Monday, June 23, 2008

WGNA June Newsletter


AM Networking Event

This month, Shepherd’s Center, 5200 Oak St., is hosting an AM Networking on Wednesday, June 25 from 8am to 9am. Plan to attend, see the facilities, hear what’s happening in the community, and make new friends/customers! Light refreshments will be provided.

Southtown Council
Waldo Area Business Association
Brookside Business Association
6814 Troost Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64131-1509
Phone-(816) 523-5553
Fax- (816) 333-1022

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Pet Connection Donations



Pet Connection is Kansas City's No-Kill Animal Adoption Agency. Pet Connection offers low-cost spay / neuter and obedience classes. It is quite costly to care for animals. At Pet Connection, the facility is cage-free!

If you would like to donate to this NO-KILL animal adoption agency, please see the link below for a list of needed items that include laundry detergent, toilet paper, rags, newspaper, and office supplies.

http://thepetconnection.net/Documents/WishlistNov06.xls



Students encouraged to attend Commitment Fairs

The Kansas City, Missouri School District (KCMSD) is asking comprehensive high school students to ensure their enrollment status for the 2008-2009 by attending one of our neighborhood “Commitment Fairs.” The events, to be held throughout the summer, will allow the District to allocate needed resources to its high schools by accurately measuring enrollment.

Students should bring personal identification and a document validating their address. Any of the following items qualifies as proof of residence: Phone bill, water bill, light bill, gas bill, cable bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement. Any of the aforementioned documents must be current within the last 30 days.

The schedule of fairs, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is as follows:

Monday, June 23 and Tuesday, June 24 - Westport High, 315 E. 39th St., Kansas City, MO 64111

Wednesday, June 25 and Thursday, June 26 – Van Horn at East High, 1924 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64127

Monday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 1 - Northeast High, 415 Van Brunt Blvd.,
Kansas City, MO 64124

Monday, July 7 and Tuesday, July 8 – Central High, 3221 Indiana Ave., Kansas City, MO 64128

To provide further help, the District is offering a hot line to help answer any additional questions. The phone number is 816-871-7770.
The hot line is active from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays.

KCMO School District:Budget Hearing. June 23rd

The public will have a chance to offer thoughts on the Kansas City, Missouri School District’s proposed fiscal 2009 budget during a special hearing at 4 p.m.
Monday, June 23, at 1211 McGee St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

The District’s administration, led by interim Superintendent John Martin, will outline the District’s spending priorities and initiatives during this meeting.

The meeting is open to the public and visitors will be able to meet with administrators about the District’s spending priorities. In addition, visitors will learn about the budget development process.

Monday, June 16, 2008

The Numerous Benefits of Walking

If a daily fitness walk could be put in a pill, it would be one of the most popular prescriptions in the world. It has so many health benefits. Walking can reduce the risk of many diseases — from heart attack and stroke to hip fracture and glaucoma. These may sound like claims on a bottle of snake oil, but they're backed by major research. Walking requires no prescription, the risk of side effects is very low, and the benefits are numerous:


Managing your weight.
Combined with healthy eating, physical activity is key to any plan for long-lasting weight control. Keeping your weight within healthy limits can lower your risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis.

Controlling your blood pressure. Physical activity strengthens the heart so it can pump more blood with less effort and with less pressure on the arteries. Staying fit is just as effective as some medications in keeping down blood pressure levels.

Decreasing your risk of heart attack. Exercise such as brisk walking for three hours a week — or just half an hour a day — is associated with a 30% to 40% lower risk of heart disease in women. (Based on the 20-year Nurses' Health Study of 72,000 female nurses.)

Boosting "good" cholesterol – the level of high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Physical activity helps reduce low-density lipoproteins (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) in the blood, which can cause plaque buildup along the artery walls — a major cause of heart attacks.

Lowering your risk of stroke. Regular, moderate exercise equivalent to brisk walking for an hour a day, five days a week, can cut the risk of stroke in half, according to a Harvard study of more than 11,000 men.

Reducing your risk of breast cancer and type 2 diabetes. The Nurses' Health Study also links regular activity to risk reductions for both these diseases. In another study, people at high risk of diabetes cut their risk in half by combining consistent exercise like walking with lower fat intake and a 5% to 7% weight loss.

Avoiding your need for gallstone surgery. Regular walking or other physical activity lowers the risk of needing gallstone surgery by 20% to 31%, found a Harvard study of more than 60,000 women ages 40 to 65.

Protecting against hip fracture. Consistent activity diminishes the risk of hip fracture, concludes a study of more than 30,000 men and women ages 20 to 93.

The list goes on and on. Many other studies indicate a daily brisk walk also can help:

* Prevent depression, colon cancer, constipation, osteoporosis, and impotence
* Lengthen lifespan
* Lower stress levels
* Relieve arthritis and back pain
* Strengthen muscles, bones, and joints
* Improve sleep
* Elevate overall mood and sense of well-being.


Keep it Steady

A steady routine is the most important factor in getting the most out of your exercise program. Walking for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 or more days a week is recommended.

Use these tips to keep you on track:

- During your walks, you should be able to maintain a conversation. If you're breathing too lightly, increase your pace. If you can't catch your breath, slow it down.
- Walk around the local area after lunch or dedicate 15 minutes to walking up and down stairs. Climbing is an excellent way to strengthen your heart.
- At night, trade a half hour of TV for a brisk stroll around the block. Take a friend with you for company or get the whole family involved.


The Best Medicine

Any amount of walking is good, but for the best health results, set a brisk pace and walk for 30 minutes at least 5 times a week. Be sure to check with your doctor on the level of exercise that's best for you.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Free Swim Pool Parties


Visit www.kcmo.org/parks for more information

Monday, June 9, 2008

Movies in the park


2008 Schedule
All movies are free, open to the public and begin at dusk
Schedule subject to change

Click Here to learn more...

Rhythm and Ribs Festival: Free Event


Rhythm and Ribs pays tribute to the Legends of Kansas City Jazz THURSDAY JUNE 12 from 6-8pm @ THE GEM Theatre

The Rhythm and Ribs Festival and the City of Kansas City will pay tribute to the Elderstatesman of Kansas City jazz in a special tribute event June 12th at 6pm at the Gem theatre. The event is free and will include a conversation with the Elderstatesmen as well as a special performance by the Legendary SCAMPS.

This program is free to the public and sponsered by the Rhythm and Ribs Festival and the Elderstatesmen of jazz orginzation

About Rhythm & Ribs
Since its inception in 2005, the Rhythm & Ribs Jazz Festival has attracted thousands of visitors to the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District each year to celebrate two of Kansas City’s greatest traditions: jazz and barbecue. Featuring over two dozen musical acts on two stages, the “Smoke it Baby!” Amateur BBQ Contest, the Jazz Links Education Workshop, film screenings, panel sessions, a children’s pavilion and a host of other activities, Rhythm & Ribs provides family-style fun in one of America’s greatest jazz crossroads, 18th & Vine. For more information on “the heart, the soul & the sauce” of Kansas City, visit .http://www.kcrhythmandribs.com

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Free Health Screening for Women. June 18th

Queen of Hearts is offering a free health screening for women
on Wednesday, June 18 7-10 p.m.

Stop by the Marlborough Community Center for your screening.
Address: 8200 The Paseo Kansas City, MO 64131
(816) 784-3100 Fax: (816) 784-3105

Queen of Hearts is a program funded by the Prime Health Foundation. It includes screening and risk assessment, education and opportunities to improve heart health and gain a level of wellness befitting a queen. Women meeting eligibility criteria, can be referred for additional services, including a comprehensive clinical evaluation by a nurse practitioner in TMC Hospital Hill's newly expanded cardiology center. During the visit, you will receive:

* A review of screening findings and a one-on-one discussion of your cardiovascular risk.
* A personalized plan with recommendations for reducing risks and implementing heart healthy habits.

Call the center at (816) 404-3671 for information or to register.

Insight on a Local Comunity Center near you

Marlborough Community Center



Fitness Center
Everyone knows how important exercising is for keeping our bodies health and fit. Our fitness center has equipment for exercising all parts of the body, plus strength building equipment. Schedule some time in your day to get fit.

Membership fees:
18 year old and above: $3 daily walk-in or $15 monthly.
15-17 years old: $3 daily walk-in or $15 monthly.
MUST be accompanied by a parent to exercise in the fitness area.
Senior citizens: $3 daily walk-in or $10 monthly.


Summer Camp
June 9 to Aug. 15
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Ages: 6-15 years
Cost: $45 a week, per child
The eight-week summer enrichment camp provides a safe environment to meet new friends, go on exciting field trips, take swimming lessons, play games, learn new sports, participate in arts and crafts and other educational programs. Call the center for more information at (816) 784-3100.


Address
8200 The Paseo Kansas City, MO 64131
(816) 784-3100

Hours of operation
Monday through Thursday,
9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday

Friday, June 6, 2008

Celebrate Kansas City Habitat ReStore

Eight years of service to be celebrated by Kansas City Habitat ReStore

On Saturday, June 14, Kansas City Habitat ReStore will celebrate eight years of serving the Kansas City community and Habitat for Humanity Kansas City, with a storewide sale. Nearly everything in the store will be 25 percent off already discounted prices. Free hotdogs and soda will be provided during the lunch hour, and door prizes will be awarded every half hour. Customers, donors, volunteers, clients and individuals who are interested in the ReStore concept are encouraged to attend.
more info...

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Night Hoops Tip-off

Night hoops tip-off event
Registration, giveaways, live disc jockey, basketball, soccer and education. For more information, call (816) 513-0737.
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Central High School, 3221 Indiana

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Free paint available!


Participants pick paint colors and receive other supplies

Warmer weather signals the start of many things – one of which is the City of Kansas City, Mo., Paint Program. In 2007, this program provided free paint and supplies to 310 homeowners.

“This program gives eligible homeowners high-quality, exterior paint for their homes at no cost,” said Bob Jackson, manager of the Property Preservation Division of the Neighborhood and Community Services Department. The Property Preservation Division staff manages the Paint Program.

Eligible applicants must complete an application to receive paint, primer, caulking and other supplies related to the painting of their home (total cost of the paint supplies will not exceed $500). Applicants must:
o Reside in Kansas City, Mo.
o Own and live in the property to be painted
o Own only one property
o Meet these household income guidelines
o One person - $38,300
o Two people - $43,800
o Three people - $49,250
o Four people - $54,700
o Five people - $59,100
o Six people - $63,500
o Seven people - $67,850
o Eight or more people - $72,250.

Paint recipients must make all necessary repairs and properly prepare their houses for painting prior to receiving their supplies. After an inspector determines a house is ready to be painted, a voucher will be awarded to the homeowner that allows them to choose an in-store color of Sherwin-Williams paint; no color matching will be done.

"Sometimes, homeowners need a little help with the upkeep of their property. Through this program, we are able to help people, which helps improve our neighborhoods one house at a time," Jackson said.

For more information and to get an application, visit http://www.kcmo.org/neigh.nsf/web/dbpaint or call the Property Preservation Division, (816) 513-3025.

Media inquiries about this program should be directed to Teresa L. Clark, public information officer for the Neighborhood and Community Services Department, (816) 513-3247.