Kathrine Kirk stopped by First Tee Greater Wichita programming and shot this PSA for us. We thank her so much for her time and we also want to thank Justin McClure Creative for filming the video. What do you guys think? Please consider a tax-deductible donation to First Tee Greater Wichita by clicking the “Donate” button at the top right of the page.
For the sake of this document:All First Tee representatives on-site and involved in programming are referred to as “coaches,” whether they are full-time staff, part-time staff, adult volunteers, interns, or junior coaches.All player engaged in the learning environment are referred to as “players.”All procedures are based on the most recent guidelines provided by local government, and in this case for Kansas. Guidance is subject to change over time, and based on the applicable jurisdiction(s).Virus Prevention ProceduresWash hands thoroughly (for a minimum of 20 seconds) and frequently (at least once before and after every class). Hand sanitizer and facial tissue are available in high traffic areas. Disinfect equipment and learning areas (see below).Health screening for coaches & players: Ask if: medication was used to lower temperatureplayer has been exposed to anyone with coronavirusplayer is awaiting test results in the last 14 daysCheck temperature (over 100 is considered a fever).Equipment use: Avoid sharing of equipment or materials. Any sharing necessitates sanitization between users.Keep track of all equipment and materials used on a daily basis, so it can be sanitized.Rotate equipment shared or used during programming, so there is adequate time to be cleaned and sanitized between uses. Check-in process:Manual check-in process is no longer the preferred method.Nametags should be pre-printed before the season or the class. (when needed)Players either bring nametag or take pre-printed ones upon arrival.Players should arrive at or near class start time and follow instructions from their coaches to the learning area.Siblings and family members must not encroach on the learning area.Coach conducts verbal attendance at the beginning of class.Make-up classes are not allowed.During Programming:Always maintain distancing of 6 feet.Maximum 30 people in a group, including coaches and players.Parents must remain outside of the learning environment, unless they are a designated coach.Utilize outdoor program areas as much as possible, for ventilation.Physical contact is avoided at all times (e.g., high-five, handshake), and unless emergency care is necessary.Different groups or individuals shall not be mixed or commingled. Sanitization ProceduresWindows and doors should be opened in indoor areas for ventilation.Bleach solution: 1/3 cup (5 tbsp) bleach per gallon of water. Coaches should wear facial covering and gloves during all sanitization procedures, after which point gloves should be discarded and masks discarded or sanitized.Coaches should also wear eye protection if chemicals are being sprayed. If masks and eye protection are not available, chemicals should be applied with a rag or towel, rather than being sprayed.First, clean with standard soap or detergent and water.Once cleaned, surface is disinfected with bleach solution.For porous surfaces (carpets, floors, drapes): vacuum, then clean using a washing machine at the hottest water setting. Towels, clothing, linens (and other items that are laundered):If possible, do not shake laundry, to prevent dispersion of virus.Launder items at the hottest water setting (within tag instructions). Clean and disinfect any hampers or laundry baskets as a “surface”.Staffing & TrainingPre-season training provided for all coaches.Coaches indicate full understanding of importance and details of virus prevention procedures.Coaches should be in good personal health before the season begins (daily health screenings are also provided.)One person is assigned to “deep cleaning” each day, at each facility.Pre-season orientations are conducted online and/or small groups.players’ season materials are made available in week 1 (yardage book, bag tag, membership card).Group sizesEvery person counts toward group size, including coaches & players.Groups shall be 30 or fewer individuals, including coaches & players.Suggested class structures:
30 players, 2 coaches
25 players, 3 coaches
Facilities: Adequate space is available, and designated for, program use. If space is not reserved and reliable, groups will not be able to control the safety of their environment as easily.Remove hard-to-clean items from classrooms and learning areas.Everything that is touched needs to be sanitized, so only have out what you need for the day.If you don’t need it on a regular basis, put it in cabinets or storage.Organize materials, supplies and equipment in secure compartments, and lock when possible.Supplies NeededDisinfectant spraySpray bottlesHand sanitizerCloth or paper towelsBleach (and water)Rubbing alcohol (90%)Buckets/receptaclesThermometersDisposable glovesFace masksEye protection (eye glasses/sunglasses)TroubleshootingWhen should someone stay home?If someone in your household has had any cold/flu symptoms in the past 72 hours.People who are at a higher risk, including those: age 60+, with weakened immune systems, who are pregnant, and those with underlying health conditions including cancer, heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes.What if a coach or player does not pass the screening?Those who do not pass the screening are not permitted to participate, and must return home. What if a coach does not comply with the guidelines?Revisit the expectations and guidelines, and if the coach still does not comply, ask them to go home and/or call the Program Director to report the incident.What if a player does not comply with the guidelines?Revisit the expectations and guidelines, and if the player still does not comply, make immediate contact with a parent or guardian by phone. Report the incident to the Program Director.How do we provide first aid or medical care while maintaining proper distancing?In the event that medical care is required, that is first priority. While the coach should not hesitate to follow First Aid & CPR procedures, including Check, Call & Care, they should first put on a face mask and disposable gloves.What if there’s an emergency, and evacuation procedures require us to gather in a smaller space or larger group?In the event of emergency, where evacuation is necessary, the immediate physical safety of individuals and the group is first priority. Coaches should ensure that is taken care of, and then try to ensure COVID-19 prevention procedures are followed as possible.
A Memorial fund has been set up in remembrance of Jack West. Jack West is the bother of Tom West, President of the board of First Tee Greater Wichita.
Jack West
DALLAS, TX-West, John “Jack” Mason On April 3, 2020, John (Jack) Mason West passed away in his home in Dallas, Texas from complications from cancer. Jack was born December 12, 1942 in Wichita, KS, to Ivan M. and Helen L. West. His parents and stepmother Dona West and sister Becky Norris preceded him in death. Jack is survived by his wife, Diane Slicker West of Dallas, TX, his sons, Johnny (Danielle) West of Noosa Heads, Queensland; Brian (Karla) West of Wichita; Lucas West of Denton, TX; his daughter, Amanda (Scott) Holder of Wichita; his step-daughter Angela L. Booth; grandchildren, Alli West, Mason West, Rae Grace West, Brady West, Kerrigan West, and step-grandchildren Cabot Booth and Seri Claire Booth; his brothers, Richard (Alisa) West, Tom (Jan) West, and sister Sara Bond all of Wichita. Jack was raised and educated in Wichita having graduated Southeast High School in 1960. While there, he served as President of the first class graduating from Southeast, he was a star on the swim team and held the state record in the breast stroke for many years. He later attended Friends University and graduated with a BS in Human Resource Management. Jack was a successful entrepreneur having started more than 40 businesses in several industries including Healthcare, Fast-food, Fitness Centers, Real Estate Development, and Apartment Management. Primarily he was a leader in the senior housing industry beginning in the early 1980’s. In 1982, he developed the Georgetown Village Retirement Community, an innovative senior living community located in Wichita. In the 1990’s, he continued to refine his concept of assisted living through the development and operation of smaller assisted living residences in Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. In 2002, he formed the Country Place Senior Living and Country Place Memory Care brands that continue to provide senior care in 18 to 26 suite assisted living residences. In the past several years, Jack worked to pioneer the concept of assisted living for senior citizens in China. Jack’s business mantra was “Do Well While Doing Good”. While accomplishing many things in the business world, Jack was grounded in his faith. At one point in time he considered becoming a minister and involved faith in all of his business and personal relationships. Memorial services will be held at a later date in Wichita. A memorial has been established in his memory with The First Tee of Greater Wichita, PO Box 285, Andover, KS. 67002. www.firstteegreaterwichita.org/donate.
Bill Keckler
Keckler, Bill C. 68 years old, left us on November 8, 2019. Born and raised in Wichita, he was active all his life in sports. After 40 years in the construction business he retired to golf, travel and enjoy time with his family. Bill was a caring, loving and dedicated husband, father and papa. He was an honest, hard-working man. A trusted, loyal friend has gone. We will miss the twinkle in his eye and the joy in his smile. Survived by a legacy of proud and loved women. We appreciate flowers, but we ask you to honor Bill as he lived his life, with an unexpected act of kindness. Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 am, Friday, November 15, 2019, at Wichita United Church of Christ, 6000 E. Harry.
Click HERE to donate to the Bill Keckler Memorial Fund
Click Here to Donate to Charlie Gregg Memorial Fund.
TOWANDA-Gregg, Charles Wayland “Charlie” 77, passed away July 6, 2019. Charlie was born in Grainton, NE on April 16, 1942 to Chester and Mabel Gregg. His siblings are Keith, Jack (Joyce), Judy, and Doug (Cynthia) Gregg. He married Martha Boyd in 1980 and is the father of Brenda (Phil) Freeman, Andrea (Scott) Rice, Debra (Chris) Draus, and Will James Gregg; and the grandfather of Bryce (Megan) and Breanna Tretter, Emma and Olivia Rice, and Garrett and Julia Draus. Charlie retired from Continental Can Company where he traveled to Kuwait, Germany, and Russia while working with the international division. He was an avid golfer, winning the El Dorado city tournament in 1999, and also enjoyed gardening, fishing, and his family. He was loved very much by all of them and will be dearly missed. In honor of his love for the game memorials may be made to the First Tee of Greater Wichita, P.O. Box 285, Andover, KS 67002 in order to encourage and support young golfers. There will be no service, but condolences may be shared at www.dlwichita.com
Click Here to Donate to Charlie Gregg Memorial Fund.
On Monday, June 10th, we had an opportunity to introduce the game of golf to 99 kids at Rainbows United. The kids loved the experience and had smiles on their faces the entire time. Each one of them was so encouraging to one another. We loved working with all the kids and can’t wait to go back in July! Read more about it and see more pictures on our Facebook page! Click HERE
Randy Sawyer
Sawyer, Randy, 66, of Wichita, Kansas departed from this life to his eternal life with the Lord on Friday, June 21, 2019 at his home in Wichita. Randy was born the son of Hubert and Jacquelyn Sawyer on October 16, 1952 in Tribune, Kansas. Randy and Janell Sawyer were united in marriage on September 6, 1975 in Wichita.
Click Here to Donate to Randy Sawyer Memorial Fund.
Randy grew up and attended school in Wellington, Kansas. He played on the Wellington High School golf team and participated in Debate. Upon graduation from high school he attended Wichita State University and majored in accounting, receiving his bachelor’s degree in December of 1974. While at WSU he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and served as treasurer and kitchen manager. Randy was given the opportunity to be employed in the ministry for ten years as a church administrator for a non-denominational church in Wichita. In addition to his responsibilities there he was a member of the church band and played the trumpet, flugle horn and saxophone. He later worked as the administrator/accountant for a large doctor’s office, and eventually he and his wife Janell owned and operated a retail tax office, which they sold and retired from two years ago. Randy was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His family was THE most important thing to him besides his faith in the Lord and his service to others. He loved serving and helping other people. The church ministry he was in gave him tremendous satisfaction. He enjoyed golf, pickleball, and attending his childrens’ and grandchildrens’ athletic events. After his children were grown he learned how to swing dance with Janell and became involved with the Wichita Swing Dance Society, serving as the president for 2 years. He and Janell made many good friends through dancing and had continued to enjoy social dancing for almost 19 years. Randy was known to his many friends as having a quick wit and always ready with a new joke or jab. Another source of pleasure for him was playing his trumpet and flugle horn and having the privilege of accompanying some of his favorite local musicians.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers; Michael W. Sawyer and Gregory Sawyer. Survivors include his loving wife; Janell Sawyer, children; Stacey Davis, Lindsay (Jerrit) Burgess, Brent Sawyer, brother; Blake Sawyer, grandchildren; Aiden Davis, Ashlyn Davis, Adilynn Burgess, Livia Burgess. Celebration of life service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at Life.Church, 338 N. 127th St. E., Wichita. Inurnment is at Lakeview Cemetery, Wichita. Memorials have been established in his name and loving memory to First Tee of Greater Wichita, P. O. Box 285, Andover, KS 67002.
Click Here to Donate to Randy Sawyer Memorial Fund
William Jack NovasconeWilliam “Jack” Novascone, 76, Business Owner, passed away Monday, April 8, 2019. Rosary will be at 6:00 pm, Monday, April 15; Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Tuesday, April 16, both Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Elaine Novascone; parents, F.L. and Regina Novascone. Survived by his sons, Todd Novascone of Washington, DC, Corey (Kelly) Novascone of Wichita, KS, Jason (Heather) Novascone of Wichita, KS; daughter, Molly (Jeremy) Lowden of Mesa, AZ; grandchildren, Grace Novascone, William Novascone, Leni Novascone, Izzy Novascone, Brielle Novascone, Maizley Lowden, Desmond Lowden. A memorial has been established with: First Tee of Greater Wichita, P. O. Box 285, Andover, KS 67002 https://www.firstteegreaterwichita.org
Jack is special to The First Tee Greater Wichita as he was the father of our program Director, Corey Novascone. We appreciate your donations to further the growth of the game of golf in his dads name. Please click this link to donate: Jack Novascone Memorial Fund
Joseph David “Dave” Chisholm
Donate to Dave Chisholm Memorial Fund – Click HERE
64, co-owner of Decorators Services/Jane Chisholm Designs, passed away Monday, November 26th, after a tough battle with cancer. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Patricia Chisholm, and his sister, Teri Chisholm. He is survived by his wife, Janie, and his brother, Clay (Eileen) of Atlanta, Georgia, and many, many nieces and nephews.
Dave and Janie were married on February 29, 1976 and have lived in Wichita their entire married life. They started their custom window covering business in 1979, which is still a very active business. Dave was an avid and accomplished bowler, golfer, gardener, and especially enjoyed his hostas and his koi pond. He was an active member of the Kansas Pond Society and the Wichita Hosta Society.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 29, 2018, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm; Memorial Service will be Friday, November 30, at 11:00 am, both at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Memorials have been established with: The First Tee Greater Wichita, P.O. Box 285, Andover, KS 67002; Botanica, 701 Amidon St., Wichita, KS 67203.
We want to give a huge congrats to one of our Level 1 Coaches; Colin O’Bryan. O’bryan is a Level 1 coach with us at The First Tee of Greater Wichita he is also a PGA Class A Pro at MacDonald Golf Course. Colin was nominated for the Kansas PGA Teacher of Year and the PGA Youth Development Teacher of the Year. Not only is Colin a great teacher for our local youth, he’s a great player. He recently competed in the Kansas PGA Chapter Championship at Terradyne and shot 72 to WIN the tournament!
We appreciate all your hard work at The First Tee Greater Wichita, and you have an enormous impact on the youth in the Wichita Area. Keep up your hard work Colin!
Colin O’Bryan holds the Kansas PGA Chapter Championship trophy.
Today is a very sad day for all of us with The First Tee of Greater Wichita. We lost a founding board member and wonderful supporter of our chapter.
Steve Hatchett passed away Monday, October 1st. Being a founding board member, Steve was instrumental in the startup and ongoing success of The First Tee Greater Wichita Pro-Am at Flint Hills National. His passion for The First Tee kids and his love for the great game of golf helped guide us to the success we currently enjoy.
Steve was a close friend to many of us on the board. We shared many great moments together. Steve made every friend he had feel like his best friend.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Rest In Peace our friend….we’ve got it from here.
To donate to Steve’s First Tee Greater Wichita Memorial Fund – follow this link HERE
