Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Thurs 10/19 - Under The Stars

On Thurs 10/19, the monthly WGNA meeting was held at Dave's Place at 2116 East 74th Street. The "Under The Stars" Event was originally planned to take place outside. However, the chilly October air and rain-soaked grounds didn't cooperate, so the event was moved inside. The Welcome was presented by H. Ray Thomas and Faye Johnson-Kendrick. Further Quadrant details were presented by Lee Bohannon. The formal monthly WGNA meeting was replaced for the "Under The Stars" Event to give us a chance to have fellowship with residents. There was great food (including veggie burgers for those of us who are saving our calories for Thanksgiving), music, and friendship!

Neighborhood Improvement Program representatives, TaWana Woodard and Venessa Wates, and City Councilwoman, Cindy Circo made our event spectatular! We'd like to thank these city officials for taking the time to show their concern for our neighborhood and acknowledge their efforts for Walnut Grove. Since WGNA became a NIP neighborhood, we have noticed more city officials at our meetings and faster response to address our concerns, including cleaning up brush that hung over Hickman Mills Drive, Rachel Morado, and Paseo Boulevard. We'd also like to thank Dave's Place for providing a meeting place for us to come together.

Please check back shortly for pictures from "Under The Stars".

CSI Event #1 - Quandrant 3

FELLOWSHIP, FOOD, & FUN

On Saturday, May 19th, 2007, the Walnut Grove Neighborhood Association (WGNA) of Kansas City held it's first Community Social Initiative (CSI) Event of 2007. Earlier this year, WGNA sectioned itself into quadrants to provide better communication and community. The first CSI was held at the home of Mrs. Rosie Williams of Quadrant 3. With a more than dozen WGNA residents in attendance, the group toured the rain gardens of WGNA Quadrant 3 resident, Mrs. Kathy Graham. The group participated in an educational ice breaker that taught WGNA facts and statistics. Schwag bags full of community pamphlets and goodies (including CFL light bulbs) were distributed to Quadrant 3 residents in attendance. Wonderful food was served, beautiful music was heard, and infectious laughter rang throughout the warm afternoon. It was good to see the local community come together for fellowship, food, and fun. For further details, please visit www.wgnakc.blogspot.com.

Sat 10/3 - PROJECT WARMTH - Coat & Blanket Drive

COAT & BLANKET DRIVE - ONE DAY ONLY!
Saturday, November 3, 2007, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

On Saturday, November 3, 2007 community volunteers will be collecting COATS & BLANKETS at the following locations between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. REMEMBER, this is your ONLY chance to bring your items to the malls. BELGER CARTAGE donates their trucks and drivers, and DEAN REALTY CO. donates warehouse space. Bring items to:

Antioch Center, Independence Center, The Legends at Village West, Metcalf South Shopping Center, Metro North Mall, Oak Park Mall, Sears Grand-Lee's Summit, Town Center Plaza, Tuileries Plaza, Walmart-Belton, Ward Parkway Center and Zona Rosa.

All items collected are sorted and distributed FREE by the Salvation Army, and given to approximately 100 agencies and shelters in the 8-county Metropolitan area for needy in their respective areas.

The purpose of Project Warmth is to make winter months more bearable for thousands of area residents in need. Since it was started by The Kansas City Star and KCTV5 in 1982, Project Warmth has collected more than 2,000 tons of food, clothing and blankets and more than $7.6 million for area children, families and the elderly. Cash donations are managed by the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation and distributed by Mid America Assistance Coalition and the Salvation Army for utility bills, rent and weatherization. This is an all-volunteer effort made possible by the following corporate sponsors:

The Kansas City Star, KCTV, Belger Cartage Inc, Commerce Bank, Cable-Dahmer Chevrolet, City Chevrolet, Dean Realty Co., Koch Bag, Nexlink, Seneca Data, Technology Group Solutions, llc, Tension Envelope and our radio sponsors: KFKF 94FM, Mix 93.3, Q104 and Star 102.

Project Warmth goes to those who need it most:

* Project Warmth dollars go to help the working poor.
* Project Warmth is transitional help only — to get people back on their feet.
* Project Warmth helps families with children and the elderly, who are especially at risk during winter months.


CASH donations can be made by mail to P.O. Box 419039, Kansas City, MO64141-6039, OR online at www.TheKansasCityStore.com.

For more information, call Diane Scott at (816) 234-4140.








PROJECT WARMTH EVENTS AND FUNDRAISING FOR 2007

* Project Warmth collection @ Area Malls: Nov. 3 ONE DAY ONLY, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bring your coats and blankets (PLEASE, NO CLOTHES) to area malls between the hours of 9-3. Look for the volunteers staffing a Belger truck with Project Warmth banner.

* Project Warmth Car Giveaway: Nov 3- Dec 14

Beginning Saturday, November 3, for a $50 donation to Project Warmth, you can get a chance to win one of two NEW MALIBUS donated by CABLE-DAHMER and CITY CHEVROLET. Built right here in Kansas City by Kansas City people at the Fairfax Plant! To get your chance to win you can make your donations at either dealership, at drop sites at the malls, or go online to (TBD). The winner will be drawn LIVE on KCTV at the end of the telethon.

* Project Warmth Day: Dec. 14

On Friday, Dec. 14 KCTV5 will broadcast the annual Project Warmth Day Special. Operators will be accepting pledges, and throughout the day, KCTV5 will air live Project Warmth updates reminding viewers of the need that exists in the community and encouraging them to phone in pledges.

* Contribution Envelope: Dec. 16

In cooperation with Tension Envelope and Commerce Bank, on Sunday, Dec. 16, Project Warmth postage-paid envelopes will be distributed in The Kansas City Star. Contributors may use them to send in donations. The envelopes have raised more than $4 million.

* Editorial Cartoons donated by Lee Judge

Judge's cartoons have raised more than $158,000. A $50 donation buys an original cartoon. Watch for ads in The Star in November and December with the Cartoon Request Form, and mail it with your $50 donation, made payable to PROJECT WARMTH: Project Warmth, c/o The Kansas City Star, 1729 Grand Blvd, KCMO 64108 OR contact Trudy Hurley, 816-234-4885; thurley@kcstar.com to request your original cartoon.

Property Preservation Division Accepting Applications

The Property Preservation Division is accepting applications for the following programs:

Barrier Removal Program -- The Barrier Removal Program removes obstacles in and around the homes of physically disabled people to enhance access. Improvements include ramps, bath tub and shower rails, and stair lifts. This program is available to homeowners and to renters who have obtained landlord approval.

Paint Program -- The Paint Program provides paint and painting supplies to residents who meet the income guidelines. Applications for this program are available online at http://www.kcmo.org/neigh.

Weatherization Program -- The Weatherization Program specializes in energy conservation. Repairs include air sealing measures; door and window repair or replacement; insulation of attics, walls and basements; abatement of health and safety related issues; and furnace and water heater repair or replacement. Applications for this program are available online at http://www.kcmo.org/neigh.

Home Improvement Rebate Program – The Home Improvement Rebate Program provides up to a $4,500 rebate for home repair for pre-qualified homeowners. New structures and room additions are not eligible.

Fall Leaf and Brush Collection

News from City Hall
City Communications Office
City of Kansas City, Mo.
www.kcmo.org
CONTACT: Mary Charles, City Communications Officer, (816) 513-1356
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 19, 2007
Fall leaf and brush collection begins Nov. 5

The City of Kansas City, Mo., Public Works Department’s fall leaf and brush curbside collection for residents begins Nov. 5, with two collection dates that correspond to their usual trash day. Residents are asked to place paper sacks and small bundles of brush at the curb by 7 a.m. on their scheduled collection day. The collections are scheduled according to area and trash day as follows:


Southland schedule (From 63rd Street to the southern city limit)
- Monday trash day collections are Nov. 26 and Dec 17
- Tuesday trash day collections are Nov. 27 and Dec. 18
- Wednesday trash day collections are Nov. 28 and Dec. 19
- Thursday trash day collections are Nov. 29 and Dec. 20
- Friday trash day collections are Nov. 30 and Dec. 21

A map highlighting each of the collection areas is available on the City’s Web site at http://www.kcmo.org/pubworks.nsf/web/leaves1.

These are the collection rules:
- Paper lawn sacks only, no plastic bags
- Only masking tape may be used to seal paper lawn sacks
- Brush must be bundled not exceeding 4 feet in length and 2 feet in diameter
- Use twine for bundles, no wire
- Sacks and bundles must weigh less than 40 pounds each
- No more than 20 sacks/bundles per residence
- No grass clippings, no trash
- If wet weather is forecast, cover sacks/bundles with clear plastic.
- If sacks and bundles are not picked up on your scheduled day, call the Action Center by dialing 311 or (816) 513-1313 within 24 hours.

Residents may use the City’s two leaf and brush drop-off sites, which are open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Jan. 12, 2008. The sites are at 1815 N. Chouteau Trafficway and south of Interstate 470 on Raytown Road.

For more information about the leaf and brush collection program, call the 3-1-1 Action Center at 311 or (816) 513-1313.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Summer 2008 Student Jobs

The United States Environmental Protection Agency‘s mission is to protect human health and the environment.



Student Duties:
Students will perform work in support of EPA’s mission. Summer Student Positions include: Environmental Protection Assistant, Clerical, and Technical.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 will accept applications for the summer 2008 Student Temporary Employment Program Now through February 28, 2008.

Time frames and Location: Summer program: June 1 not to exceed September 30, 2008. Positions will be located in the EPA Region 7 Office or Laboratory in Kansas City, Kansas.

Qualification Requirements: Applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least age 16 by entry on duty date. Applicants must be accepted for enrollment, or enrolled, as a degree (diploma, certificate, etc) student in High School or an accredited technical or vocational school, 2 year or 4 year college or university, graduate or professional school and have at least a 2.0 GPA. If the student is enrolled, they must be taking at least a half-time course load. Students who are related to EPA Region 7 employees are not eligible.

Pay Scale: Pay is based on Qualifying Educational Level and the corresponding Government Grade. Range: GS: 1 – GS: 7 ($ 9.00/hour - $ 16.00/hour).



How To Apply:
* Submit resume describing past/present school and work experiences.
* Attach a cover letter expressing interest in working at U.S. EPA Region 7, the type of work you are interested in doing, and your availability.
* Attach a copy of your most recent transcript.
* For college students or graduating high school seniors, submit a copy of your letter of enrollment or a copy of your upcoming school schedule.
* Submit OF-306 Declaration of Federal Employment
* Website: http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of0306.pdf


Submit all required information no later than February 28, 2008 to Human Resources Team at the address below. Applications submitted without all of the qualifying information will NOT be considered.

United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7 Summer Employment Opportunity
901 N. 5th Street, Kansas City, KS 66101
www.epa.gov/region07/

For More Information, Contact:
Carol Lammering, Student Employment Coordinator, 913-551-7204
Naima Halim-Chestnut, EEO Officer, 913-551-7168.

Trash Workers Appreciation Day Event

Event: 2nd Annual Trash Worker’s Appreciation Day Event

To: You and your neighbors

Date: October 24th, 2007
Time: 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM

Place: Greg Klice Community Center
1600 E. 17 Terrace

Hosted by: Kansas City Neighborhood Advisory Council (KCNAC) and the
City of Kansas City, Missouri



Why: This is our chance again this year to thank the workers that keep our
City’s trash picked up on a regular schedule regardless of the
conditions. We know it’s not an easy job. This event was a huge success last year! Join us again in the spirit of working together to continue to make Kansas City a great place to live and work.

What to Besides your smiling face, we’re asking neighborhood folks to bring
bring: a snack such as veggies, fruit, cheese & crackers, chips and dip, cookies or a dessert to share and add to the festivities.

Who to Contact: Tammy Gay - 816-333-4410



Kansas City Trash Trivia:
- Each day an average of 430 tons of trash from 10,000 homes.
- Each day 80 tons of recyclables are picked up.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Sat 10/6 - Voter Registration Drive

FREEDOM, INC. TO SPONSOR VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE


A voter-registration drive will be held at six locations on Saturday, October 6 to accommodate new voters who desire to register prior to the deadline date of Wednesday, October 10. New voters must be registered by October 10 to become eligible voters in the upcoming November 6 election.

Deputy Registrars will be available from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the following locations in Kansas City (Jackson County), Missouri: Leon's Thriftway, Seven Oaks Shopping Center, 39th & Kensington; Plaza Apple Mart, Emanuel Cleaver Blvd. at Troost: Happy Foods, 31st & Myrtle; Metro Thriftway, 1616 E. 63rd St; Price Chopper, 63rd St. at Blue Ridge Cutoff; and the Freedom, Inc. office, 12th & Brooklyn (Gates Center).

Individuals can register if they are: age 18 or older on or before November 6; a resident of Kansas City within Jackson County and a United States citizen; not declared incompetent; pardoned, discharged or released from any felony conviction; and have never been convicted of any crime related to voting. Address and name changes can also be made for current voters.

Orissa Kelley-Logan is Vice Chair of the Freedom, Inc. voter registration committee and coordinator of this activity. State Representative Craig Bland is president of Freedom, Inc.


For immediate release Contact: Rosa James
(816) 923-2983
rjames3@sbcglobal.net
October 2, 2007