YPW Day at the Capitol Recap

The Leadership Link Team of YPW has committed to provide events that bring awareness to the importance of our local and state government. One such keen initiation was to arrange a day trip to the state capitol, Topeka on Tuesday, Jan 24th 2012. This thoughtfully planned and brilliantly executed event was sponsored by iSi Environmental.

We arrived at Topeka around 10.30 am. The group was a true representation of YPW – engineers, financial consultants, business owners, students and job seekers all trying to get more involved in society. Some already had a political background while others, like me, were hoping to learn more about the political processes & persons involved. The House of Representatives session convened at 11.00 am and during the announcements the Speaker of the House introduced YPW and the legislators responded with a standing ovation to welcome us!

We then proceeded to lunch and an interactive session with legislators - Rep. Brenda Landwehr (R), Rep. Jim Ward (D), Sen. Garrett Love (R). The panel was very forthcoming with their answers about what inspired them to run for office and what the YPs can do to get more involved at an official level. The belief that they can make a difference and the desire to do it was the common theme of their motivation to seek a political career and that’s what still motivates them every day. They appreciate the citizen legislature system in Kansas which allows them to have regular work when the House / Senate are not in session. [The annual legislative sessions starts the second Monday in January and ends in early April (90 calendar days)]. Among the panel, Sen. Love (24 yrs of age) is a business owner while Rep. Ward is an Attorney by profession. The panel believed YPW is a good start to making a difference and suggested YPs get more active at the school, city or council level.

We then made our way to Governor Brownback’s office where we were shown around before the Governor arrived and answered a few questions. Then we started the tour of the Capitol building from the east wing, visited the House and Senate Chamber as well as sat in on a committee meeting.

We then met with Securities Commissioner, Aaron Jack, who shared his expert knowledge and views on some of the current issues. We then started on our way back to Wichita after an interesting and informative day at the Capitol. On a more personal note, what started as an opportunity to learn more about the political processes and meet prominent figures, ended with an appreciation for the approachable nature of the political leaders.

CLICK HERE to view pictures from the day!

Dining Out with Pulse: Il Ponte

In my time here in Wichita, I’ve come to know the city as one which has a wide variety of wonderful Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Regardless of where you live, you are probably close to an establishment that can satisfy your cravings for this type of food. Despite the number of choices, Wichitans would be foregoing a great dining experience if they don’t try a restaurant named Il Ponte Café, which is located on the northeast side of town at 3101 North Rock Road.

Il Ponte is located in a strip mall on the west side of Rock Road just north of 29th Street. Its appearance doesn’t stand out in any significant respect, so you need to be on the lookout for it. The interior of Il Ponte is actually quite spacious. In fact, it even has a small bar area for you to enjoy your favorite adult beverage.

The menu features a mixture of your favorite Mediterranean dishes along with traditional Italian dishes. Every item on the menu is reasonably priced, and entrees range from $9.50 to $13.95. If you are a fan of seafood, do not go to Il Ponte without having the herb crusted salmon with lobster sauce. It is, without a doubt, the best salmon dish in town.

Outside of the food, what makes Il Ponte such a great dining experience is its staff. The waitresses are friendly, attentive, and eager to ensure that your needs are met. Additionally, it is not out of the ordinary for the chef to make his way out to the restaurant floor to greet the patrons, answer any questions about the food, and make sure that your meal exceeded expectations.

The best part of Il Ponte, however, might be its Sunday buffet (11 am–3 pm). If you’re like me, you typically like to do as little as possible on Sunday in an attempt to soak up that last bit of your weekend, which includes trying to cook something for lunch. Thus, if you’re looking for a tasty meal to fill you up for the rest of the day, then try Il Ponte. Every Sunday, the chef features different chicken, beef, and pork dishes, along with pasta, hummus and more. In my opinion, the Sunday buffet at Il Ponte is the best buffet in Wichita, regardless of the day. Be forewarned, though, because you’ll need to bring an appetite.

about the author:
Brett Legvold enjoys long walks on the beach, candlelight dinners...ok, maybe not. How about: Brett is an attorney at Martin Pringle. Outside of work, Brett enjoys playing, watching, and debating anything and everything that has to do with sports, watching movies and TIVO'd shows, and spending quality time with his wife and child, a border collie.

Boys & Girls Club Friend-raiser

YMCA Strong Vines Wine Tasting

I've had the opportunity to tour Curtis Middle School and get a first-hand look at what the Strong Kids Campaign is does for these students just in the after school programs. It is absolutely amazing and I strongly encourage you to check out what they do in this community! Thanks!

Lights of Love

This weekend is Lights of Love at Bradley Fair. Along with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:00 Saturday and the Bradley Fair carriage rides is the opportunity for pictures with Santa with donations to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities Wichita.

In addition to the Christmas Tree lighting & photos with Santa, several of the businesses at Bradley Fair are donating a portion of their proceeds over the weekend to RMHC Wichita. Listed below the businesses participating, please consider patronizing them during the donation times to help support a worthy cause while you enjoy dinner or lunch!

Thursday (TODAY!)

• On the Border is donating 10% of sales.

Saturday

• Il Vicino is donating 10% of sales.
• Marble Slab Creamery is donating 10% of sales.
• Carla's Love it, clothing store is donating 10% of sales.
• Jason's Deli is donating 10% of sales from 4pm-8pm only.
• Coco Dolce is creating a chocolate bag called "Cheers to Hope". This bag will include one champagne chocolate and one strawberry chocolate. The proceeds from this item will be donated to RMHC Wichita.

 

Boys & Girls Club Save the Date!

Candy Canes and Cocktails

A “friend”raiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas.

Hosted by the Young Leaders Impact Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas.

Come hang out with us for a few hours, enjoy the food, drinks and live music, and learn about how you can make an impact on the future young professionals in the Wichita area! More details to come, but get it on your calendar now. You will not want to miss this event!

12/13/11

5:30pm-7:30pm

Rock Island Live

Don't miss the 10th Annual Boo & Brew Bash!

Tickets available HERE