August 28: Food Now

There is a new food group in town that has come together to raise funds to support local food initiatives! It is called foodNow, and it has been spearheaded by Jane Zieha Bell of the Blue Bird Bistro, and a wide variety of leaders from Les Dames D’Escoffier, Slow Food, and other organizations and individuals.

They will be organizing a once-a-year GALA event with the proceeds to benefit KC area non-profits that work on farming, gardening, and food issues. This first year, KC Center for Urban Agriculture, KC Community Gardens, and the Greater KC Food Policy Coalition are happy to be the beneficiaries.

The event is on August 28, in the evening. It should be really wonderful, with appetizers on the rooftop of the Stowe Hardware Building in the West Bottoms, and a meal in the blocked-off street below, prepared by local chefs, using all local ingredients.

They are hoping for donations of food for the meal and items for their silent auction. A letter with more details is attached, and below. Also, if you are interested in buying tickets, volunteering, or helping out in some way, it would be a great contribution for folks to get involved! Contact them directly at www.foodNow.org for more information.

Katherine Kelly
Executive Director, Farmer
KC Center for Urban Agriculture
www.kccua.org

Free bus transportation offered for Back-to-School Rally

Free bus transportation offered for Back-to-School Rally


In an effort to support the community, FREE school bus transportation will be offered to members of the community to attend Councilman Terry Riley's Back-to-School Rally on Saturday, July 31, 2010.

The Kansas City, Mo School District (KCMSD) will operate two school bus shuttles that will transport visitors to and from Manual Career Technical Center. Shuttles will begin at 9:30am and travel between two drop-off sites at approximately 30-minute intervals. The last shuttle will depart

Manual Tech at 1:30pm.



You can catch a free shuttle at either of the following locations:

Northeast High School
415 Van Brunt Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64106
Shuttles will pick up and drop-off in front of the school.

Afrikan-Centered Education Collegium Campus
3500 E Meyer Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64132
Shuttles will pick up and drop-off in front of the Upper Campus.

Aug. 6-8: Sales Tax Holiday

City participates in Sales Tax Holiday
From Aug. 6-8, shoppers can take advantage of a three-day sales tax holiday from the City of Kansas City, Mo., State of Missouri, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County and Platte County when they purchase certain items of clothing, shoes, school supplies and computers in Kansas City, Missouri stores. Learn more here >>

Summer Jobs: ages of 16 to 24

Summer Jobs: Green Ways to Green Careers is a career development initiative for young people between the ages of 16 to 24 which will provide a six week internship at government, for–profit and non-profit agencies with a focus on “Green” work practices and careers. Eligible young people, who meet the following requirements will be granted priority; complete application; provide required documentation; and have a good work history. The program will conclude on September 30, 2010. Sign up today.
Click here to sign up ->

July17th: PLAY Clinic with the Royals

The Kansas City Royals in conjunction with the Office of Civic and Community Engagement, a division of the City Manager’s Office, will offer a free baseball PLAY (Promoting a Lifetime of Activity for Youth) clinic to Kansas City area youth, ages 10- 14. The event will be held on July 27 from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on the field at Kauffman Stadium.

The Royals PLAY Clinic provides boys and girls throughout the Kansas City area the opportunity to enhance their baseball skills, while also learning about the benefits of living a healthy, active lifestyle.

Councilwoman Melba Curls, who is an active promoter of building active communities, recently said, “The Royals PLAY Clinic is a great example of how Kansas City is getting on board with first lady, Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative. Programs of this nature can promote fitness and help stop childhood obesity.”

Space is limited and registration is required, please visit www.kcmo.org/engagekc to register. For more information, please contact the Office of Civic and Community Engagement at 816-513-1378.

Night Out Against Crime

<-- Click on image to enlarge.

July31st: Back-to-school rally

More than 500 youths to receive supplies for upcoming school year at back-to-school rally

OVER 500 YOUTH TO RECEIVE SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR:
Bishop Eric Morrison and Kingdom Word Ministries to provide a day of fun and supplies for Youth in Kansas City’s urban core

KANSAS CITY, MO – On Saturday, July 31, Kingdom Word Ministries (KWM) will host its 5th annual Back to School Rally from Noon to 3:00pm in 2 locations: 3301 Cypress Ave and at the Milton Moore Elementary School playground on the corner of Linwood and Cypress.

The event, created by KWM pastor and community advocate, Bishop Eric Morrison, was designed to provide youth located in Kansas City’s urban core with a day of positive entertainment and access to free school supplies for the upcoming year. Rally planners are preparing to accommodate over 1000 attendees and provide supplies to over 500 kindergarten to high school-aged children.

“I grew up just a few minutes from the church, so I’m a native of this community,” Bishop Morrison said. “I understand how an event of this magnitude can have such a far-reaching effect on the youth, and I know that these kids will enter classrooms this fall with a lot more enthusiasm if they feel equipped and empowered.”

The 2010 Back to School Rally will feature a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, rides, waterslides, free food and clothing. After a tremendous response at last year’s rally, the Kansas City Free Health Clinic will again be on hand to offer free rapid HIV testing in efforts to counteract the growing number of AIDS-related deaths among African-Americans.

For more information regarding the 2010 back to School Rally or to schedule an interview, please contact Bishop Eric Morrison at (816) 365-2247 or prophet_moe@yahoo.com.

Tulips on Troost: Help Support an ajoining community

Beautiful Tulips on Troost Greeting Cards for sale!

Greeting cardsWe have created sets of 8 beautiful greeting cards featuring tulip photos taken on Troost Avenue by local photographers. The cards are blank on the inside and show the Tulips on Troost mission on the back. They are 4" x 5.5" and come with blank white envelopes. They are perfect to use for thank you cards or to send a quick note, or to give as a gift! $15/set of 8 unique cards. Please contact Maureen if you would like to make a purchase!

If you own a retail location, we'd love to feature our cards in your store! Please contact Maureen if you are interested.

maureen@tulipsontroost.com
816.523.5553

Saturday July 24t 2010: Party in the Park

Free Entertainment Abounds at Party in the Park
Second Annual Celebration in Swope Park takes place this Saturday

JFree entertainment is abundant at this weekend's Party in the Park scheduled for Saturday, July 24, 9:00am-5:00pm in Swope Park.
BLUES & BREAKFAST
Beautiful Wild Women The free entertainment begins with Blues & Breakfast at Starlight Theatre from 9:00am-Noon. Attendees can enjoy all-you-care-to eat Chris Cakes pancakes for just $5 while enjoying performances from the following local bands:

Wild Women of Kansas City: Returning for a second year, the Wild Women of Kansas City consist of talented, seasoned performers from the Kansas City area, including veteran performer Myra Taylor, who began her career in the 1930s. Also featuring Millie Edwards Nottingham, Lori Tucker and Geneva Price, the Wild Women are a force to be reckoned with. On keyboard is Bill Manness, a lifelong resident of KC and attorney by day. The Wild Women were named the 2007 Best Musical Group by Kansas City Magazine.

Frank Plas and the Silvertones: Inspired by traditional blues artists including T Bone Walker, Otis Rush, Freddie King, Buddy Guy and many more, Frank developed his own unique style of playing at the age of 15. Shortly thereafter, Frank, along with Rich Stoy on bass, Mike Weakley on drums, and Roger Calkins singing, formed the Silver Tones. Their first performance was in the spring of 1959 at the ninth grade talent show at Indian Hills Junior High in Prairie Village, Kansas. The band's popularity developed quickly. Soon after they were playing at a variety of Kansas City Locales including the Promenade Ball Room, The Prom Coke Bar, The Chicken Coop, The Combo Club, The Flamingo Lounge and Barry's Barn. There were many other places, too numerous to name. But the most famous, and arguably the locale that made them famous, was the Soc Hop, where they were the "house band" for years to come. It was not uncommon, on Saturday night at the Soc Hop, to have twelve to fifteen hundred teenagers turn out to see the Silver Tones.

AnnaLee and the Lucky So and Sos : The make-up of AnnaLee and the Lucky So and Sos draws from a diverse mix of musicians. Every member brings varied experiences and talents from years of performing in every venue imaginable-from opera houses to roadhouses. The "Diva" of the band is AnnaLee. She brings a serious set of pipes to the table and delights in leading her Lucky So and Sos through a night of jump and jive. AnnaLee traversed the country for several years doing musical theater and finally found a home, and a band that loves her in the City of Fountains.

The Starlight STARS will perform in between sets by the bands. The Starlight STARS are a musical theatre training program for upper middle and high school students.

SUMMER BLOCK PARTY/FREE SWIM POOL PARTY
Hot 103 JAMZ hosts a free Summer Block Party in conjunction with Party in the Park. The Summer Block Party is a community celebration in honor of KPRS' 60th anniversary. The Block Party runs from 1:00-4:00pm, Lewis and Wild Cat Hollow Roads, and will feature live music entertainment, food and beverage vendors, prize giveaways, a Kids' Zone, and more.

Block Party Concert Schedule:
1:00-2:00pm: DJ Brian Brooks
2:00-2:15pm: B Double E
2:25-2:40pm: Game Tight Mike
2:45-3:00pm: The Gingerbread Man
3:05-3:20pm: W
3:25-3:40pm: 101 Swag
3:45-4:00pm: TQ and Vertigo

KCWE29 presents a Free Swim Pool Party from 1:00-5:00pm at Swope Pool, 6700 Lewis Road. The pool party features free admission, healthy snacks provided by Children's Mercy Family Health Partners, games, prizes, giveaways and music by Hot 103 JAMZ DJ Myron Fears.

NEWLY ADDED EVENT
In addition to Mother Nature Reads and Hike with a Naturalist, the Lakeside Nature Center, 4701 E. Gregory, has added Kids, Water, Bugs and Fish to their Party in the Park schedule of events. From 10:00am-3:00pm, kids will learn all about the bugs in our streams, the fish that eat them and what they can tell us about the quality of the water. Watch the Heart of America Fly Fishers as they tie flys of those bugs and show participants how to cast a fly to attract fish. Presented by the Little Blue River Watershed Coalition and Heart of America Fly Fishers.

COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
9:00am 1 & 2-mile Health Walks, Southeast Community Center
9:00am-12:00pm Blues & Breakfast, Starlight Theatre (ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT CHRIS CAKES PANCAKES, $5/person)
9:00am-12:00pm Earth Riders Trail Association (ERTA) Hikes & Rides, Camp Lake of the Woods
9:00am-1:00pm SNAG Golf course for parents and kids; Free 15 minute mini-lessons by PGA Professionals, The First Tee of Greater Kansas City at Heart of America Golf Academy
9:00am-3:00pm Beanstalk Children's Garden Open, Kansas City Community Gardens
10:00am-2:00pm Mother Nature Reads and Crafts, Lakeside Nature Center
10:00-11:30am Herb Walk Workshop, Kansas City Community Gardens
10:00am-2:00pm Fishing with Sol Pro Bass Club, Lake of the Woods
10:00am-3:00pm Kids, Water, Bugs and Fish, Lakeside Nature Center
10:00am-3:00pm Kansas City Cricket games, Lewis Road fields
10:00am-3:00pm Zoo Tales, Kansas City Zoo
10:30am-12:00pm Hike with a Naturalist, Lakeside Nature Center
11:00am-2:00pm Ethnic Enrichment Commission Culture Box Displays, Southeast Community Center
1:00-4:00pm KPRS Block Party & Concert, Lewis Road & Wild Cat Hollow Road
1:00-4:00pm Free Child ID Cards by Western & Southern, KPRS Block Party
1:00-5:00pm KCWE29 Free Swim Pool Party, Swope Pool
1:00-5:00pm Battle of Westport Museum Open, 6601 Swope Parkway
2:00 & 4:00pm Battlefield Walking Tours, Battle of Westport Museum

Visit the Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation website for all the Party in the Park details as well as a downloadable flyer and map of Swope Park.


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

Swope Park
Swope Park is the crown jewel of the Kansas City, Missouri park system. At 1,805 acres, it is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and home to many of Kansas City's finest attractions including the Kansas City Zoo, Lakeside Nature Center, Swope Memorial and Heart of America Golf Courses, Kansas City Wizards training facility, Southeast Community Center and Starlight Theatre.
Website: http://www.kcmo.org/parks.nsf/web/swope

August 11th: Animal Control will be going door to door

We wanted to let you know that Animal Control will be going door to door in your neighborhood on August 11th, 2010. They will be looking for pet owners who are not incompliant with animal control ordinances. In particular, they may be issuing tickets to pet owners who do not have their pets current on vaccinations/pet licensing.

I wanted to inform you that pet owners should visit their veterinarian as soon as possible to avoid any fines.

Spay & Neuter Kansas City is offering discounted vaccinations and pet owners may also purchase their city license at our clinic.
Spay & Neuter Kansas City
1116 E 59th (NE corner of 59th and Troost)
Kansas City, MO 64110
816-353-0940

We have walk in clinics on Fridays from 10-2 and Saturdays 9-12.
Making a difference...
Spay & Neuter Kansas City
Michelle Dormady, President
mdor956252@aol.com
PO Box 410303
Kansas City, MO 64141
tel: 816-353-0940 X12
fax: 816-523-0887
mobile: 816-519-3428
www.snkc.net

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II Invites you to Connect KC

On behalf of Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, I would like to invite young professionals to connect with other young professionals, express themselves and find common ground at the place where jazz found its voice.

Connect KC is a monthly networking event for young urban professionals every Fourth Friday of the month at the American Jazz Museum in the 18th and Vine district.

The event will include hors d’oeuvres from neighborhood restaurants, a cash bar, jazz music, and opportunities for young professionals to connect with each other, federal department officials and corporate leaders on congressional matters that are important to them, and the 18th and Vine Jazz District.

Please pass this invitation on to your network so that young professionals can take advantage of this great opportunity.

Do not hesitate to contact me with any comments, questions or concerns that you may have.

Kaeanna Wood
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II
Missouri ’s Fifth District
kaeanna.wood@mail.house.gov

Your health during times of extreme heat

Ten things you can do to protect your health during times of extreme heat:
- Never leave children, pets or others alone in closed vehicles: within minutes, the temperature inside a car can reach over 140 degrees and this can kill within minutes.
- Avoid too much sunshine, and postpone outdoor activities and games.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes, such as a taking a cool shower immediately after coming inside from hot temperatures.
- Stay indoors as much as possible.
- If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a public building every day for several hours.
- Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, to reduce heat and save money.
- Conserve electricity not needed to keep you cool.
- If you have to work outside, take frequent breaks, rest in the shade, and drink plenty of water.
- Dress for the weather: wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing;lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and helps maintain normal body temperature. If you have to be outside, cover as much skin as possible to avoid sunburn. Protect your face and head with a wide-brimmed hat.
- Check on your neighbors, friends and relatives at least twice a day (morning and night).


For more information about heat-related illnesses, visit the CDC’s Web page about extreme heat http://www.cdc.gov/Features/ExtremeHeat/.

Heat information also can be found on the Health Department's Web page (www.kcmo.org/health). For general information on signs and symptoms of heat related illness, call the 3-1-1 Action Center at 311 or 816-513-1313. For heat information and community resources, call the Health Department's community partner United Way 2-1-1, at 211 or 816-474-5112.

Members of the Coalition's Safety & Security Committee

Email from Marlborough Community Coalition

Members of the Coalition's Safety & Security Committee have been in contact with KCPD about a Caucasian man, traveling around the Marlborough neighborhood, taking pictures. He is dressed in street clothes and a ball cap. The man has been seen in a full-sized, white pick-up with no camper, ladder racks, safety equipment or signage. He purportedly stops for only a few minutes and takes pictures of properties where he is parked in front of.

His purpose for being in the neighborhood has not been determined. KCPD say he is not associated KCP&L, Codes, the City, Fire Department or any other city/county entity that would be seen doing this kind of activity. Furthermore, these agencies would have identifying markings on their vehicles.

DO NOT MAKE CONTACT WITH THIS MAN AND MAKE EVERY EFFORT NOT TO BE SEEN BY HIM. Please only get the license plate number off the vehicle and where he was seen, and report to 911. The police would like to talk with him.

--
Betty Ost-Everley
Marlborough Community Coalition
"Making Marlborough a Better Place to Live and Work"
marlboroughcoalition@gmail.com

Build A Rain Barrel : July 20th $45 fee

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 habitat forming! Beau has helped hundreds of people around Kansas City learn how to


Convener: Sadie Gardner E-mail: sadie.gardner@bridgingthegap.org Web site: www.bridgingthegap.org


CLASS FEE: $9 + $36 material fee = $45


Sec. B: 1 session; Tuesday, July 20; 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM; 3 Trails Community Recycling Center, 91st and Hillcrest, KCMO, In the parking lot of the vacant Hyper-Mart (Super Wal-Mart) near the Burlington Coat Factory.


LIMIT: 20

July 2010 Newsletter

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Free Shuttle to Powell Gardens

Free Shuttle to Powell Gardens



A group of generous donors provided funding once again to operate a free shuttle from the Kauffman Memorial Garden at 4800 Rockhill Rd in Kansas City during the 2010 summer season on a limited basis. Anyone is welcome to request reservations on the shuttle.

Riders will have an opportunity to make a donation to help with the costs, and they will need to pay admission when the bus arrives at Powell Gardens. Those in a hardship situation not able to afford the fee at the gate may request passes by providing a statement of need.
Admission is $9.50 for adults ($10 during Festival of Butterflies)
$8.50 for seniors ($9 during Festival of Butterflies)
$4 children ages 5 to 12 ($5 during Festival of Butterflies).
Reservations will be collected in the order received by fax, phone or email, see below.

I would like to reserve ________ spots on the shuttle bus.

To accommodate my party, we’ll need spots for ________wheelchairs. (The bus has room for two wheelchairs.)

I would like to have ____ free adult admission passes and ____ free child passes. *


* To Qualify: please provide a brief statement about your situation and what a visit to Powell Gardens would mean to you or your group. Tell us a story! This is to let our sponsors know how valuable their gift is.

Statement of need:



Please make my SHUTTLE reservations for this date and time:




Sunday, June 20, Father's Day: Doo Dads perform @ 2pm The bus leaves the Kauffman Memorial Garden (4800 Rockhill, KCMO) at 12:00 NOON and leaves Powell Gardens at 4:00 p.m. for the return trip back to the Kauffman Memorial Garden


Saturday, July 17, Sweet Corn Festival. The bus leaves the Kauffman Memorial Garden (4800 Rockhill, KCMO) at 9:00 a.m. and leaves Powell Gardens at 1:00 p.m. for the return trip back to the Kauffman Memorial Garden


Saturday, July 31, Paul Mesner Puppets perform @ 11 & 1. The bus leaves the Kauffman Memorial Garden (4800 Rockhill, KCMO) at 9:00 a.m. and leaves Powell Gardens at 1:00 p.m. for the return trip back to the Kauffman Memorial Garden
Saturday, August 7, Festival of Butterflies. The bus leaves the Kauffman Memorial Garden (4800 Rockhill, KCMO) at 9:00 a.m. and leaves Powell Gardens at 1:00 p.m. for the return trip back to the Kauffman Memorial Garden


Sunday, August 8, Festival of Butterflies. The bus leaves the Kauffman Memorial Garden (4800 Rockhill, KCMO) at 12:00 NOON and leaves Powell Gardens at 4:00 p.m. for the return trip back to the Kauffman Memorial Garden


Saturday, August 14, Festival of Butterflies. The bus leaves the Kauffman Memorial Garden (4800 Rockhill, KCMO) at 9:00 a.m. and leaves Powell Gardens at 1:00 p.m. for the return trip back to the Kauffman Memorial Garden Sunday, August 15, Festival of Butterflies. The bus leaves the Kauffman Memorial Garden (4800 Rockhill, KCMO) at 12:00 NOON and leaves Powell Gardens at 4:00 p.m. for the return trip back to the Kauffman Memorial Garden


Saturday, September 11, Tomato and Chili Pepper Festival. The bus leaves the Kauffman Memorial Garden (4800 Rockhill, KCMO) at 9:00 a.m. and leaves Powell Gardens at 1:00 p.m. for the return trip back to the Kauffman Memorial Garden

Name

Organization

Address

City State Zip

Daytime Phone Email

Reservations will be made in the order received by fax, phone or email.
Fax 816-697-2619 or call 816-697-2600 ext. 209 or email lburton@powellgardens.org

Powell Gardens, Inc. 1609 NW US Highway 50 Kingsville, MO 64061 www.powellgardens.org

Ethnic Enrichment Festival scheduled for August 20-22

Ethnic Enrichment Festival scheduled for August 20-22
"Feel the World Beat in the Heart of America" at the 31st annual event in Swope Park

July 15, 2010. . . The Ethnic Enrichment Commission of Kansas City, Missouri presents the 31st Annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival in Swope Park August 20-22. The event, one of the largest and longest-running of its kind, annually attracts more than 35,000 visitors.

Festival hours are: Friday, August 20, 6:00-10:00pm; Saturday, August 21, Noon-10:00pm; and Sunday, August 22, Noon-6:00pm. Adult admission is $3.00 and children 12 and under are free. The festival is located at the Swope Park bandstand, near the park's main gate at Meyer & Swope Parkway. Parking is free.
Ethnic Flags-Jeanita Ives The 2010 festival features food, crafts and culture from 62 countries. Each country hosts a booth that displays and sells authentic food, artifacts and crafts from their respective country. The festival also has a Beer Garden offering domestic and imported beer selections from around the world.

This year's festival also features a Kids' World with creative fun and cultural activities led by members of the Ethnic Enrichment Commission and Wonderscope. Kids' World activities will include coin rubbings, learning how a bagpipe works, various ethnic crafts and more. Kids' World is open on Friday from 4:30-8:30pm; Saturday from Noon-7:30pm (closed during the Parade of Flags from 4:00-5:30pm); and open on Sunday from 12:30-5:30pm (closed during the Fashion Show from 1:30-2:30pm). Activities take place in 30 minute increments beginning on the hour and half hour.

Stage entertainment includes performances by a different ethnic group every 30 minutes and the traditional and majestic Parade of Flags that begins at 4:00pm on Saturday afternoon.

PUBLIC MEETING FOR TARGET GREEN AREA

Residents in the City's Middle Blue River Basin Green Solutions Pilot Project area are invited to attend a public meeting to learn about how upcoming sewer rehabilitation work will impact daily activities and what residents should do during construction times. Residents will also be able to obtain information about construction activities in or near their property from the contractor.

Hosted by the City's Water Services Department, the meeting is scheduled for Saturday, July 17th at 9 am at the Sunrise Christian Assembly Church, 1112 E. 77th Street Kansas City, Missouri.

The Water Services Department has been working to make progress on the entire Middle Blue River Green Solutions Pilot Project, which includes repairing the existing sewer system. Construction will begin this summer to make those repairs.

The 100-acre pilot project is located within the Middle Blue River Basin and is bounded by 73rd Street to 77th Terrace and Holmes Road to Paseo Boulevard. The project involves rehabilitating the existing sewer system and using green solutions to capture stormwater before it enters the combined sewer system to reduce the amount of sewer overflows. Green solutions are an alternative to more traditional gray stormwater improvements such as storage tanks and pumping facilities. There are more than 300 property owners in the pilot project area.

For more information about the Middle Blue River Basin Green Solutions Pilot Project, visit the web site at www.kcmo.org/targetgreen, e-mail the Overflow Control Program at KC-OCPinfo@kcmo.org, or call (816) 513-0521.

"Hands of Hope" initiative expands to all District schools

"Hands of Hope" initiative expands to all District schools

The Kansas City, Missouri School District (KCMSD) "Hands of Hope" initiative will re-launch Saturday, July 24 through a mix of revitalization work and upgrades at 30 school sites.

Led by the KCMSD Adopt-A-School Steering Committee, volunteers from across the metropolitan area will help prepare schools for the 2010-2011 school year. The following work will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:

· Painting of the curb areas

· Sweeping and repainting parking stripes

· Raking along fence lines

· Painting of the fourth-floor hallways at Southwest High

· Painting of the café at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy

· Painting of the classrooms at Banneker Elementary


8:30 a.m. to Noon......and from..... 1pm to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 24th

Volunteers are asked to work either the 8:30am - Noon shift or the 1pm- 4:30pm shift.

"We are thrilled the community has once again stepped forward as a willing partner in our preparation for the upcoming school year," Superintendent John Covington said. "Great schools are a result of a strong and supportive community. Hands of Hope is a wonderful demonstration of what is possible for our schools when we all work together."


Potential volunteers are encouraged to contact Irene Von Collins at the Parent Resource Center by calling (816) 418-8615.

Summer Camps In KC MO

Marlborough Community Center
8200 Paseo Boulevard
June 14 - Aug 6
Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Ages: 6-14 years old
$36 per child/ per week or $288 for 8 weeks
This summer enrichment camp provides children with a fun safe supervised environment. Children will participate in gym activities, arts & crafts, fieldtrips and "Tree Camp". Call the center for more information at 816-784-3100.
Sign up NOW

Learn about other locations by clicking here >>

High tempatures: Cooling places

The eight Salvation Army community centers across the metro area opened as cooling centers today, and Olathe officials designated that role to two libraries in that city. Independence opened two cooling centers.

The Salvation Army centers will be open at least from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., including the weekends, while the excessive heat warning is in effect. Cold drinks and light snacks will be provided to those seeking relief from the heat.

The Salvation Army centers:

611 E. 129th St., Grandview

14700 E. Truman Road, Independence

3013 E. 9th St., Kansas City

6618 E. Truman Road, Kansas City

5306 N. Oak Trafficway, Kansas City

500 W. 39th Street, Kansas City

6723 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan.

420 E. Santa Fe, Olathe

Also in Olathe, the main Library at 201 E. Park St. and the Indian Creek branch at 12990 S. Black Bob Road will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., officials said.

People escaping the heat are encouraged to bring necessary personal items like medicines and ready-to-eat snacks, Olathe officials said.

Johnson County library officials also encouraged citizens to cool down by visiting one of the 13 library branches.

The Salvation Army also said it is sending out volunteers to distribute cold bottles of water to the homeless and people working outside.

In Independence, two community centers will be operating as cooling centers during the heat advisory. City officials are inviting area residents without access to air conditioning to visit any of the locations.

The Roger T. Sermon Community Center, 201 N. Dodgion St., will be open from 8 a.m. through 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The Fairmount Community Center, 217 S. Cedar Ave., will be open from 8 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Area residents can call 816-252-5094 to inquire about extended hours.

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/07/14/2082857/cooling-centers-in-operation-as.html#ixzz0tgPsHYCH

Resources

Click on image to enlarge.

Prevent Abandoned Homes

Shelter open July 12

Shelter open July 12
Hillcrest Community Center, 10401 Hillcrest Rd.
Storm damage being assessed
The City is still assessing damage, but would caution residents to stay clear of downed powerlines (report to: 1-888-LIGHTKC (1-888-544-4852)) and downed trees or limbs, especially on structures which might become unstable. More.


City expands storm cleanup options
The City's Leaf and Brush Drop-Off center, located just south of I-470 on Raytown Road, will be open to residents between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13 through Sunday, July 18.

July 12-16: no bag limit on trash

The City is announcing that the period of July 12-16 is a "no-tag" period for trash collection. Excess Trash Tag requirements are not in place during a “no-tag” period. Normally, there is a two-bag limit for trash with trash tags to be affixed to bags over the limit.

NEXT WEEK ONLY - there will not be a limit as to the number of bags to be set out for trash. However, residents must still comply with what is acceptable to put in the trash. Those guidelines are available on the city's website, www.kcmo.org

Waldo Rockin' Block Party

The Waldo Promotion/Program Committee is pulling out all the stops for this year's 18th annual community event. The Waldo Fall Festival, now called the Waldo Rockin' Block Party will have extended hours and will provide endless opportunities for people to spend the day and evening in Waldo.

New this year during the day will be a bike ride sponsored by Family Bicycle, an artist creating chalk drawings all day, Games2U and Laser Tag, a VIN-Etching service, and the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Club. THEN at 6 p.m., the area is transformed for the Waldo Happy Hour featuring Disco Dick and the Mirror Balls band and Lew's Grill and Bar providing beverages and light refreshments for purchase under the tent.

Beginning with a Pancake Breakfast, the opening ceremonies then begin at 10am at 75th and Wornall Rd. The day's activities include inflatables, car bashing, a train ride and climbing wall; a tent full of area business vendors; performances from area schools and churches, the Tap-A-Thon and dance studio routines, and entertainers including the Mike Miller Band.

Sponsorships are available for the event and provide major advertising opportunities for your organization metro wide. Be included on the posters, in the program, on the radio, and more! Contact Ravin at the Waldo office, 816 -523-5553 for more details!

News From the Link

49/63 Neighborhood Coalition & CAN Center Sparkle!

Since 1971, the 49/63 Neighborhood Coalition has 4963represented the area of 49th to 63rd, The Paseo to Oak. Its purpose is to bridge Troost Avenue, stabilize the community, and protect and maintain a good quality of life for residents in the area. The Community Action Network (CAN) Center was established in the early 90's to supplement this effort and to address negative issues attacking the community. Two Metro Patrol Officers and a city Codes Officer were assigned to be part of the CAN Center. COMBAT funded a person to help combat the proliferation of drug usage and sales.

For the past few years, the space housing 49/63 was outside the boundaries of the 49/63 Neighborhood. Early in 2010, in keeping with the Rockhurst University goal to support the neighborhood stabilization efforts, the University offered help by providing office space. The house at 5418 Lydia was built in 1919, and had been sitting empty for the past few years. Rockhurst installed new plumbing and electrical systems; painted the inside and out; added new storm windows, security systems and lighting; and is in the process of removing and installing fencing in the back yard. CAN volunteers have a landscape plan in the hopper as soon as the weather breaks.

The area selected for the office was known for constant calls to the police, was host to a number of unsupervised youth, and had a large number of burglaries. Landlords along the block were having difficulty keeping good renters, and the chaos was spreading to other nearby blocks. Thanks to Rockhurst and the 49/63 Coalition and CAN Center, the area is already transitioning and the disruptiveness, for which the area was known, has already decreased. Area property owners are following suit and improving their property. Congratulations to Rockhurst University, 49/63 Neighborhood Coalition and the 49/63 CAN Center for the investment made and for helping Southtown sparkle!



New Businesses in Shops at Blue Parkway

Swope Community Builders announced two new tenants moving into the Shops on Blue Parkway: Diamonds and Diamonds, 4207 E. 50th Terrace, and (opening in July) Funnel Cake Creations, an ice cream, frozen custard store with homemade creative funnel cakes at 4201-A E. Blue Parkway. The leases were negotiated by Greg Patterson & Associates, leasing agent for the shopping center.


Doing the Shuffle in Brookside

The Brookside Barkery and Bath, 118 W. 63rd St., is expanding their space next door, previously home to Flowers by Design. Meanwhile, Flowers by Design has moved east to 112 W. 63rd St. previous home to Wine. Both businesses will be gaining more space. Flowers by Design's first floor space is smaller than before but they have gained additional room in the lower level for design work, classes, and many new projects and plans to come.

Brookside Barkery and Bath owner, Delena Stout says, "The expansion will allow our customers room to shop for more varieties of food, treats, collars and leashes. The remodeled bath area will accommodate the many large dogs who live in the neighborhood." Stay tuned as construction continues.

Just up the street, tucked away next to Bellezza Tan and Salon and Charlie Hooper's, is Tower Dry Cleaners and Laundry. They will be moving around the corner into the new Missouri Bank Building (formerly Star Motors) at 6254 Main St. The new location will provide better access and parking for the patrons. The move is expected by the end of July. Stop in and see the new digs!

Troost MAX coming soon. 50 percent finished

MAX Bus Rapid Transit was first introduced in Kansas City in the Main Street corridor in July 2005. MAX is helping to change the face of transit in Kansas City and has been held up as a national model by the Federal Transit Administration. Ridership has grown more than 40% in the Main Street MAX corridor.

Troost MAX construction work is progressing rapidly and is now approximately 50% complete. The 75th & Troost Metro Station (NE Corner) began construction June 14th and is expected to be completed in October. The 75th Street facility will be the south turnaround point for MAX although every third bus will continue south to Bannister Road and to the former Bannister Mall area. MAX will run about every 10 minutes most of the day with Route 25 running approximately every 30 minutes.

Art will be a prominent feature on the MAX on Troost. Three pieces of public art will be located at MAX stations, and the new Troost Bridge over Brush Creek will also incorporate art. Sculptures will be installed at the 31st, 39th and 75th street stations. The artists for each site have drawn on community input and local history to create interesting and compelling works. At the 75th Street Metro Station turnaround, David Dahlquist's piece will be a tribute to Kansas City's contribution to jazz. The work includes a piano-like structure with LED lighting. MAX is scheduled to begin operating later this year.

Area Farmers Markets

If your looking for a farmers market to visit, click here to check out local listings.

Scammers in our area.

(The below information was from "Marlborough Community Coalition")

Attention Metro dwellers,

I received this information from a district sergeant regarding “Direct TV” scammers. If you come in contact with anyone matching this description please call 911 so we can have a talk with them.

“Would you pass along that we have "Direct TV" impersonators going door to door selling TV Satellite systems scamming people. Suspects are a black male in his 40's and a black female in her late teens. One of them had a Direct TV ID card as well. Most recent victim we are aware of was on 7-3, the technicians were supposed to come by on 7-5 to install the system but never showed up and it was determined it was a scam.”

P.O. John Trainor
Crime Prevention Officer / Community Interaction Officer
Metro Patrol Division
Kansas City, Missouri Police Department
816-581-0715

July 8th: Summer Savings in Brookside

Summer Savings in Brookside
The Summer Sidewalk Sale begins in Brookside on Thursday, July 8th and runs through Sunday, July 11th. Stroll through the hottest sales from your favorite Brookside Merchants.

Click Here to learn More >>

URBAN HOMESTEADING CLASSES AT BADSEED

Classes are offered and Badseed throughout the summer and fall.
Learn how to make salsa, canned vegetable or make your own garden.
Click here to get started >>

Visit Badseed's market at
BADSEED’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Shares
1201 W Bannister Rd.
Kansas City, Missouri 64114

Missouri Gas Energy gets approval for a rate increase Read more: Missouri Gas Energy gets approval for a rate increase - Kansas City Business Journal

Missouri Gas Energy has gained regulatory approval to increase natural gas rates.

Kansas City-based MGE, which said it profits not from the price of gas but from its delivery, will increase the rate from nearly 70 cents per hundred cubic feet to a little more than 84 cents per hundred cubic feet.

The cost of gas is the wholesale price of gas plus transportation and storage costs. It normally accounts for about two-thirds to three-quarters of a winter gas

Read more: Missouri Gas Energy gets approval for a rate increase - Kansas City Business Journal

http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2010/06/28/daily33.html

Michelle Obama to speak in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)--First lady Michelle Obama will be in Kansas City next month to address the national convention of the NAACP.

The organization said Tuesday that Obama is scheduled to speak July 12 on childhood obesity and her "Let's Move! Campaign," which promotes a healthier generation of children.

More than 10,000 people are expected in Kansas City for the 101st national convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The five-day gathering opens July 10.

President Barack Obama also plans to visit Kansas City next month. The president is scheduled to attend a fundraiser July 8 for Democrat Robin Carnahan's campaign for U.S. Senate.
Click Here to learn more >>

Summer Destination

A place to check out this Summer

Located amongst the urban surroundings of 47th and Troost, the Discovery Center is literally nestled into a quiet and peaceful space, just a stone's throw from UMKC and the Plaza, and neighbor to the lovely Kauffman Gardens and Kauffman Foundation.

Read More>>

Free Child Safty Kit

ADT is pleased to be offering a free child safety kit. Designed for children up to 14-years-old, the free kit includes a variety of safety tips for children and advice for parents.

To request your child safety kit, please fill out the webform. (One child safety kit for every child under 14 years old in each household.)

Click Here to order your kit today. >>

Getting fresh food to Kansas City's 'deserts' is an uphill battle

Nearly 40,000 Kansas City, Mo. residents live in "food deserts" — neighborhoods that lack fresh, nutritious grocery options. And while progress is being made locally with farmers' markets and new urban agriculture regulations, experts say there's still more work to be done.
Click here to read more>>

Alternatives:
Beans and Greens:

Greater KC food policy

Kansas City Center for Urban Agriculture.

Angel Food Ministries

Coupons

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