Friday, November 28, 2008

Street will pay tribute to fallen firefighters on Nov. 29th

Four years after a massive explosion killed six Kansas City firefighters battling a blaze at a Southland construction site, six stone crosses were erected to memorialize them. This month — 20 years after the fatal blast — the street those crosses face also will become a memorial to the fallen firefighters. Learn more here>
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The service, which is open to the public, is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the 30/41 Memorial site at 87th Street and Blue River Road.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Flu shots Wednesday at KCI

Kansas City International Airport will host a flu shot clinic on Wednesday.

The shots will be available on a first-come first-served basis from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at:

■ Terminal A – Gates 12-14, between the ticket counter and baggage claim

■ Terminal B – Gates 45-50, by the Southwest Airlines baggage claim #2 and 3

■ Terminal C – Gate 78, by the restrooms between the CNBC News/Gifts and Starbucks.

Flu vaccines will be available for those age 3 years and older for $10 per shot. Cash or credit will be accepted. For those who provide proof of coverage, the Health Department will bill Medicare Part A or B or Missouri Medicaid on their behalf.

McCaskill Staff To Discuss DTV Transition with Constituents at “Kitchen Table Talk” In Jackson County

Senator’s staff set to meet with area residents

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Over the past year, members of U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill’s staff have regularly traveled throughout the state to hear from local residents. As we approach the end of the transition to digital television (DTV) on February 17, 2009, staff members announce today a series of “Kitchen Table Talks” specifically aimed at informing Missourians about the DTV transition. The purpose of these Kitchen Table Talks is to inform Missouri residents about the government-provided resources available to them as they transition to the new system. Missourians should also feel free to talk to the McCaskill staff members about other issues important to them.

As part of the transition, all analog televisions not connected to cable, satellite, or a digital converter box will go dark on February 17, 2009. Americans, especially senior citizens, depend on television programming to provide them with important information, including weather alerts, emergency information, and breaking news. Without taking action, over 400,000 Missouri households will not be able to receive a TV signal when they wake up on February 17.



“It’s always important that I hear Missourians’ opinions on the issues affecting out state, but I also want to reach out to people to make sure they understand what the government can do for them. The DTV transition is something that will affect thousands of Missourians, and too few are prepared for it. We need to get the word out about how the government can help,” McCaskill said.

The federal government is sponsoring a coupon program that will provide two $40 vouchers to help Americans purchase converter boxes for their analog television sets, which range in price between $40 and $60. Consumers must request their coupons, and already over 20 percent of coupons available for distribution have been distributed. To find out more about the transition or order a coupon, the public can call 1-888-DTV-2009 or visit dtv2009.gov.



Kitchen Table Talks were originally conceived as a way to give constituents an opportunity to provide McCaskill with feedback on the issues affecting Missouri families. The events also give residents a chance to learn how their senator’s office can assist constituents on a range of federal government issues. People attending the Kitchen Table Talks are welcome to bring their ideas and concerns about any issues facing Missouri and the country. Staff members at each Kitchen Table Talk document their input, and report directly to McCaskill.




Kitchen Table Talk Schedule

Friday, December 12, 2008

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Jackson County
Brush Creek Community Center
3801 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd
Kansas City, MO

DEC 9th: brush and leaf pick up

Schedule for fall 2008
The City of Kansas City, Mo., collects up to 20 sacks or bundles of leaves and brush (excluding grass clippings) from residences at curbside, in the spring and fall.

For fall 2008, residents will receive yardwaste collection as follows:

North schedule
(From the river to the northern city limit)

If your trash day is your dates are:
Monday Nov. 17 and Dec. 15
Tuesday Nov. 18 and Dec. 16
Wednesday Nov. 19 and Dec. 17
Thursday Nov. 20 and Dec. 18
Friday Nov. 21 and Dec. 19

Central Schedule
(From the river, south to 63rd street and west of Blue Ridge Cutoff)

If your trash day is your dates are:
Monday Nov. 3 and Dec. 1
Tuesday Nov. 4 and Dec. 2
Wednesday Nov. 5 and Dec. 3
Thursday Nov. 6 and Dec. 4
Friday Nov. 7 and Dec. 5

South schedule
(From 63rd street to the southern city limit and east of Blue Ridge Cutoff)
*Please note that Nov. 11, 2008 is a holiday. Therefore, collection is moved one day.

If your trash day is your dates are:
Monday Nov. 10 and Dec. 8
Tuesday Nov. 12* and Dec. 9
Wednesday Nov. 13* and Dec. 10
Thursday Nov. 14* and Dec. 11
Friday Nov. 15* and Dec. 12

# Here are the rules: Sacks and bundles should be curbside by 7 a.m. on the scheduled day of collection.
# No more than 20 sacks and/or bundles per household.
# Sacks and bundles must not weigh more than 40 pounds each.
# Use only paper lawn debris sacks. No plastic bags.
# If you seal sacks, use masking tape only; do not use plastic or duct tape.
# No grass clippings. No trash.
# All branches must be bundled. Branches must not be more than 3 inches in diameter.
# Bundles of branches must not be more than 2 feet in diameter and not more than 4 feet long.
# Use twine or jute rope to tie bundles; do not use wire or plastic tape.
# If wet weather is forecast, cover sacks/bundles with clear plastic.
# If sacks and bundles are not collected on the scheduled day, residents must call the 3-1-1 Action Center within 24 hours. To report service related issues, The 3-1-1 Action Center can be reached by calling 311 or (816) 513-1313.

Click here to learn more >

Annual Brookside tree lighting ceremony to kick off holiday season in friendly neighborhood style

In Kansas City’s Brookside shopping district, the celebration of the holiday season continues on Thursday, December 4 at 6 p.m. with the annual tree lighting ceremony.

This festive event harkens back to traditional town celebrations, bringing together residents, Brookside merchants, and visitors of all ages to celebrate the tradition of the holiday season in this charming, walk-able neighborhood.

Everyone is invited to gather around the tree for hot chocolate, light refreshments, drawings for gift certificates from Brookside businesses, and music by The Holiday Trombones. Visitors can also see the “Stars of Brookside,” a collection of star ornaments provided by Brookside neighborhood school elementary art classes.

The ceremony will take place at the south end of the parking area between Sharp’s restaurant and Bank Midwest, at the corner of 63rd Street and Brookside Plaza.

The Brookside Business Association, with more than 70 shops, restaurants and services, offers plenty of parking and an assortment of eclectic boutiques. Visitors from surrounding neighborhoods, as well as from throughout Kansas City and the region, look to Brookside for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.

Located between Wornall and Main Street from 62nd Terrace to Meyer Blvd., Brookside is only minutes from the Plaza, Leawood, South Kansas City and many other Kansas City attractions. Additional details at www.brooksidekc.org

Monday, November 24, 2008

Eat Local For Thanksgiving


http://www.kchealthykids.org/eatlocal
The Eat Local for Thanksgiving campaign was created to shine a public spotlight on how buying local food offers nutrient-dense foods to our families, supports our environment by reducing the miles food travels from farm to table, bolster our local economy, and help keep our local farmers farming. MORE>

Thursday, November 20, 2008

$2.00 Off Light Bulbs


KCPL and local stores are offering $2.00 off energy efficant light bulbs.
Click here to learn more.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Town hall Heeting November 19

Mayor Mark Funkhouser will hold a town hall meeting November 19,
at Baptiste Education Center, 5401 E. 103rd St.

The hour-long town hall meeting will be sponsored by the Southern Communities Coalition. The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a 15-minute introductory address followed by 45 minutes of questions and comments from the audience.


If you are interested in hosting a town hall meeting, please contact Crispin Rea in the Mayor's office: 816-513-3503, or crispin_rea@kcmo.org.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Crime Reports


To learn more about crime in your neighborhood click on this link from www.crimereports.com.

Per your request, CrimeReports.com is sending your "Home" crime alert which spans 11/4/2008 to 11/13/2008 with a radius of 0.31 miles.

Emergency Home Repair Program Deadline - Dec. 1

News from City Hall
City Communications Office
City of Kansas City, Mo.
http://www.kcmo.org
CONTACT: Mary Charles, city communications officer, (816) 513-1356
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 13, 2008

Emergency Home Repair Program to stop accepting applications Dec. 1

The City of Kansas City, Mo., Property Preservation Division is reminding residents that applications for this cycle of the Emergency Home Repair Program are due Dec. 1. Applications for this reformatted version of the Minor Home Repair Program were accepted starting Aug. 1.

"We set up the August to December application time in anticipation of receiving enough applications to use the funding we have. The public will be notified when applications are available for the next cycle," said Bob Jackson, manager of the Property Preservation Division. This division of the Neighborhood and Community Services Department administers the Emergency Home Repair Program, Home Weatherization Program, Municipal Court Fund Program (referral only) and Paint Program.

Kansas City, Mo., homeowners who are in urgent need of roofing, plumbing, electrical and mechanical work, and who meet program requirements are eligible to apply for the Emergency Home Repair Program. However, program managers caution applicants that the funding for this cycle is likely to cover only the eligible applications that already have been processed.

Eligible applicants are homeowners who own only one property, have not received assistance from this program (the old Minor Home Repair Program) since Sept. 30, 1993, and meet these household income guidelines:

- One person - $23,950

- Two people - $27,350

- Three people - $30,800

- Four people - $34,200

- Five people - $36,960

- Six people - $39,650

- Seven people - $42,400

- Eight people - $45,150.

"Approved applicants receive a single service of urgent need and the repair will be made by a contractor who meets our more clearly defined list of responsibilities. The work provided by this program is 'emergency' in the sense that it is not routine maintenance and will proceed as quickly as possible," Jackson said.

A Community Development Block Grant established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funds the Emergency Home Repair Program.

Applications for the Emergency Home Repair Program are available at the Property Preservation Division office on the fourth floor of City Hall, 414 E. 12th St., and online at http://www.kcmo.org/neigh. For more information or to have an application mailed to you, call (816) 513-3025.

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

Friday, November 7, 2008

Thanksgiving Safety Tips


The Healthy Home Program

Are you interested in having your child's health and the health of your home checked for FREE?

The Kansas City Safe & Healthy Home Partnership presents:

The Healthy Home Program
Call the Healthy Home Program at:
816-235-6331
Enroll Today!


· Do you live in the Kansas City Metro Area?
· Do you have a child with asthma, allergies, sinus problems,
a constant cough, headaches, or other constant health problems?
· Is your child between 2 and 17 years of age?
· Does your child stay at your home at least 4 nights per week?
· Do you own your home, or have you lived in the same rental unit the last 6
months, and plan to live there the next 12?
· Does your family make less than 80% of the KC Metro Median Family Income (MFI)?

The Healthy Home Program will review your child's health, and the health of your home. The Home environmental assessment will include checking indoor air quality and ventilation, dust and allergen levels, moisture and mold, a household chemical survey, a home maintenance survey, and a home safety check up.
For more information, call 816-235-6331

Thursday, November 6, 2008

TRASH DELAYED FOR VETS DAY


News from City Hall

City Communications OfficeCity of Kansas City, Mo.



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Trash pick-up delayed, City offices closed Nov. 11In observance of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, curbside trash and recycling collection will be delayed one day and City of Kansas City, Mo., offices will be closed.Residents who usually have Tuesday collection will receive this service Wednesday, Nov. 12. Residents who usually have Friday collection will receive this service Saturday, Nov. 15.For more information about solid waste collection services, visit http://www.kcmo.org/trash or call the 3-1-1 Action Center at 311 or (816) 513-1313. Media inquiries about trash and recycling should be directed to Dennis Gagnon, public information officer for the Public Works Department, (816) 513-2659


CONTACT: Mary Charles, city communications officer,
(816) 513-1356

Free Admission to the KC Zoo.


Free Admission KC,MO Residents

To celebrate the ongoing partnership among the Kansas City Zoo, the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department and the City of Kansas City, MO the Zoo, once again, is offering free admission to residents of Kansas City, Mo. during October and November.

City residents can get free admission by coming to the Zoo during regular business hours in October and November. Residents must bring a photo identification and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be established with a utility bill, credit card bill, cell phone bill, etc., depicting a Kansas City, Missouri address. Only the immediate family members at that address receive free admission.

Click Here to learn more

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Project Warmth Collection NOv. 8th



Project Warmth Collection @ Area Malls: Nov. 8 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.

Here are the closet location:

Ward Parkway Shopping Center
8600 Ward Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64114

CLICK HERE to learn more and find more drop off locations

Free Flu Shots

Monday, November 3, 2008

Flu Shots

Free flu shots

The University of Kansas Hospital will provide free flu shots at a drive-through event from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 8.

No appointment is necessary. Those attending must be 18 or older. The shot will not be given to anyone who is allergic to eggs or suffering from a cold or fever at the time.

Women who are or may be pregnant should check with their doctor. Other restrictions may apply.

Those interested should drive to 39th Street and Rainbow Boulevard and follow the signs. Although shots are free, the hospital will accept donations of nonperishable food for Harvesters.

“Late October to early November is the best time of year for a flu vaccination,” according to William Barkman, pulmonary and critical care doctor and chief of staff at the hospital.

Flu shots at church

Personnel from the University of Kansas nursing school will administer free flu shots from 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 13 at Faith Lutheran Church, 530 Quindaro Boulevard.

To learn more, call the church at 913-321-1326.

Click here to learn more.


Click here for more clinics offering Flu Shots
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Curbside Leaves and Brush Collection


Schedule for fall 2008
The City of Kansas City, Mo., collects up to 20 sacks or bundles of leaves and brush (excluding grass clippings) from residences at curbside, in the spring and fall.

Nov. 12* and Dec. 9

click here to learn more