Free learn to swim classes begins October 6th

KCMO Parks Offers Free Learn to Swim Classes
"Make a Splash" program starts October 6

Starting October 6, Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation will offer free learn to swim classes at Tony Aguirre Community Center, Gregg Klice Community Center and at Central High School.

Both community centers have 50 free slots for learn to swim classes;
Central High School has 125 slots available.
Classes run for 8-weeks and are open to kids ages 8-17.
Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The "Make a Splash" free swim classes are underwritten by the United States Olympic Organizing Committee-Urban Outreach Grant. The program exists because:

o 9 people drown each day in the U.S.
o In ethnically-diverse communities, the youth drowning rate is more than double the national average
o The key indicator in this was not race, but family -- Children from non-swimming households are eight times more likely to be at-risk of drowning
o While about 1/3 of white children from non- swimming families go on to learn to swim, less than 1/10 of children in non-swimming African American families do. By teaching these children, "Make a Splash" is breaking the cycle and creating generations of parents-to-be who will know how to swim

Registration for free swim classes is available now at Tony Aguire Community Center, 2050 West Pennway; Gregg-Klice Community Center, 1600 John "Buck" O'Neil Way; and evening hours at Central High School, 3201 Indiana. Contact Sam Duncan, 816-513-7655, for details.

Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation

Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation's mission is to improve the quality of life by providing recreational, leisure and aesthetic opportunities for all citizens, and by conserving and enhancing the environment. We accomplish this mission by providing quality programming, making the best use of existing resources, developing a supportive and influential constituency, developing effective collaborations and partnerships, and acquiring and preserving natural features.

Website: http://www.kcmo.org/parks

Make a Splash

Make a Splash is a national child-focused water safety initiative created by the USA Swimming Foundation. It works by aligning the nation's top learn-to-swim resources in an effort to save lives. Make a Splash educates parents through a national awareness campaign, saves lives by joining forces with grassroots learn-to-swim programs and reaches thousands of children through wide-reaching in- school materials.

Website: http://swimfoundation.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?pid=261&srcid=183


Kansas City Parks and Recreation
Heidi Downer
Director of Marketing
Email: heidi_downer@kcmo.org
Phone: 816-513-7527 Kansas City Parks and Recreation

Mark Bowland
Central Region Manager
Email: mark_bowland@kcmo.org
Phone: 816-513-7590

Monthly Prayer: 1st Saturday of the month.

Your invited to join us for monthly prayer this week on October 4th.
We meet the First Saturday of each month at Dave's place.
Be there at 9a.m.
Hope to see you there.

September WGNA Meeting Minutes

Please click the link below, to view the minutes from the 9/18 WGNA Meeting.

http://wgnakc.googlepages.com/WGNA-MonthlyMeetingMinutes-2008.09.1.doc

It's getting cold again....

The Home Weatherization Program assists homeowners by providing energy conservation services customized to meet their specific needs. Eligible applicants receive a two- to four-hour energy audit performed by a City employee, to determine where energy escapes and the most cost-effective way to correct energy use problems. Read More Click Here >>>

Benefit Motorcycle Run....

Benefit Motorcycle Run Features Unsolved Homicide & Missing Person Cases

When: Saturday, October 4th, 2008
Time: Registration: 12:00 N - 1:00
Where: Knucklehead's Saloon, 2719 Rochester, KC,MO
Registration Fee: $20 / Rider

It is quickly becoming common knowledge that KC is at the top of the list for it’s violence and homicide rates. In addition to the new cases in the news on almost a daily basis there are many more that are still waiting to be solved. The members of the KC Chapter of Parents Of Murdered Children know this pain all too well and have decided this year to put the focus on those unsolved cases. The would like to help keep the faces of these victims in the public eye by posting posters directly from the KC Crime Commission and TIPS at their annual fundraiser this year. They will also have members of some of these families available for comment at the event.

In addition to this, the chapter has also focused on public safety to try and help prevent this from being the fate of even more area families.
They will be providing information everything from Gun Laws, child safety, The Kelsey Smith Foundation and free gun locks to each participant. The chapter has also organized with the Independence Police Department to provide Child ID kits to neighborhood children. They will be administered at Cold Stone Creamery, 12400 Jackson Drive next door to the Sam & Lindsey Porter Memorial Park. They will also be offering a chance to sign up for a T.A.K.E. Defense class provided free by the Ali Kemp Foundation.

In addition to the to the other functions, there will also be a free lunch and live music from 1:00 - 8:00PM.

For the prizes this year the chapter has been kindly donated everything from a Deluxe One night stay at the Westin Crown center to a hand sewn quilt donated by the woman inmates at the Chilicothe Correctional Center.

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Michelle Frye please call 816-885-0736 or e-mail mfrye79@grm.net . You may also visit the chapter web site for more information @ www.kcpomc.org .

THINK PINK: Facts on Breast Health

THINK PINK Event Focused on Fun and Fashion and Facts on Breast Health

Providence Medical Center and Saint John Hospital, along with the American Cancer Society and Cancer Action are teaming up to plan a fun, woman-focused event on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. The event, which was held last year, will again be hosted at the Legends 14 Theatres at Village West in western Wyandotte County.
Read More Click here >>>

Saturday, Oct. 4, from 8 to 11:30 a.m.

Census Bureau Needs Managers for Local Census Office

Census Bureau Needs Managers for Local Census Office

The 2010 Census needs six managers for the Kansas City, MO Local Census Office. These managers will earn from $40,560 to $56,680 per year. The Kansas City Local Census Office will be the hub of area census activities for the upcoming 2010 Census and is scheduled to open October 2008.

“We believe there are people in Kansas City who are ready to work for us, but they just don’t know it yet,” said Kansas City Regional Director, Dennis Johnson. “By October, we will hire Local Census Office managers. These positions offer competitive wages and career development opportunities to help the Kansas City community get the most accurate count in 2010.”

The Census Bureau is hiring six managers from community residents who have backgrounds in management, administration, recruitment, quality assurance, field operations, and information technology. The available jobs and their approximate salaries follow:

Local Census Office Manager - $56,689
Assistant Manager for Field Operations - $47,320
Assistant Manager for Recruiting - $40,560
Assistant Manager for Quality Assurance - $40,560
Assistant Manager for Administration - $40,560
Assistant Manager for Technology - $40,560


Interested persons should apply for these jobs by calling the Recruiting Office telephone number at 1-888-340-7525.

“The 2010 Census is a community event that just happens to take place nationwide,” said Regional Director, Dennis Johnson. “The Kansas City Local Census Office will ultimately hire approximately 50 office staff and about 1000 persons to update the census address lists in early 2009.”

The Census is mandated by the Constitution to count everyone living in the United States. Census data is important because it is used to create congressional and local districts. $300 billion in federal funds are distributed based on Census counts. Census data is also used by businesses for products and services, and by community service organizations to obtain funding.

Pursue the American dream of homeownership!

The City of Kansas City, Mo. is accepting applications from first time homebuyers for the KC Dream Home Program. The program offers down payment and closing assistance to qualified buyers purchasing homes in the city limits of Kansas City, Mo. Clik Here To Read More>>>

Town Hall Meeting: September 17

Town Hall Meeting:
Marlborough Community Center, 8200 Paseo
Host: Marlborough Neighborhood Association
Wednesday, September 17, 6 p.m.
Marlborough Community Center, 8200 Paseo

Host: Marlborough Neighborhood Association

Voter registration deadline Oct 8

Voter registration deadline is Oct 8 2008

October 8 is the deadline for registering to vote in time for the November elections. Significant local, state and national candidates and issues will be on the ballot. Don't miss your opportunity to lend your voice to these important issues and candidacies. You can conveniently register to vote at Northland Neighborhoods, Inc., 3015 NE Vivion Road, KCMO 64119. Call 454-2000 for information.


More Information:
http://www.rockthevote.com

http://www.register-vote.com/

http://www.justvote.org/

Self-Defense Program: Thursday October 9th

FREE Self-Defense Program for Ages 12 and older to be presented Oct. 9 in Olathe by The Ali Kemp Educational Foundation


The program is called The Ali Kemp Educational (T.A.K.E.) Foundation Seminar and takes its name from a woman who was strangled in June 2002 while working alone as a lifeguard at a subdivision pool.... LEARN MORE>>

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The two-hour program is being offered at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Pioneer Trail Jr. High School, 15100 W. 127th St., Olathe. The program is free, but advance registration is required and enrollment is limited to 100 people. To register for this program call Olathe Park and Recreation at (913) 971-6263. Search for the keyword "self defense" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. On-line registration is not available for this program.

The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359.
To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com.

Or contact The Ali Kemp Educational (T.A.K.E.) Foundation by clicking here. http://www.takedefense.org/contact.html

A Call to Oneness

Thousands of marchers waited on the corner of 39th Street and Prospect Avenue on Sunday afternoon. Ahead were eight blocks of oneness.

A mother whose son was murdered two days ago passed out fliers. “Do you know who did this?” they read. Her eyes sagged with grief. Read More >


Get Involved. It's your commuity: fight for it.
http://www.acalltoonenesskc.com/

If you know anything about crime in your area or those responsible please contact tips hotline

Other Resources:
The Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission http://www.kc-crime.org/

September's Monthly Networking Events

Southtown Council, Waldo Area Business Association, Brookside Business Association
Monthly Networking Events


The Monthly Luncheon is Wednesday, Sept. 17, 11:45am at Broadway United Methodist Church , 406 W. 74th St.
Toby Truog from the Brain Bucket will be the featured speaker.
Classic Cookie will cater the luncheon. $10/person.
Reservations are required by Tuesday, Sept. 16!
Contact Phone-http://www.broadwaymethodist.org or (816) 363 4084 for more information.


This month, the House of Menuha, 801 E. 77th St. (between Troost and Holmes), is hosting an AM Networking on Wednesday, Sept. 24 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.


Movie in the Park- Friday, September 19 showing E.T. and Murphy’s is catering burgers, barbecue, and more!


Pancake Breakfast at Broadway United Methodist Church ,
Waldo Fall Festival at 75th and Wornall and Falldo Crawldo all take place on Saturday, Sept. 20th! Don’t miss it!


For more information please contact the following:
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

Sat 9/13 - Free oral health care screenings

On Saturday, Sept. 13, Teamsmile, a nonprofit organization founded by Dr. Bill Busch and supported by Henry Schein Dental (through the Company’s global social responsibility program Henry Schein Cares) will provide approximately 400 to 600 children with free oral health care screenings and treatments from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pavilion at Arrowhead Stadium.

The daylong event on Saturday includes games, face painting, and the opportunity to meet players and cheerleaders from the Kansas City Chiefs. Elements of the TeamSmile Football Experience and Fun Zone will be set up in the Chiefs Pavilion for the kids to enjoy, and the Colgate T-shirt cannon will be shooting t-shirts to the children.

Teamsmile partners with major sports organizations, local dentists and staff who volunteer their time to provide quality high-tech dental care to underserved children who would not otherwise receive care.

Teamsmile worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Operation Breakthrough, Shriners Hospital for Children, Cornerstones of Care, Phoenix Family Housing, and El Centro to identify underserved families in the community who would benefit from free dental care. Since the program began in 2006, more than 2,000 children have received free care.
Free oral health care screenings for children scheduled Sept. 13 at Arrowhead

For the first time, the E4D CAD/CAM dental system will make crowns in a single visit for the children who need them. In addition, in an effort to promote the electronic dental record, Henry Schein’s Dentrix is donating rubber bracelets with USB drives containing all the dental X-rays and records for each child.

UMKC: sign up for Communiversity Classes.

UMKC is once again offering classes to the community.
To learn more about Communiversity and allt he classes they offer at UMKC, click here.


Here is one of many classes they offer.
Build A Rain Barrel
Did you know that every year thousands of gallons of water run off your roof? In this
workshop you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge to capture some of that free,
high quality water. We’ll talk about the benefits of rain barrels, answer questions
and then fire up the power tools to make your own custom barrel. WARNING - rain
barrels are addictive! Beau has helped hundreds of people around Kansas City learn
how to make rain barrels.
CONVENER: Beau Baker E-mail: beau.baker@bridgingthegap.org Web site: www.bridgingthegap.org

CLASS FEE: $9 + $35 material fee = $44
Sec. A: 1 session; Saturday, September 27; 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM;
Sec. B: 1 session; Tuesday, October 7; 6:00 PM -7:00 PM;
MEETS: Trails Community Recycling Center, 91st and Hillcrest, KCMO; LIMIT: 20

BACK IN THE SWING: Oct 13th - 19th

It’s easy to buy the Shopping Card that gives and saves!
Here's how the BACK IN THE SWING Shopping Card works:

1. You purchase a Back in the Swing Shopping Card for $25.

2. Participating retailers offer up to 20% discount to Cardholders every day from Monday, October 13th to Sunday, October 19th, 2008.

3. Back in the Swing® Sponsors generously underwrite all costs of the Back in the Swing Retail Therapy special event.

4. The full 100% of the $25 Shopping Card purchase price is donated to local breast cancer survivorship programs and research through Back in the Swing®, the local nonprofit organization founded in 2000, in affiliation with the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation.

Here's one more reason to buy a Back in the Swing Shopping Card:
WIN a $2,500 Shopping Spree!

Learn how Retail Therapy can help you back in the swing of life!

$3 Royals Tickets - Sept 15-18

Click here to learn more.
Buy Tickets Here

$3 Royals Tickets - Sept 15-18

We are on the verge of the Grand Re-Opening of Kauffman Stadium in 2009.

As a tribute to the "old" Kauffman Stadium, the Sept. 15-18 series vs. the Mariners will feature "retro" pricing from 1973 when Kauffman Stadium first opened.
Sept. 15 vs. Mariners (7:10 p.m.)
Sept. 16 vs. Mariners (7:10 p.m.)
Sept. 17 vs. Mariners (7:10 p.m.)
Sept. 18 vs. Mariners (1:10 p.m.)


For these four games, all Upper Deck seats will be the same price as they were in 1973 -- just $3. Additionally, general admission parking passes for these four games (Sept. 15-18) will be only $5 at the parking toll gates courtesy of The Parking Spot as fans enter the Truman Sports Complex.

The Royals would like to recognize the great tradition of Kauffman Stadium as Royals fans look forward to Opening Day 2009, the Grand Re-Opening of "The K." In addition, the Royals want to thank fans for their terrific support during this season through the ongoing construction and changes – it's a way to say, "pardon our dust."

Thank you fans, enjoy the games!

Stand Up To Cancer

Stand Up To Cancer is a groundbreaking movement backed by an innovative approach to cancer research aimed at ending cancer's reign as a leading cause of death.
With your help, we're putting together the best and the brightest minds in cancer research, investing in their projects and taking the bureaucratic obstacles out of their way.

This is where the end of cancer begins: when we unite in one unstoppable movement and Stand Up To Cancer.

Jamin on at 18 & Vine

Article from UrbanTimeskc.com

Employ the Older Workers Job Fair. Sept. 22-26

MCC-Penn Valley, the AARP Foundation and The Employment Guide® partner to connect older workers with some of Kansas City’s large


FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rachel Gomez Rachel.gomez@mcckc.edu
(816) 759-4206

MCC-Penn Valley, the AARP Foundation and The Employment Guide® partner to connect older workers with some of Kansas City’s largest businesses at a special job fair

Who: Workers age 40 and older seeking
employment
Sponsored by: MCC-Penn Valley, AARP
Foundation and The Employment Guide
Participating employers represent
industries such as health care,
customer service, hospitality, finance,
sales, insurance, skilled trades,
transportation, security and more.

What: Kansas City’s Employ the Older Workers
Job Fair

When: Tuesday, September 23, 2008
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: MCC - Penn Valley
Fred E. Pohlman Gymnasium
3201 Southwest Trafficway, KCMO 64111

Why: Employ the Older Workers Job Fair
Series is held in conjunction with the
U.S. Department of Labor’s National
Employ Older Workers Week,
Sept. 22-26, 2008.

In response to an aging workforce and a tightening labor market, MCC-Penn Valley, the AARP Foundation and The Employment Guide are collaborating to bring together older workers with companies who seek their talents. Kansas City’s Employ the Older Workers Job Fair is part of the Employ the Older Workers Job Fair Series, taking place in more than 55 cities across the country from Aug. 22 to Oct. 23.

“The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2000, 13 percent of the U.S. workforce was 55 and older but by 2010 that figure will likely increase to 17 percent. Nearly 7 out of 10 workers age 45-74 tell AARP that they plan to work in some capacity in retirement,” says Jennifer Randall, general manager at The Employment Guide.

Statistics reports that over the last 30 years, jobseekers over the age of 65 have increased by 101% while jobseekers over the age of 16 increased by only 59%. Even if the trend is only just beginning since the first baby boomers won't turn 65 until 2011, recruiters face many problems if they aren't looking to recruit the older worker. Beyond that, older workers aren't just looking for part-time work because the current trend shows that they are looking at more full time jobs. In short the recruiting marketplace is changing and will continue to change.

18th annual Sherwood Center Benefit at BB’s Lawnside Sept 5th-6th

Be a part of the 18th annual Sherwood Center Benefit
at BB’s Lawnside BBQ, 1205 E. 85th St. Friday, 6 p.m.

Friday
Shinetop Jr., 7:15 p.m. Blue Orleans,
8:30 p.m. Frank Ace Blues Band, 10 p.m. Platinum Express.

Saturday,
3 p.m. McNally Recob,
4:15 p.m. Bobby Smith,
5:30 p.m. Frank Plas and the Silvertones,
6:45 p.m. Levee Town,
8 p.m. Fast Johnny,
9:15 p.m. Four Fried Chickens and a Coke,
10:30 p.m. John Paul’s Flying Circus.
www.bbslawnsidebbq.com.

Greek Food Festival: Sept 5th-7th

47th Annual Greek Food Festival at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation,
120th and Wornall.
Hours:
Friday 6 to 10 p.m. (Performance times are 6:30 and 9 pm)
Saturday noon to 10 p.m. (Performance times are 2, 5, 7 and 9 pm)
Sunday noon to 6 p.m. (Performance times are 12:30, 2 and 4 pm)


Four fixed plates are available: souvlaki, kota riganati, pastitsio and gyro. They’re $16; a la carte is also available.

Full prices and a schedule are at www.annunciationkc.org/GreekFestival

Westport Art Fair: Sept 5th - Sept 7th

Westport Art Fair
http://www.artwestport.net

Nearly 120 artists, food and drinks and live music.

Admission: Free.

Address: Westport Shopping District, Pennsylvania & Westport Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
Phone: 816-531-4370
Visit Event Website http://www.artwestport.net

When:
Dates: 09/05/2008 - 09/07/2008
Time: 5-10 pm, Fri.; 10 am-10 pm, Sat.; 11 am-5 pm, Sun.

National Public Lands Day

National Public Lands Day – Saturday, September 27

Please join Bridging The Gap and their affiliates Heartland Tree Alliance,
Kansas City WildLands and Keep Kansas City Beautiful as they host a working celebration for one of Kansas City's most scenic public areas, Swope Park in Kansas City, Missouri!

On Saturday, September 27, 9:00 AM to Noon, staff and volunteers from Bridging The Gap and their affiliates will work together with other community volunteers to pick up litter, remove invasive honeysuckle and plant trees throughout the park.

Volunteers may help with the projects listed above, help staff the event or both! Pre-registration is required to participate.
Contact Laura O’Brien at 816-561-1061, ext. 109 or e-mail lobrien@bridgingthegap.org.