind of cultural hegemony they enjoyed back then. Aside from Elmo, that is. Enter Disney, the Muppets’ corporate parent, which is never shy about opportunities to make money. It herded some hipsters into a recording studio, and suddenly I’m listening to Weezer’s version of “Rainbow Connection.”

Oh yes, nostalgia does indeed sell. We learned these songs from a bunch of puppets at a tender age, and they stay with us. This album is a little uneven, with a few dull songs and one pointlessly amped-up one, but the musicians add something of their own to the songs, and sound like they had fun making them. “Movin’ Right Along,” from The Muppet Movie, puts Alkaline Trio’s vocalists in the parts of Kermit and Fozzie Bear, which would have to be a dream come true for someone.

On the whole, I liked this. My kids, though, having little connection to these songs, were mostly indifferent to it. A friend showed her kids the video of OK Go performing the theme song (“This… Is… What… We… CALL… THE… MUP… PET… SHOOOOOOWWWWWW!!!!!”) and, um, they did not find it as fun as I had. There were tears.

This one is for the parents, more than anyone. Not that the kids need to be shielded from the more rocking numbers, or from their parents’ nostalgia being foisted upon them, but these versions of the songs will just stand on their own for them. They won’t feel the resonance of “Bein’ Green” from Andrew Bird’s well-done version like we did from Kermit the Frog sitting on a wall. Thing is, it’s still a great song, puppet or no. XYZ toPeKa

Make a big splashwith your next event

call [email protected]


b y J a n i c e Wa t k i n sp h o t o c o u r t e s y Q u e e n Wo r l d . c o m

embrace it

I am the proud mother of a forty-year old ex-hipster living in a ten-year old’s body.

This fluffy-haired, prepubescent, one-of-a-kind gem, has his walls adorned with the regular, age-appropriate balls and bat decals, accompanied with 3-D framed prints of the Fab Four walking across Abbey Road. I once had a teacher write on a report card that he “is an old soul. Such a pleasure!”

My turn came in the staff wheel to write this CD review, and while my decade-bearing child would have gladly shared his top fifteen picks in his complete collection of Beatles albums, only after I “caught” him checking out old music videos on YouTube, was the obvious choice - Queen - Greatest Hits I.

Odd choice for a parent-preteen-tot household jam, you say? Start with track number 1 in the iconic “We Will Rock You” and work your way down to the last track on this 17-song horse of an album , “I Want to Break Free”, and your head and feet will ache from the constant nodding and tapping to the classic rock riffs and unexpected crescendos.

Embrace the competiveness of the songs “You’ve got mud on your face, you big disgrace”, the acceptance of all body-types “Fat-bottomed girls, you make the rockin’ world go round” and the simplicity of “I want to ride my bicycle, ride my bike”.

The only complaint is the clearly noticeable absence of “Under Pressure” and “Bohemian Rhapsody”, but those can easily be located in commercials for fitness water and episodes of Glee.

Grab this selection and amp up your daunting Saturday afternoon housecleaning. Just remember to have your children return their guitars, ehem, I mean, brooms to the closet when finished. XYZ toPeKa

Music the whole family

can dig.

Your kids just might think Queen rocks.

b y J a n i c e Wa t k i n s • p h o t o b y E J D r a k echeer it up

b y L e a h S e w e l l • p h o t o s b y C o l i n M a c M i l l a n / N a t h a n H a m P h o t o g r a p h y

There are few moments in life presenting an occurrence which would cause you to rise to your feet, jump high in the air, throw your arms skyward and exclaim loudly and joyously. Unless you’re a cheerleader. And a cheerleader would do it with better - nearly impeccable - form.

The life of a young cheerleader isn’t as freewheeling and joyous as one might imagine. There’s a lot of grueling work that goes into making that joyous leap appear so ecstatic and aesthetically beautiful in its own way. At Capital Area Gymnastics Emporium (C.A.G.E.) in South Topeka, troupes of girls ages two and a half to sixteen get schooled in the

full-body depiction of joy and spirit, and although the resulting routines may look carefree, there’s a back story to each jump and thrust of the arm that begins in a word that their instructor, Kelly Taylor, seems to speak with a capital D: “Discipline.”


“I think a lot of people think of cheerleading like, ‘You’re going to look cute in a skirt,’ but it’s an intensely physical activity,” says Taylor. “It’s beyond a workout. There are a lot of hits and a lot of kicks. You have to learn how to push your body to the limit.”

Cheerleaders of a higher skill level can become involved in All-Star Cheer at C.A.G.E.. A typical class begins with stretching, basic motions, practice jumps and stunt techniques, moving on to build routines for competitive cheer. These squads can ultimately go on to compete against other All-Star squads throughout the state, and sometimes out of state. According to Taylor, All-Star is in a different league than school sports cheerleading.

“A lot of school cheer is basic chants,” she says. “We do a routine that consists of music and stunts. We take stunting a little more to the extreme.”

But the competition isn’t heavy; Taylor says that the main goal is to challenge the girls to help them develop discipline and confidence.

“Our goal in our All-Star program is to help the kids develop not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. The program itself teaches athletes the importance of sportsmanship, goal setting, motivation and - most importantly - teamwork.”Cheer is a team sport because every person involved in a routine works together to create the final product.

“While working side by side, the athletes must learn to put faith and trust in each other. By doing so, the team becomes just like family,” says Taylor.

Left to right: Jenna Wilson, Kilian Cox, Katie Higgins and their cheer coach, Kelly Taylor, with Madison Jacques at top.

“Cheernastics” classes for little ones are mostly just fun, but also teach team work and self-confidence.

continued on the next page >>


vintage sweet

But for the little ones - the kids ages 2/12 - 5, the “cheernastics” class at C.A.G.E. isn’t about competition and doesn’t present too much of a workout for the little bodies. It’s really just about basic moves, jumping and tumbling around and having fun. But it’s also a great way to teach young children about teamwork and working together as a group, and, Taylor suggests, it builds self-confidence.

“Cheernastics is a fun age,” she says. “But it is still a group activity. And any time young kids can get out in front of a group of people to perform, it helps increase self-esteem.”

Any of the upper-level classes at C.A.G.E. require a tumbling component, because the sport has become so competitive. So for kids who are interested in pursuing cheer for a longer run, it makes sense to begin with or incorporate tumbling into their instruction.

“Our biggest competition is ourselves,” says Taylor. “If they go out and compete against 50 other squads and they do ten times better than they did in the gym, they’ve already won.” XYZ toPeKa

Jenna Wilson does a back flip at C.A.G.E. Gymnastics

get jumping!

a few local places to consider if your child is interested in All-Star cheer.

CAGE GYMNASTICS - TNT DANCE & CHEER2925 SW 37th StTopeka, KS 66614785.266.4151cagegymnastics.com

TOP CITY ATHLETICS5005 SW Topeka BlvdTopeka, KS 66609785.862.1617topcityathletics.com

COPELAND GYMNASTICS/EAGLE ALL-STAR CHEER5331 SW 22nd Pl, Ste 78Topeka, KS 66614785.273.8545copelandgymnastics.com

enrollment for Winter begins Sept. 26

>> continued on the next page

b y L e a h S e w e l l • p h o t o s b y L y d i a B a r n h a r t

vintage sweet

cool kid’s room

Isaacage 7

Floraage 4

Tula11 mo’s

cool kids

Everything about the Billen home shouts, “sweet.” Enter the rooms of Isaac, 7, Flora, 4 and the ham of the group, Tula, 11-months, and you are taken back to a sweeter time.

Baby Tula’s crib is a retro and re-finished model that treasure-hunter and patriarch, Daniel, found and had to have to match the feel of the room, as everything is inspired by an era in tune with the age of the house (the 30’s and 40’s).

b y J a n i c e Wa t k i n s • p h o t o s b y E J D r a k e


>> continued from the previous page

From the small collection of leather-bound, A-Conan Doyle books to the toy chest that was salvaged from a neighbor’s trash and spruced-up, Tula’s room is just like her smile - simply enchanting.

Climb a small staircase and you’ll find yourself in awe of the enticing space of Issac and Flora. With their individual spaces perfectly matched with their unique personalities, Flora’s piece de resistance is in her kitchen and cabinets, inherited from a great-grandma, barely reflecting the wear from multiple generations of play.


Glance across the room to find Isaac’s red, sports car bed, nothing like the newer and cheaper models of today, but reflecting a refurbished gleam of an unbelievable internet find.

The bed, however, is easily outdone by an original, antique foosball table at the center of the room. For just $15 at a glorified flea market, Daniel knew the classic table must be his. With a quick replacement of one wooden dowel and a base found at the Habitat restore, the Billens were in business.

From the original artwork by dad and artist, Daniel, with the skateboard decks acting as an interesting crown molding, to the small nuances for each child’s separate space, this upstairs level is packed with hidden gems. Just ask Isaac who points adoringly to a print hanging in the reading nook, that he and his dad located in an adventurous navigation of the crawl space above the garage one afternoon. This is not just the room of two cool kids, but an explorer’s paradise and a true treasure box. XYZ toPeKa


Phrases like “debt crisis,” “recession,” “housing crash” and the like can raise the

blood pressure of any American. But for parents in particular, the current dismal economic times are extra stressful. Families tend to spend more on groceries and mortgages, and can

suffer the burden of additional bills due to childcare and education costs. Sitting down with your partner to budget out the family income can be a good step in the right direction toward making the finance aspect of your life run smoothly during rough economic times. But we wondered, what else can be done to save money and plow through the recession? What follows are a few good ideas to help pinch the pennies in your household. XYZ toPeKa

Residence AssistanceHome Buyer Assistance Program (1st Time Homebuyers)www.topeka.org/hnd/HomeBuyerAssistanceProgram234.0217 x 317

TOTO - Topeka Opportunity To Ownwww.hcci-ks.org/TOTO

Rental and Ownership Property locatorwww.socialserve.com - select Kansas, then Shawnee County.

Financial Assistance + EducationHousing and Credit Counseling, Inc.www.hcci.org | 234.0217

Child CareERC Resource & Referral (Childcare Locator Service)www.ercrefer.org | 357.5171

Stretching Your DollarHabitat for Humanity ReStore (Budget construction supplies) 2907ASW Topeka Boulevard

Goodwill Industries International, Inc. 5515 SW 21st Street, Suite | 228.9774

Salvation Army Thrift Store2905 SW Topeka Boulevard | 266.3806

Garage and estate sales www.cjonline.com/classifieds

Cedar Crest, Governor’s Mansion- Fishing in streams and the pond, hiking, and big fields for playing frisbee. The mansion is open to the public on Mondays from 1-3:30 pm

Library-Free game nights for both kids and adults, fun educational activities for both kids and their parents www.tscpl.org

Mulvane Art Museum and Art Lab - The art lab offers every kind of medium for families to make art with, and the exhibits at the museum are always changing. www.washburn.edu/mulvane/index.html

Hill’s Bark Park at Gage Park - Offers both a small and large dog area, and the dogs are fun to watch even if you don’t have a dog yourself. The park provides water and toys for the dogs and their owners to use

Iwig Dairy - The dairy is very welcoming to families walking around the farm, seeing the calves, and watching the bottling process. Contact Iwig at 379-9514 to find out when they are doing the bottling

seek assistance.

do free stuff.

the money crunchhow to stretch your dollar and still be a good parent.

b y L a r i s s a K e l l e r , A n t h o n y D a v i s a n d R e g i n a B u d d e n

sewing illustration by Amanda Reynolds >photo by Colin MacMillan / Nathan Ham

visit topekaparents.com/free-things and xyztopeka.com/tackle-top-city for more on free events and attractions for Topeka families.

Being a good parent on a budget can sometimes seem like a whole career by itself. But picking up a few of these skills on the side can help shrink your monthly expenses and still provide for your family.

1. sewing

Next time those jeans wear through at the knee, skip the trip to the mall and reach for a needle.

2. Carpentry

From a homemade tree house to a set of shelves in the corner closet, doing some carpentry yourself can really minimize your costs and make for a memorable project.

3. Couponing

Enough said. Also consider using your reward cards.

4. Home repair

Granted, sometimes DIY home repair projects can do more harm than good. But generally, a quick online search and some elbow grease can save at least $50.

5. Gardening

Aside from saving on groceries, growing your own vegetables and spices can encourage you to try new recipes, and also helps out with number six.

6. Cooking

Especially if you live inside the city limits, it’s way too easy to grab a burger or pizza for dinner. Learning to make your own meals (no, the five-minutes-in-the-microwave TV dinner doesn’t count) can be much cheaper and healthier.

7. Doctoring

Obviously we’re not talking brain surgery here, but taking some classes through the Red Cross and knowing the difference between a head cut and a major concussion can save you a trip or two to the emergency room.

8. Photography

Taking a few basic lessons can really pay off when you consider the cost of professional portraits, and it’s much easier to scrapbook when you own the rights to the proofs. Plus, your kid is way more likely to give you a cheeky grin than a stranger with a camera.

9. Be your own bookkeeper

Budget budget budget. You hear it all the time, but keeping your bills and paperwork organized is an essential part of making frugal finances work.

10. Be creative

Whether this means learning to make leftovers exciting, or turning your hobby into a minor supplemental income, the bottom line is that your own creativity is the best tool to customize money saving habits to your life.

do free stuff.

do it yourself.

sewing illustration by Amanda Reynolds >photo by Colin MacMillan / Nathan Ham

photo by Dennis Etzel Jr.


Share your favorite meal ideasor shopping tips with us at [email protected].

grilled catfish + tomatoes

milk those last days of grill season

r e c i p e + p h o t o s b y J o s h R o u s e

[ recipes ]

If you’ve ever wondered how to get kids to eat their fish, this recipe might just work for you. It’s healthy, delicious and easy to cook over the grill. For a complete meal, grill it with some corn on the cob and maybe throw in a nice salad.

Ingredients:

Catfish fillets

Sliced tomatoes

Aluminum foil

Mrs. Dash Original Blend Seasoning

Preparation:

Take three catfish fillets and put them on a large piece of aluminum foil. This piece of aluminum foil should be large enough to fold over the fillets. Cover both sides of the fillets in Mrs. Dash Original Blend Seasoning, then take a few medium sized tomatoes and slice them into fourths. Put the tomato slices on top on the fillets. I also put a couple under them. Fold the aluminum foil over the top of the fish, trying to keep it as flat as possible on both sides. If you’re using a charcoal grill, expect it to take about 45 minutes to get the fish grilled evenly. I usually flip it three to four times during that time. The end result will look similar to chicken marinara, as the tomatoes will deflate when cooked, but it is a delicious dish.


This is a fun easy breakfast recipe that kids of almost any age can help with. Make it a nighttime activity before you put them to bed, and they’ll have sweet dreams of the delicious breakfast awaiting them the next morning!

Serves up to four hearty servings.

wake up with blueberries

do-ahead breakfastr e c i p e + p h o t o s b y R i o C e r v a n t e s - R e e d

Ingredients:

Half a loaf of French bread

One 8 oz. block of cream cheese (low fat neufchatel is fine)

Five large eggs or 6 medium

1/2 cup of milk (soy or dairy)

16 oz. fresh blueberries (frozen is fine if out of season)

Butter (for greasing casserole dish)

1/2 cup honey or agave nectar

Sugar

Cinnamon

Vanilla extract

Preparation:

Butter a 9x9 baking dish (at least 2 inches deep).

Cut the French bread into approximately one inch cubes. Toss into a large mixing bowl. In a separate medium bowl, crack the eggs, add 1/2 cup of honey or agave nectar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and one tablespoon of vanilla extract. Mix well.

Cut the cream cheese into small cubes (tip: putting the cream cheese in the freezer for half hour prior will make it easier to cut). Measure out half of the blueberries. Put the remaining blueberries in a small bowl with one tablespoon of sugar or agave nectar, toss, and refrigerate.

With a silicone spatula toss the cream cheese and blueberries with the cubed bread in the large bowl. Pour the egg mixture over it and toss well, coating the bread.

Put the whole mix into the buttered baking dish and cover with foil.

In the morning preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Put the foil covered dish in the oven for 35 minutes. Remove foil and put back in oven for 15 minutes, browning the top.

Spoon the finished casserole onto plates and garnish with the reserved sweetened blueberries. Feel free to garnish with banana slices and whipped cream to make it really special!


[ how to get XYZ ]XYZ IS A MUST FOR EVERY HIP TOPEKA FAMILY!Our quarterly magazine is dedicated to covering the best arts, entertainment, local fl avor and community events for Topeka’s pint-sized residents and their parents. From farms to fi nger painting, XYZ’s goal is to give local families a big high fi ve and to provide a resource for families to discuss their favorite spots for Topeka children.XyZ: EvErything For toPEka FaMiliEs

Send a check to PO Box 750491 for $20 and get a full year of XYZ delivered to your home.

*** Also makes a great gift ! We’ll let the recipient know who is thinking of them every issue by printing “from XYZ” on the envelope. ***

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Business partnerships available. For just $80 a year, your business

will receive up to 30 copies of XYZ each issue.

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[ everything for Topeka families ]

xyztopeka.comIt’s like a slumber party where

the juice is flowing and it’s raining M&M’s. 24-7.

check out our blog action!Janice Watkins gets herself into a lot of literally sticky situations in mommyhood. But she’s ready to confess to her shortcomings, just go easy on her in the comments.

Food blogger Chelle Decker lives the life

organic, but still eats pretty dang good.

Read up on how to raise a health-

conscious kid and how to do so in the

tastiest of ways.Th e Editor’s dilemma with a perplexed Leah Sewell and a slew of surprise stories that will leave you awfully smug that you’re raising your kids in Topeka. Go, you!

web-only features + family news and what to do

Go there! You won’t regret it.

<< subscribe

XYZ DIRECT SUBSCRIBERS received a special suMMEr aCtivitiEs guidE chock-full of fun and unique things to do this summer. Receive a copy of our special guide by signing up for a subscription today. If you subscribe by May 1, we will send you a summer guide and a copy of the current issue.

+

[everything for Topeka families]x Y z

WINTER 2010 - 2011

$3.95 xyztopeka.com

RATIONAL LIVING: a family’s tale of living for a year within the guidelines of WWII rationing

separate stateshow grandma + papa stay connected

winter magicactivities for snow days +

ice skating...at the zoo

cool kid’s

roomNola, 10, gets a space

that screams “Mine!”

[everything for Topeka families]

xyz March front cvr.indd 1 3/3/11 11:48:48 AM

Farmers Markets present a great opportunity for children to help pick out fruits and vegetables that they’ll hopefully be interested in eating. Checking out what is in season is a great way to add variety to your family’s meals and snacks. Take this list with you on your next Farmers Market visit to get the best of what’s in season throughout the Fall in Kansas. XYZ toPeKa

fall farmer’s market What to purchase this Fall. Farmers Markets open

until mid November.

b y R i o C e r v a n t e s - R e e d

Apples• Basil + other fresh • herbsBeets• Broccoli• Brussels sprouts• Cabbage• Carrots• Cauliflower• Gooseberries• Grapes •

Green beans• Kale• Leeks• Lettuce (head + leaf)• Lima beans• Melons (cantaloupe, • honeydew, watermelon) Mushrooms• Mustard greens• Nectarines•

Okra• Onions• Parsnips• Peanuts• Pears• Peppers• Pumpkins• Raspberries• Radishes• Rutabagas• Soybeans•

Spinach• Sprouts• Sweet corn• Sweet potatoes• Swiss chard• Tomatoes• Turnips• Winter squash•

Source: K-State Research and Extension, Buying Guide for Kansas-Grown Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, authored by Mary Meck Higgins, human nutrition specialist andChuck Marr, horticulture specialist (retired).

Visit these markets in Topeka:Monday Market at the Topeka Shawnee Co. Public Library, 1515 SW 10th St. • 7:30 am - 11:30 am through October 10Capital Midweek Farmers Market, 10th & Jackson, Wednesdays, 9:00 am- 1:00 pm through October 12• Downtown Farmers Market, 12th & Harrison, Saturdays, 7:30 am - 12:00 pm through November 19•


1515 SW 10th Avenue | Topeka, KS 66604-1374 | 785 580-4400 | M–F 9 am–9 pm | Sat 9 am–6 pm | Sun 12 pm–9 pm | www.tscpl.org

1 Sign up for the Fall Reading Program at www.tscpl.org/fallreading.

2 Schedule study time at the Homework Center

3 Get help with homework early

4 Use our online resources

5 Check our other educational programs

Ways to Use Your Library for School Success

Hogwash by Karma Wilson(ages 3–6) The Farmer has decided it’s time the farm animals had a bath. Most of the animals line up for their turn, but the hogs just aren’t giving up their mud. Can they convince the farmer to let them be?

Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen(ages 3– 8) One day, a lion walked into the library. Everyone was afraid of him, and the lion didn’t know the library rules. He came back every day to listen to story time – and even helped the librarians. But will they let him stay even if he sometimes breaks a rule?

I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll(ages 3– 8) What if the monster under your bed went on vacation? This happens to one little boy who can’t sleep without his monster. After auditioning other monsters, the boy finds that only his monster will do.

Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys by Bob Raczka.(ages 7–12) Haikus are Japanese poems of three lines with a set number of syllables for each line. Raczka uses these poems to explore the seasons of a year through the high jinks of boys. Puddle-jumping and kite-flying are some of the fun in this lively little book.

Mummy Secrets Uncovered by Ron Knapp(ages 7–12) From the Bizarre Science series comes this fact book about mummies. How did they get that way? Where do they come from? How old are they? Find the answers to these questions and more in this engaging selection.

Holes by Louis Sachar(ages 9–14) Stanley has two choices: jail or Camp Green Lake. Choosing camp, Stanley digs holes every day in the Texas heat. He’s told that this will reform him, but Stanley learns that he and the camp’s other residents aren’t just digging; they’re looking for something in all that dirt.

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool(ages 9–14) Kansan and Newberry-winner Vanderpool tells the tale of Abilene, whose father sends her to a small, dusty Kansas town to live during the summer of 1936. Through letters she finds and a cast of quirky characters, she finds out about her father’s history and discovers a place for herself.

Amulet, Book 1: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi(ages 9–14) After losing her father, Emily and her family move to an old family house in the country. On their first night, her mother disappears while investing a mysterious noise. Emily and her

brother, Navin, must find their mother with the help of some unlikely people – and creatures!

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher(ages 13–18) Sarah Byrnes, badly burned in an accident, has built an emotional wall to protect herself from ridicule. Eric Calhoune loves to eat Oreos and Twinkies and now has

a weight problem. These two outcasts connect, and their friendship is tested in ways they can’t imagine.

The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier(ages 13-18) Jerry is a freshman quarterback refusing to sell chocolate bars for a school fundraiser. Sound boring? Not at all. Jerry faces threats from the Vigils,

a gang who terrorizes the school’s faculty and students, and Brother Leon, the ambitious and scheming headmaster. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie(ages 13–18) Junior lives on the Spokane Indian reservation but decides to attend an all-white school in the neighboring town. As the only Native American, he is viewed as an outcast at his new school and a traitor to his people. Still, Junior takes

on his new life and finds strength within himself.

It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living, edited by Dan Savage and Terry Miller(ages 14–18) Growing up is hard. Being bullied makes it even harder. Based on the popular YouTube videos, this collection of essays and testimonials by celebrities, politicians and regular folks tells LGBT teens that bullying does not define them and life is worth living to see it get better.

Fall readsIMAGINATION

Check out this edition’s best bets from the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. You know your children best, but these great stories appeal to a range of kids (birth - 18). Compiled by Youth Services staff members, so make sure to say hi when you stop in to check out your next great book adventure.

b y To p e k a a n d S h a w n e e C o u n t y P u b l i c L i b r a r y Yo u t h S e r v i c e s s t a f f m e m b e r J a s o n L a m b • p h o t o s c o n t r i b u t e d b y T S C P L

There are 6 little differences between these two photos. Can you tell what they are?

by

Co

lin

Ma

cM

illa

n /

Na

tha

n H

am

Ph

oto

gra

ph

yke

en e

ye

Answer key at xyztopeka.com

IMAGINATION

p r o j e c t a n d p h o t o s b y B a i l e y M a r a b l e B a i l e y i s a n a r t t e a c h e r a t R o y a l Va l l e y H i g h S c h o o l a n d m o m t o K a s s y , 9 , W i l l o w , 3 , a n d 9 - m o n t h - o l d O l i v e .

IMAGINATION

assemblage portraits

Want your child to be a featured artist in XYZ

and/or Warehouse 414? Contact Bailey Marable at [email protected]

OK, to start with this project is completely stolen. But then, aren’t most art projects? This one is stolen from:

a. My friend Jessica McLaughlin. She has GREAT ideas, used to be a Topekan, and doesn’t mind sharing.

b. A guy named Giuseppe Arcimboldo that lived in the 1500’s. He did lots of traditional-conservative paintings, but no one remembers those. What people remember now are his crazy-surreal paintings where he uses fruits and veggies to create portraits.

c. An illustrator from Israel named Hanoch Piven. He does portraits using random objects which he then photographs and uses for all kinds of things. He has some great kids books, my favorite is The Scary Show of Mo and Jo.

For this project we used:-scrap wood-paint brush-watered down paint (watercolor, acrylic, or tempra paint are great)-two small nails for hanging devise-wire -strong glue (we used the same glue you’d use for a mosaic)-a stick to glue with-computer parts-door hinges-random plastic tubing-nuts and bolts-yarn

(I collected most of these random items at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore on 29th and Topeka Blvd. They have great stuff for cheap. You could also use things you have around the house, dry beans, rubber bands, paper clips, food packaging, etc.)

I have now done this project with kids ages 3-18. Nice, huh?

1. Prepare the board by putting a hanging device on the back using two small nails and a piece of wire. Help your young artist remember which side is up after this step!

2. Paint the board with the watered down paint. Just one color! I like the paint to show the wood grain… but you don’t have to water down your paint. You also don’t have to use a board. You could glue objects to a grocery sack, the inside of a cereal box, a piece of card stock… you get the idea.

3. Play! Arrange and rearrange objects on the board. Is it a self-portrait? Is it your brother? Is it Einstein? Can you make the face look angry? Happy? Confused? When you are happy with the expression, the shape and size of the eyes, the nose… glue! A popsicle stick or a strip of chipboard help to keep the glue neat.

4. Let glue dry for 24 hours before hanging your masterpiece!

A special thanks to our artists from Summer Adventures at Topeka Collegiate and the High Schoolers at Royal Valley.

XYZ toPeKa

what’s the story?

a r t b y J u s t i n M a r a b l e • j u s t i n m a r a b l e . c o m

Imagine the story that goes with this illustration and write it out. Email your story to [email protected] and you could see it in our next issue or on our website: xyztopeka.com

IMAGINATION

heard + noted

Did your child say something witty, funny, cute, repulsive or profound? Share it with us on Facebook (search “XYZ Heard and Noted”) or email us: [email protected]

kids can be authors, too!

My granddaughter, Carlan (2 yrs), was sitting on the couch holding her dog's tail. Her dad called her to come into another room. She then turned to the person sitting on the couch next to her, handed them the tail, and said:"Here, hold this!"--submitted by Cathy

Brennan (6): I'm hungry. Do you have anything to eat?Me: No, I don't have anything.Brennan: You would if I were a zombie.--submitted by Boone

(A conversation at dinner) Me to my husband: Jeff said that the company hadn't made a decision yet. Sophia (4 years): Who's Jeff? Me: My boss. Sophia: Well, what's he bossy about?--submitted by Melissa

I shared with my 10-year-old daughter, Phoebe, the news that due to extreme heat, the Gage Park mini-train and carousel would be closing down early each day. Her response? "That's a good idea, because otherwise the train driver would be a french fry! And once a potato becomes a french fry you can't turn it back into a potato!" I have no idea where she got that, but I fist bumped her for her awesomeness nonetheless.--submitted by Michelle

My 4- year-old grand-daughter, just warming up to my friend, looked up at her and said, " I started as a seed in my daddy's tummy."--submitted by Linda

My five-year-old, Bebe, came home upset because some kids laughed at the octopus she had in her show-and-share bag that she took to her school. Trying to make her feel better her big brother, Finn (7) said, "It's okay, Bebe. People laugh at Daddy all the time."--submitted by Shannon

Bea (age 3): "London Bridge is falling, ouch! Falling, ouch! Falling, ouch!"--submitted by Cale

what Topeka kids are saying

Documents

XYZ Fall 2011