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BAKERS KEEP FAMILY, FAITH DURING HOLIDAYS be
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RESULTS OF THE 2014 BEST FOR FAMILY READER’S CHOICE AWARDS
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Photo by Kate Hagans
november 2014
Inside: 6
News and Information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools
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The results of the 2014 Best for Family Reader’s Choice Awards are in
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Dr. Brett Begnoche is in and has useful information for you
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Family of WSU’s own Ron Baker keeps faith, family at the forefront during holiday seasons
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published by Lucky 7 Publishing LLC 316.295.8465 Publisher Todd Vogts
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Wichita Family Magazine is published 12 times a year by Lucky 7 Publishing LLC. Wichita Family Magazine is available free, at schools, stores, restaurants, libraries, retailers and local attractions, as well as other places families frequent. For a complete list of where to find Wichita Family, or for subscription rates, email us at publisher@wichitafamily. com or visit our website at www.wichitafamily.com. Copyright 2014 by Lucky 7 Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Wichita Family Magazine is not responsible for errors, omissions or contest fulfillment from third parties. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission is strictly prohibited. Wichita Family is distributed free of charge. The magazine’s advertisers make this possible, so support them! We reserve the right to edit submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication, but we reserve the right to refuse material. Materials will not be returned. Any editorial content or advertising published is the property of Lucky 7 Publishing LLC.
Photo by Kate Hagans
Message from the Publisher First and foremost, congratulations to all the winners of the 2014 Best for Family Reader’s Choice Awards. The people have spoken, and they did a fantastic job! This year’s winners are all excellent establishments, and if you are among the many people who cast a vote, pat yourself on the back for voting well. Every winner should be proud they uphold the values of strong families and healthy households. Wichita Family readers are watching, and they clearly appreciate it. Speaking of strong families and healthy households, this month’s feature high lights a family
you all are probably familiar with but don’t know. It is the family of Wichita State University’s outstanding male basketball player Ron Baker. As you probably know, Baker, wearing No. 31 on his jersey, plays guard for the Shockers, and he hails from Scott City, located in western Kansas. The Bakers were kind enough to share about their lives and give some secrets about how their family stays close to each other, especially during the basketball season that is tipping off. As a proud WSU alumnus, I was so excited for the opportunity to speak with the Bakers. I also used to live in western Kansas, so I saw this as a fantastic opportunity to help show Wichita Family readers a little slice of a great part of the state. People from western Kansas, such as the Bakers, are superb folks, and I think that really shows in
what they had to say. Besides the basketball season starting, November also means it is time for Thanksgiving, and I have to say it is one of my favorite holidays. What’s better than spending time with those you love and eating delicious food? You simply don’t find the same materialistic attitude with Thanksgiving as you could during Christmas. The focus is on family. Sure, you might need to run out to score some killer Black Friday deals, but don’t forget to spend quality time with your family. After all, once that new television loses its picture quality or a newer video game console comes out, you will still have your family. Those are the people that will always be there for you. Don’t take them for granted. Have a fantastic Thanksgiving!
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News and Information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools Southeast students take part in the ground-breaking celebration of their new school.
WPS breaks ground on the new Southeast High School Students, staff and community members celebrated the start of construction for the brandnew Southeast High School, the largest and final project that will be completed as part of the $370 million bond issue passed in 2008. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday, September 29 at the site of the new school near Pawnee and 127th St. East. The event highlighted the beginning of a new school and the continuation of the proud traditions Southeast High School has held since 1957.
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Hundreds of guests came to the celebration, including Southeast alumni and former school staff. Guests were welcomed by Southeast’s cheerleaders, dance team and pep band. Superintendent John Allison, Southeast Principal Lori Doyle, Board of Education President Sheril Logan, State BOE member Kathy Busch, and Student Council President Chris Vuong shared their excitement about the new building. Southeast’s students cheered as they heard the specifics about
their new school, especially having a football stadium. “At Southeast, our slogan is ‘The Best of the Best’,” said principal Lori Doyle. “We have the best students, we have the best staff and in two years we will have the best facility.” The school is scheduled to be ready for students at the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year.
Enterprise students learn fire safety from South students
McCollom’s Walking School Bus encourages students to walk in groups along designated routes with an adult volunteer.
McCollom hosts Walking School Bus McCollom Elementary students, staff and parents are promoting walking to school with their new Walking School Bus program. With support of a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation, the school set up walking routes for students to walk as a group with an adult volunteer as the “driver” of the Walking School Bus. The group picks up students along the route on the way to the school. The more popular option is parents drop their children off at Country Acres Baptist Church and students walk to
McCollom with an adult volunteer. The route is about 1/3 of a mile. “We’re trying to change behavior and promote a healthy alternative to get to school,” said Ed Czepiel, coordinator of the Walking School Bus. “Also we are trying to cut down on the congestion around the school at the beginning of the day.” McCollom’s Walking School Bus will take place every morning until the end of November and will continue again in the spring.
First-grade students at Enterprise Elementary learned about fire safety with help from South High School students. The Enterprise students visited South’s Fire Science class to learn about staying safe in case of a fire. The students participated in different activities including crawling through a tunnel, learning to Stop, Drop and Roll, creating an
escape plan and putting on firefighters’ gear. “We learned to make sure there are ways to get out of the house and how we have to crawl to get out and feel the door to make sure it’s not hot,” said Trey Wright, first-grade student at Enterprise. “It was fun.” This is the fourth year South hosted the fire safety activities for Enterprise students.
South Fire Science students help Enterprise students put on firefighter gear as part of the fire safety activities.
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THE RESULTS ARE IN! In the last few months, Wichita readers have been placing their votes online for their favorite family venue’s and services. WFM is proud to announce the winner’s of the 2014 READER’S CHOICE AWARDS!
And the winners are . . . FOOD! Best Restaurant Spangles Restaurant Atmosphere Red Rock Local Restaurants Bella Luna Bang for the Buck Freddys Spangles BBQ Pig In Pig Out 8 wfm
Breakfast The Good Egg Chinese Great Wall Coffee Experience Meads Corner Café Cinnamons Deli Jasons Deli Hamburgers Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers
Healthy Food Doc Green’s Barn’rds Ice Cream Marble Slab Creamery Braums Italian Ciao Italian Kitchen Mexican Playa Azul Pizza Pacific Coast Pizza Picasso’s Pizza
Sandwiches Cinnamons Deli
Woman’s Clothing Foggy Bottom
Museum Museum of World Treasures
Sea Food Bone Fish Grill
SCHOOLS!
Non Profit Event Zoobilee
Sports Bar Larry Bud’s
Schools Wichita Collegiate
Place to take the Kids Exploration Place
Steak Texas Roadhouse
Alternative School Metro Meridian Andover eCademy
Sports Experience Shocker Basket Ball
SHOPPING!
ENTERTAINMENT!
Antiques Flying Moose
Art Exhibit City Arts Wichita Art Museum
Art Gallery Wichita Art Gallery Children’s Store Little Feet Boutique Furniture Hortons Musical Instruments Guitar Center
Concert Venue Orpheum Golf Course Cherry Oaks Sand Creek Station Auburn Hills Live Theater Crown Uptown Music Theater of Wichita
Water Park Kenwood Cove Weekend Getaway Oklahoma Aquarium Zoo Tanganyika Wildlife Park
OTHER FAVORITES Cleaning Service Wichita Maid Child Care La Petite continued on page 11
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Doctor’s Orders
Follow us on Twitter @ wichitafamily 10 wfm
Did you know that the most common causes of accidental tooth trauma are falls, car accidents and sports injuries? Yes some of these misadventures may be impossible to avoid, however, wearing proper protective gear like mouth guards and helmets can significantly reduce the risk. With sports like basketball and football in full swing, please remember to take the appropriate precautions. — Dr. Brett Begnoche, DDS
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BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL! Receive an Ipad mini with braces or Invisalign
A Peculiar Carnival of Parasites!
continued from page 9
Pet Grooming Pet Haven Royal Pets
Assisted Living
Photographer Mint
Pets
Retirement Larksfield Place Wedding Service Davids Bridal
Via Christi Health
Kansas Humane Society Day Spa Serenity Healing Waters
November is Family Literacy Month. Parents and children are invited to join Storytime Village, Inc. in a book talk series that will get the entire family excited about reading through award-winning children’s books, humanities themes and open discussion.
Monday, November 3, 2014, 3pm- Opening Session: Underground: Find the Light to Freedom by Shane Evans Mueller Elementary , 2500 E. 18th N., Wichita, KS
Featuring renowned, author & illustrator Shane Evans November 15, 2014, 4pm - Second Session: Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe Maya Angelou Library, 3051 E. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS Guest: Wakeelah Mutazammil-Martinez, Council of Elders
NEW National Traveling Exhibit
November 22, 2014, 4pm - Third Session: Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears by Verna Aardema, Maya Angelou Library, 3051 E. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS Guest: Dr. Mildred Edwards, KAAAC November 29, 2014, 4pm - Fourth Session: Oral Traditions: A demonstration and background of the oral tradition of the African American community Book: Hip Hop Speaks to Children by Nikki Giovanni Maya Angelou Library, 3051 E. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS Guest: Jean Pouncil- Burton, Wichita Griots
Funding Provided by For more information call 316-350-4511
Details at
www.exploration.org 300 N. McLean Blvd. • Wichita, Kansas 67203 Included in general museum admission, free for members.
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Healthy Household Family of WSU’s own Ron Baker keeps faith, family at the forefront during holiday seasons
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By Todd Vogts
iving in a national spotlight could change anybody, especially when that spotlight is cast due to an undefeated regular season in college basketball. To make matters worse, the team in questions is one few know where it is located or what its mascot, Wu Shock, is. However, for the family of Wichita State Univer-
sity’s Ron Baker, the spotlight isn’t a big deal, even though the media would make you think otherwise. Growing up in Scott City, in the plains and prairies of western Kansas, it would be easy for Ron to get a big head. It could even lead to him and his family growing apart, but Ron’s father, Neil Baker, said that isn’t the case. “I think Ron’s status has made us an even closer family by means of the time we get to spend to-
Audrey, Sloan and Ron Baker pose for a photo following a Scott Community High School football game Sloan played in. (Photo by Ranae Baker) 12 wfm
gether,” he said. Ron’s mother, Ranae Baker, said her son has handled the extra attention well. “He realizes it’s all part of it,” she said. “He is pretty humble, and we have tried to instill that in all of our children.” Ron learned to deal with the media, Neil said, by watching interviews on television and by listening and watching WSU Head Coach Gregg Marshall. “Ron was brought up just like the majority of all other kids in western Kansas,” he said. “Respect yourself and respect others. Treat others like you want to be treated. Western Kansas is a great place to raise a family for the fact that you’re friends with so many people, and every one of them is there for you when you need them. Western Kansas taught Ron that no matter what your goals in life, you can’t accomplish them without family and friends.” Ranae said growing up in western Kansas helped shape Ron. “I think growing up in a rural community helps you understand the importance of helping others and learning to work hard,” she said. “Our community is so supportive of us and of all people, both in good times and bad. He was taught to work hard at whatever he was doing and to respect others.” Neil said maintaining a strong family has always been a priority for him and his wife. “When all five of us get together, which is not very often, we like to go out for dinner or lounge around the house on a Sunday and watch the Kansas City Chiefs play,” he said.
The Bakers sit in their family home. (Photo by Ranae Baker) Those five include, Ranae said, 21-year-old Ron, 20-year-old Audrey who is attending Kansas State University, and 17-year-old Sloan who is a senior at Scott Community High School. Any time they are together, they have certain activities they all like to take part in, Ranae said. “We golf, play cards, go to the movies, or go to the gym,” she said. Neil said one activity he enjoys most is one of their holiday routines. “The neatest tradition we have going is during Easter, and that is Ranae still has all three kids hunt Easter eggs,” he said. Those moments together are important to the Baker family, which makes handling the holidays a priority. “We usually have a hard time getting everybody together during Thanksgiving, but in the past we have been lucky that everything falls together to celebrate Christmas,” Neil said. “It gets pretty hectic during Thanksgiving and Christmas, trying
to make all the stops in Kansas City where my brother lives, St. Mary’s where Ranae’s brothers and sisters live, and my family in Utica. Lot’s of miles, but we usually get it accomplished.” Ranae agreed and added Christmas usually includes a gift exchange. “And Thanksgiving might consist of a big meal and movies or hunting at our house,” she added. Regardless of what they do, Ranae said they put the focus on their children and simply make it work. “We just schedule it around all of their schedules,” she said. Scheduling the family time is made even more difficult due to the fact Ron plays basketball several hours away, but Neil said the drive gives him and his wife time with each other. “We have always enjoyed watching our kids whenever they’re competing. Ron is just a little further down the road,” he said. “Road trips to WSU definitely gives my wife and I some bonding time. Ranae gets caught up
on her sleep, and I get to drive.” Ranae said the number of road trips they make depend on their availability, as they attend “pretty much every home game and weekends that we cane drive. We also have gone to all post-season games if it didn’t conflict with our youngest son’s games. We are used to the drive living in western Kansas. It’s nothing for us to drive four to six hours to get places.” Neil agreed. “Depending on where and when Sloan is playing, we usually make every WSU home game and a few away games,” he said. Giving Sloan the attention he deserves and not letting him be overshadowed is something the Bakers said they actively keep at the forefront
of their minds. Neil said it has had an affect on his youngest son. “I think it has been a bittersweet experience for Sloan,” he said. “At first, Sloan put a lot of pressure on himself, thinking he needed to fill his big brother’s shoes. With a little guidance from his family and friends, Sloan has started building his own path and is doing well.” Overall, Ranae said seeing Ron’s success has been good for the other two children. “I think they enjoy being able to go watch him play, and it’s exciting that we go to places we wouldn’t normally go. I would say it motivates them to be as successful as he is, but in their own way.” The younger Baker children aren’t
2 Free Sessions!
(316) 854-3000 11310 E. 21st N., Ste D Wichita, KS 67206 (21st and Greenwich)
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the only ones who feel the affects of having Ron as part of their family. Both Ranae and Neil said it has had an effect on them. “We have so many people who recognize us when we are in Wichita, and they always thank us for bringing Ron to Wichita. The support and kindness is nonstop,” Ranae said. “People stop us on the street, especially during the season, just to tell us how exciting it is to watch someone they know on TV, and to tell us how proud they are of their hometown kid.” Over all, though, Neil said it hasn’t
Salina, KS Toy Show! November 15th 4-H Building and Kenwood Hall 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission $4 Childern 12 and under free with paid adult Antique & Collectible Toys!
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altered their daily lives. “I don’t think it has changed how we live,” he said. “We’re too busy to change now.” Part of their busy lives includes being educators and coaches. Ranae teaches Kindergarten and currently helps coach volleyball and softball. She has also coached basketball previously. Neil teaches strength and conditioning at the local high school and is the head baseball coach. Sports make up a big part of the Baker family. “Athletics are some of the best foundations for preparing a person to become a hard working, productive citizen,” Neil said. “Your outcomes rely solely on the effort you put into the preparation.” Ranae echoed those sentiments. “It’s what keeps us going,” she said. “There are so many life lessons within athletics that I feel our children have learned from.” Both Neil and Ranae said they have coached their children in various sports. “I coached Ron in junior high sixth grade basketball at Healy and all four years of baseball in Scott City,” Neil said. “Sloan has played three years of baseball for me and will play this spring.” Ranae said sometimes the dynamic of coaching her own children was interesting. “I was probably harder on them than the others because I wanted them to do things right so they didn’t form bad habits, and I hated when they didn’t play hard,” she said. Growing up, Ron didn’t necessarily
show exceptional, all-around skill in basketball, Neil said. “He was always very competitive,” he said. “I’ve witnessed lots of tears shed after losses, but I think maybe he has outgrown that. I would say his exceptional skill in basketball growing up was his court awareness. Ron picked a lot of his skills up from simply watching and studying the game at a very young age, whether it be in person or on TV. Oh yeah, and he spent countless hours in the gym.” He also was a skilled baseball and football player, Ranae said. “He was really pretty good at any athletic skill he did,” she said. Once Ron began to show more of his basketball skills, the Bakers did what they could to foster it. “We dedicated weekends to tournaments and camps and practices,” Neil said. “It took organizing and coaching traveling teams.” Ranae said he always loved to play the game and always watched it on television, and he also had good leaders to follow. “He has had good coaching from day one, but he was a three-sport athlete in high school,” she said. “He didn’t decide to play college basketball until he started growing after his sophomore year.” Outside of sports, faith also holds a special place within the Baker family. “All three of our kids grew up in the Catholic religion, and they have learned that if all else fails, say a prayer,” Neil said. Ranae said their religion is very important to them. “I just feel that all things happen
for a reason, and you deal with them as best you can, whether it be positive or negative,” she said. “Without experiencing both, you have that much less experience with what real life might throw at you.” No matter what their children are involved in, the Bakers said they show support by being there for all their activities and telling them they are proud of them. “You have to find a positive in whatever is going on,” Neil said. Being their no matter what is especially important during the busy holiday time. “Just do the best you can to make it work,” Ranae said. “Be flexible so that you can spend time together. It might not be tradition, but it’s family.” Neil suggested staying organized. “Highlight all of your activities on the calendar and don’t miss any of them,” he said. “Family comes first.” As for this year’s WSU basketball season, both Neil and Ranae said they are enthusiastic. “I’m so excited,” Ranae said. “It makes the days go by so fast knowing that you have a game to go to, both Scott City games and WSU games. I predict a great year.” Neil agreed. “It’s a very exciting time of year for the Bakers,” he said. “We get the pleasure of watching the Shockers, the Scott City Beavers, and going to visit Audrey in Manhattan and maybe catching a few Wildcat football games. I think the Shockers will be just as good as they were last year, so you better get ready.”
Friday and Saturday, November 28 and 29 11 am to 3 pm | Free Admission Bring friends and family to the museum on Friday and Saturday following your day of turkey and pumpkin pie. WAM invites families and neighbors on these days with free admission and many surprises.
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Family-friendly film screenings | Artmaking PopUpTours | Scavenger hunts
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Thank you for all your support during our record season!
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