Housing Seminar Sept. 12th.

DOES THE IRS OWE YOU A REFUND?

The Internal Revenue Service is looking for people in Missouri and Kansas who have refunds coming but whom the Postal Service couldn't find. Most of the refunds are for 2006. If you find your name on these lists, go to the IRS Web site, www.irs.gov. Click "Individual," then "Where’s My Refund?" Instructions will guide you.

H1N1 presentation by KC Health Dept.

Villa Ventura hosts H1N1 presentation by KC Health Dept.

Senior Star at Villa Ventura Retirement Community announced today an upcoming free presentation on the H1N1 Virus, presented by the Kansas City Health Department.

The presentation will be held at
Senior Star at Villa Ventura,
12100 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO
on Saturday, September 12, at 10:00 a.m.

Read More! CLICK Here >>

Use 3-1-1.

The 3-1-1 Action Center is your central point of contact for City services.
If you need information or have questions about the City, contact the Action Center by dialing 311. If you need to request a City service or report a problem with City services, contact the Action Center.

Click Here to learn more>>

Emergency Home Repair Program

Emergency Home Repair Program application period extended

The City of Kansas City, Mo., Housing and Community Development Department has extended the application period for the Emergency Home Repair Program until Oct. 30, or until funds have been exhausted. The original deadline for the program was July 31.

CLICK HERE to Learn more >>>

Flu Shots

CVS will start giving seasonal flu shots Tuesday September 1st.
CVS will also give away 100,000 free seasonal flu shots to unemployed people.

Click here to learn more >>
Click here to learn about FREE Immunizations provided by Jackson County.

Sat 9/19 - Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund

The Neighborhood and Community Services Department is hosting a NTDF informational workshop on Saturday, September 19 at the Kansas City, MO Health Department. NTDF (Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund) is a reimbursable grant for cultural, social, ethnic, historic, educational or recreational activities for nonprofit organizations. The workshop will discussed the purpose of NTDF, on-line application process, eligibility requirements, documentation required for consideration, tips on preparing successful application, contract compliance, and reimbursement process.

If you are interested in learning more about NTDF please attend this forum to get all your questions answered. The NTDF Workshop is Saturday, September 19, Kansas City, MO Health Department, 2400 Troost Ave. at 10:00am.

Also, October 15 is the deadline for NTDF annual cycle. Applications considered at this time are for events that will take place during the 2010-2011 fiscal year, which begins May 1, 2010 and ends April 30, 2011. Applications are accepted year-round, however, many organizations choose to apply by Oct. 15, as more money is available for this funding cycle.

For more information about the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, call TaWana Woodard, Neighborhood and Community Services Department, (816) 513-3229.

TaWana Woodard, Neighborhood LiaisonNeighborhood and Community Services
Neighborhood Services Division 816-513-3229"
One house, One block, One neighborhood, One community"

Parking facility at 11th and Cherry

News from City Hall
City Communications OfficeCity of Kansas City, Mo.
www.kcmo.org
CONTACT: Mary Charles, city communications officer, (816) 513-1356

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Aug. 26, 2009

New parking facility opens at 11th and Cherry streets

The City of Kansas City, Mo., Public Works Department has announced the opening of the 11th and Cherry Streets Parking Facility to the public. Attached to the newly constructed J.E. Dunn offices in the City's East Village Development, the facility provides 228 public parking spaces during the day. An additional 550 parking spaces reserved for J.E. Dunn employees are open to public parking after 6 p.m. The parking facility was completed at a cost of $18.3 million.

"This new parking facility will provide needed capacity for those visiting City Hall, Police Headquarters and the Municipal Court," said Bruce Campbell, manager of the City's Parking Services Division. "Parkers will appreciate the convenience of the facility's 24-hour automated access."

The garage, operated under contract by Standard Parking, provides monthly parking for $85, in addition to daily parking rates. Public access to the garage is available on 11th Street.

Media inquiries and other requests for more information about this project should be directed to Dennis Gagnon, public information officer for the Public Works Department, (816) 513-2659.

No kill shelter needs your help, Adopt today!

Ray of Hope, it is a program that the Greater Kansas City Humane Society operates with a goal to make Wyandotte County a no-kill county. The program is out of money and may have to shut down in September meaning nearly 200 animals will have to be euthanized.
(Read article in the KS Star. Click Here >> )


How can you help? Click here to learn more >>

Neighborhood & Community Service Department

The last in our series of scheduled block watch trainings for 2009 will be on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at Kansas City Police's Central Patrol,
1220 East Linwood Boulevard,
6:30 to 8:30p.

If you have any questions, please contact David Reynolds,
Community Safety Coordinator at (816)513-3235.

Women, Girls, Ladies: Continuing the Conversation

The Women’s Center at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, in conjunction with the Kansas City Public Library and UMKC’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, presents the panel discussion Women, Girls, Ladies: Continuing the Conversation on Wednesday, August 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the Plaza Branch, 4801 Main Street.

Click here to learn more >>

August Meeting is cancelled

FYI-- To those who may not have recieved a phone call, the WGNA meeting for tonght has been cancelled!

We hope to see you next month!

UniverSoul Circus 22nd-26th @ Kemper Area

The UniverSoul Circus at Kemper Arena, which began Wednesday and goes through the weekend, has some pretty amazing acts on the bill. Among them: contortionists, Chinese foot dancers and aerialists on the Wheel of Death. Check out photos of people and performers. Click here to learn more >>

Health Fair July 25th.

Take advantage of free health services this Saturaday.

Saturday, July 25th, 2009 Health Fair

9:00-3:00
Manual Career Technical Center
1215 East Truman Road
Kansas City, Mo. 64106

The following will be provided at no-cost:
- Dental Screen
- Vision screening
- Hearing screening
- Health Physicals
- Immunization


For more information please Call: 418-8672

Back to School Tax Holiday: August 7th - 9th

Sales Tax Holiday Information

The Sales Tax Holiday will be available Friday, August 7, through Sunday, August 9, in select cities and counties across Missouri. Certain back-to-school purchases, such as clothing, school supplies, computers, and other items are exempt from sales tax for this time period only.

Learn More Here >>

Qualifying Items

The sales tax exemption is limited to:

* Clothing – any article having a taxable value of $100 or less
* School supplies – not to exceed $50 per purchase
* Computer software – taxable value of $350 or less per purchase
* Personal computers – not to exceed $3,500
* Computer peripheral devices – not to exceed $3,500

“Clothing” - any article of wearing apparel, including footwear, intended to be worn on or about the human body. The term shall include but not be limited to cloth and other material used to make school uniforms or other school clothing. Items normally sold in pairs shall not be separated to qualify for the exemption. The term shall not include watches, watchbands, jewelry, handbags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, scarves, ties, headbands, or belt buckles.

“School supplies” - any item normally used by students in a standard classroom for educational purposes, including but not limited to, textbooks, notebooks, paper, writing instruments, crayons, art supplies, rulers, book bags, backpacks, handheld calculators, chalk, maps, and globes. The term shall not include watches, radios, CD players, headphones, sporting equipment, portable or desktop telephones, copiers or other office equipment, furniture, or fixtures. School supplies shall also include computer software having a taxable value of three hundred fifty dollars or less.

“Personal computers” - a laptop, desktop, or tower computer system which consists of a central processing unit, random access memory, a storage drive, a display monitor, and a keyboard and devices designed for use in conjunction with a personal computer, such as a disk drive, memory module, compact disk drive, daughter board, digitalizer, microphone, modem, motherboard, mouse, multimedia speaker, printer, scanner, single-user hardware, single-user operating system, soundcard, or video card.

Ethnic Festival

Click Here to learn more >

Experience the heritage and traditions of more than 50 countries at Kansas City's longest running festival. Celebrate the world through food, crafts, dance and drink during this three-day cultural extravaganza. Feel the World beat in the heart of America.

Admission: $3 adults, children 12 and under are free.
Where:

Region: Southeast
Address: Swope Park, 6600 Swope Pkwy., Kansas City, Mo.
Phone: 816-842-7530
Dates: 08/21/2009 - 08/23/2009
Time: 6-10pm, Fri.; Noon-10pm, Sat.; Noon-6pm, Sun.

Do you like to voulenteer?

Volunteer Opportunities
The Kansas City, Missouri School District welcomes educational involvement from parents as well as members of the community. The District strongly encourages adults to join individual school’s School Advisory Committees (SACs) or Parent Teacher Association (PTAs). Click here to learn how you can become a voulenteer.

Bulky Item pick up goes ONLINE

Click here to learn more >>

July 19-26th The Fringe Festival

Over 70 artists from around the world are in Kansas City this week. The Fringe team has taken steps to make this year's festival more accessible than ever. With new venues, entertainment for the whole family, and more shows, Fringe is more vibrant than ever. Check out our website to see what it's all about.

Tickets to Life Changers Conference

All,

I have about 25 tickets to the Life Changers Conference on July 15-19th at Bartle Hall. The tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. Please email me if you are interested in the tickets.

Thank you,
Schylon Clayton
Aide to Councilman Terry Riley
816-513-1629 office
816-513-1612 fax
Schylon_Clayton@kcmo.org

KC savings

Click here to learn more.

KC is candidate to store nation’s waste mercury

Read the KC Star Atricle by clicking HERE >
"....Mercury has long been considered highly toxic to humans, plants and animals.

It is still used in chlorine and caustic soda manufacturing, but Congress is trying to eliminate that, Levenstein said. Mercury also is recouped through recycling and waste recovery, and it is generated as a by-product of gold mining.

Mercury is heavy. A single gallon weighs about 113 pounds, so it requires sturdy containers and sturdy floors.

That makes the Kansas City Plant an ideal candidate, said Gale Carlson, environmental public health epidemiologist for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services....."



KC MEETING SET
The federal government will hold a public meeting July 23 to discuss the proposed mercury storage facility at the Kansas City Plant. The meeting will be from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites, 220 W. 43rd St.

Hand of Hope, Kansas City Schools Extreme Makeover

Saturday, July 18th from 8am to 4pm

Satchel Paige School, located on Prospect and 75th

3301 East 75th street (Prospect bus will drop you off right in front of the school)

Ladd School, location, 3640 Benton

Longfellow, location, 2830 Holmes

We are looking for staff that would like to volunteer and support our new school sites in remodeling

Please talk this over with your supervisors before replying. I will need all names by Friday July 10th.



Thanks





_________________________________________

Candace Cheatem | Deputy Director
Local Investment Commission | LINC
3100 Broadway, Suite 1100 * Kansas City, MO 64111
phone: 816.889.5050 * fax: 816.410.8362 * mobile: 816.914.8537
email: ccheatem@kclinc.org

Sidewalk sale

From David Park Acting Director Neighborhood and Community Services

This is to provide an update on our effort to mow weeds on vacant, privately-owned property this summer.

On May 1, 2009, Neighborhood and Community Services assumed responsibility for mowing weeds on vacant, privately-owned property when the property owners fail to do so. Weed mowing contracts this year also included for the first time removal of accumulations of trash that invariably collect on these properties.

I publicly announced a goal of having all of these lots mowed for the first time by the end of June. Unfortunately, we were not able to achieve the goal. It is July and there are many vacant, privately-owned lots that have not yet been mowed.

Factors such as above average rainfall and contractors unable to keep up with the pace of assigned work are among the reasons for properties remaining un-mowed. We used a new bidding process to assign work. The process was intended to increase competition and encourage participation by smaller, neighborhood-based contractors; but, it lengthened the time required to get a property mowed. Also, some contractors were not accustomed to being required to remove cut weeds and trash as they mowed and numerous repeat visits to finish the job have been required of them by inspectors. Finally, the volume of properties to be mowed was much higher than in past years due to the increase in the number of vacant houses in our community.

We have not given up, however. New contracts based upon units of work to be done are being prepared. This will eliminate the time required to bid out work and allow for a faster response by contractors. The city council is being asked to appropriate additional funding so we may continue the effort. And, inspectors are working overtime to get work assigned to contractors and to inspect work after it is reported as completed by the contractors.

I believe all of the properties that need to be mowed have been identified and are in the process. If you are not sure about a property in your neighborhood, please check the Request for Service System at KIVAnet: http://kivaweb.kcmo.org/kivanet/2/index.cfm to verify an open case exists for it. You may also call 311 to check on a property or to report one that you do not find an active KIVAnet case for. We do not want to miss any.

We are well ahead of last year’s pace despite a reduction in administrative staff and no additional inspectors, but we are not at the pace you expect or that we expect of ourselves. I want to reassure you that the level of service you are seeing now is not the end product of our effort. I and my staff will continue to push until the level of service is at an appropriate level – which will be measured by your satisfaction with it.

I will strive to keep you informed of developments.


David Park
Acting Director
Neighborhood and Community Services
816-513-3231

Nothing Can Stop Dedication

2009 MLBCF Midwestern Conference

PRELIMINARY CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM GOLF REGISTRATION
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM GOLF TOURNAMENT
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM AWARD CEREMONY/DINNER
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM VENDOR SET-UP
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM MINORITY BUSINESS GROUP
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM RECEPTION – YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM WELCOME TO KANSAS CITY EVENT

POWER AND LIGHT DISTRICT
7:00 PM – 12:00 AM AROUND KANSAS CITY…..

Please visit the Black Caucus website for further details

Cindy Circo's Blog

Please visit Councilwoman Cindy Circo's Blog

Last year, WGNA residents noticed that trees were being planted on city easements.
Questions arose as to who was planting them, but no answers were found.
According to Cindy Circo's website, portions of Walnut Grove Neighborhood Association is a part of a pilot project TargetGreen to study green solutions for overflow water control.

Keep Cool This Summer at KCMO Pools

Keep Cool This Summer at KCMO Pools
Free Swim Times Offered all Summer Long

Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation provides many ways to cool off this summer, free-of-charge.

Major pools located in
Budd Park,
The Grove,
Brush Creek Community Center
and Swope Park offer free swim times every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4:00-7:00pm.
Additionally, Swope Pool is open for free swim on Sundays from 1:00-5:00pm.

The following junior pools are always free:
Ashland Square,
Arbor Villa,
Gillham and West Terrace.
Spraygrounds, located throughout the city, are also always free.

For more information about Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Aquatics, visit our website.

Beat the heat.

An orange Ozone Alert has been issued for Greater Kansas City for Wednesday, June 24th.
Protect your health

The amount of ground-level ozone in our air is expected to be in the "unhealthy" range tomorrow. To protect your health:

o Reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities. Ozone pollution can cause wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing. Reduce outdoor activities today, or schedule them before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m.

o If you have breathing problems, keep medicines close by. People with respiratory ailments may be more affected than others by ozone pollution.

Reduce pollution
o You can help reduce ozone pollution by: Carpooling or using public transit. If you drive less, you release less emissions into our air, and each mile makes a big difference. If every person in Greater Kansas City drove one less mile per week, in one month, the air we breathe would have 35,574 fewer pounds of smog-forming pollutants.
o Avoid mowing until the next green SkyCast is issued. In one hour, a gas-powered push mower emits as much pollution as driving a newer car 140 miles.
o Don't refuel your car — or refuel it in the evening. Putting gas in your car in the evening allows fumes to dissipate overnight, making it less likely that they will contribute to ozone pollution the following day.

Where to go for the best 4th of July Celebrations!

KC Riverfest
Held at Berkley Riverfront Park, this annual event not only has one of the best Fireworks displays in the Kansas City Metro that is choreographed to live music, but great entertainment and things to do for the whole family.
Where: Berkley Park on the River between the Broadway and Paseo bridges.
When: Ongoing events July 3rd and 4th. Fireworks at 10pm, Friday.
Cost: $5 - Kids 12 and under are free.


Parkville 4th of July Fireworks and Fest
This Northland fireworks display and event packs 20,000 folks from around the metro. The festivities begin on Tuesday morning with the 4th of July parade. They also have a carnival at English Landing Park.
Where: English Landing Park, Parkville, Mo. Fireworks shot over Missouri River.
When: Approximately 9:30pm
Parking: Shuttles are offered from 6pm-midnight to and from Park Hill South High School and Park University.


Corporate Woods Star Spangled Spectacular
The Corporate Woods Star Spangled Spectacular is something to see - the 4th of July events kick off at 4PM and last until 11PM. With everything from a free concert to funnel cakes, it's also one of the biggest fireworks displays in the metro.
Where: Corporate Woods, I-435 and College Blvd @ 109th/Mastin.
When: 9:30 pm


Independence Fireworks Display
Head to the Mormon Visitor Center for an evening of music and fireworks. Enjoy the fireworks display and patriotic music by the Spirit of Independence Band How can a show in a city called "Independence" not be spectacular?
Where: Mormon Visitor Center (big spire), 937 W. Walnut, Independence, Mo.
When: Gates opend at 8pm, 9:30 pm fireworks
Cost: Free
Note: Be sure and bring your blankets and lawn chairs because there is ZERO parking. The MVC has a huge lawn for viewing, however. Food and beverages from home are also a good idea.


Booms and Blooms Fest at Powell Gardens (JULY 3rd)
A truly magical celebration with Children's activities, Homemade ice cream in garden-fresh flavors for sale, and music by: Peace, Love, Flute ensemble @ 2 p.m., The New Red Onion Jazz Babies @ 4:30 p.m. & the Lee's Summit Symphony from 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. With fireworks bursting over their beautious lake, it's one of the best fireworks displays in KC.
Where: Powell Gardens, 1609 NW US HWY 50, Kingsville, MO, 64061
When: July 3rd. Festivites throughout the day, starting at 9am. Fireworks on at dusk.
Cost: $10/adults; $9/seniors; $5/children ages 5-12. Friends members and children under 5 get in FREE
Note: Picnics will be allowed in the performance area only. Bring a blanket or lawnchair; all performances take place outdoors. The Gardens are very dark after sundown. Although we will use temporary lighting after the fireworks, you may want to bring along your own flashlight!


City of Leawood's 4th of July Celebration
The Leawood Parks and Recreation Department is proud of the excitement and tradition that the annual 4th of July Celebration brings to the community. Enjoy great entertainment, participate in games, and taste a variety of food from vendors.
Where:Leawood City Park, Tomahawk Creek Parkway & 435 Hwy
When:The Aquatic Center will be open from 11-5, Kids activities and food vendors will take place from 5-9:30pm. Stage show events will be 5:45-7pm and the musical entertainment will be provided by the Mikey Needleman Band from 7:30-9:30. Fireworks approximately 9:45pm.
Cost:General Admission is free. All Access Ride/Activity Bands (for children 14 and under) will be $6.
Note:No Parking will be available in City Park. Free parking will be provided along the east side Tomahawk Creek Parkway and shuttle busses will be available for transportation to City Park at no cost.

Recyle your TV

If you recently bought a new television, or have an old analog set collecting dust, don’t throw it in the trash. Electronics like televisons contain lots of toxic stuff like lead and mercury. Take it to Surplus Exchange in the West Bottoms. The local non-profit will recycle the salvageable bits and correctly dispose of the rest.

www.surplusexchange.org

Schedule a bulky item pickup ONLINE.

Over the years the city has made several big changes to the way it picks up bulky item trash like appliances, furniture, etc. – switching back and forth between regular pickups and on-demand appointments.
The latest budget cuts saw the program go back to an appointment system tied to the regular trash pickup schedule. The change has been confusing to many and has caused lots of items sitting on the curb in neighborhoods all over the city.
Thankfully City Hall now allows residents very easily schedule a bulky item pickup online, in addition to calling the 311 Action Center. (816) 513-1313

Schedule a bulky item pickup now: www.kcmo.org/bulky

Kansas City School, among best in the country.

Lincoln Prep best school in metro area, among best in the country

A new national ranking of the top 1500 high schools in the country has placed Lincoln College Prep Academy at #129. The KCMO School District school easily beat all other city and suburban schools and was second in Missouri only to #97 Metro Academic and Classical in St. Louis.

In previous years KCK’s Sumner Academy has ranked in the top 200, but is completely missing from this year’s list. In the suburbs, southern Johnson County’s Blue Valley district dominates. Surprisingly, the much-celebrated Shawnee Mission district failed place a school on the list, nor did top-tier Missouri districts like Lee’s Summit or Liberty.

#129 Lincoln College Prep – Kansas City, MO (KCMO District)
#373 Blue Valley Northwest – Overland Park
#722 Blue Valley – Stillwell, KS
#779 Blue Valley North – Overland Park
#828 Park Hill - Kansas City, MO (Park Hill District)
#842 Blue Valley West – Overland Park

KCPD taking applications for citizen police academy

The Citizen Police Academy (CPA) was first introduced in Kansas City in 1998 in order to educate Kansas City residents about the structure and activities of their police department. While the CPA class is not a "training class", this 10 week course is an exciting opportunity to gather information while providing a behind-the-scenes look at the various functions within the Kansas City Missouri Police Department.

Our program operates on the premise that informed educated citizens will be more supportive of police officers and the department. Additionally, those completing the program have the potential of becoming more productive within their own neighborhoods and communities.

Click Here to learn more

Go green when TV goes digital

Neighborhood and Community Services LETTER

A letter to my neighborhood friends and colleagues

Following the retirement of Les Washington, City Manager Wayne Cauthen appointed me as Acting Director of Neighborhood and Community Services. While many of you already know me, I want to introduce myself and advise you of what to expect from me and Neighborhood and Community Services in the future.

Armed with a B.S. in Environmental Health, I began my career with the City in 1979 as a Sanitarian in the Environmental Inspections Program. Sanitarians are now called code enforcement officers and Environmental Inspections is called Neighborhood Preservation.

My schooling taught me the reason to be concerned about overgrown weeds, accumulations of trash, and deteriorated housing is because they are unhealthy for people. I knew the diseases and health consequences that result from exposure to the conditions. Once on the job, I quickly realized the conditions also impact the economic health of neighborhoods and are strongly associated with criminal activities. And, because neighborhoods are the foundation of the city, unhealthy neighborhoods located anywhere in the city create weaknesses in the foundation that supports all neighborhoods.

The awareness of the importance of preserving neighborhoods has motivated me over the last 30 years and continues to do so.

Moving from the past to the present, there are a couple of immediate challenges facing Neighborhood and Community Services. These include mowing weeds on vacant properties and catching up on a backlog of dangerous buildings to demolish.

We assumed responsibility for mowing weeds on privately owned vacant properties this year and are trying out a new process. The goal is to remove trash that is often present when the mowing is performed and to include more contractors in the process. Instead of 2 or 3 big contractors getting all of the work, we wanted to have numerous contractors involved. This creates opportunities for neighborhood-based contractors to participate in the program and provide jobs for neighborhood residents.

The process is working. The appearance of mowed lots has improved and we have nine contractors on board. More contractors may still be added.

We have fallen behind schedule however. There are too many properties out there that need to be mowed yet. Our inspectors and contractors are all hustling and working overtime to get caught up.

Dangerous building inspectors are also hustling. There are well over 400 vacant, damaged and dilapidated houses in our neighborhoods that need to be demolished. Funding for demolition became available on May 1, 2009, and we want to demolish as many dangerous buildings as we can and as quickly as we can. You will see an increase in demolition activity this summer.

I want you to know that the Neighborhood and Community Services Department will continue to strive towards improving conditions in our neighborhoods. Les Washington set this direction during his tenure as director and I intend to chart the same course.

I look forward to continue working with you, and for you.

Sincerely,


David Park, Acting Director

Neighborhood and Community Services

12th Annual Art Unleashed on Friday, August 22

A Wonderful Woof-ti-doo!

Art and animal lovers united for the 12th Annual Art Unleashed on Friday, August 22, presented by Petsmart and Banfield Pet Hospital, at The Uptown Theater. More than 300 original and limited edition pet-themed pieces of artwork were auctioned off during the event to raise $70,000 for the homeless pets of Kansas City.

We hope to see you in 2009!

Volunteering Opportunities!

DUCK DERBY
Sunday, June 28, 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Brush Creek
Country Club Plaza between Wornall & Brush Creek

Event Description: The RED Development Duck Derby is a fun-filled family event providing an opportunity to increase funds and awareness for Children's TLC. Currently, Children's TLC serves over 550 children with developmental disabilities and special healthcare needs in seven area counties, including Wyandotte County. No child is denied services regardless of their ability to pay. Funds raised through the RED Development Duck Derby will help make the difference in the life of a child.

Volunteer Responsibilities: Volunteers will man the Children's Area--taking tickets, running carnival games and inflatables. Volunteers will receive a special event T-shirt. Adult volunteers [18+] only.
Click here to contact Duck Derby

-----------------------------------------------------


Art Unleashed
Humane Society of Greater Kansas City
Uptown Theater
3700 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111

Date / Time
Friday, August 28th
5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Event Description: Live and silent auction for all pet-themed artwork to benefit the animals of the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City.

Volunteer Description: Volunteers will help with food catering, check-in/check-out and serve as greeters and table monitors.

Volunteers will wear a black or Khaki slack/skirt and an Art Unleashed Volunteer T-shirt. Please provide T-shirt size. Dinner will be provided to volunteers prior to the event.

Adult volunteers only [18+]
5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Uptown Theater
3700 Broadway Kansas City, MO 64111

Organization
HUMANE SOCIETY OF GREATER KANSAS CITY
Click here to learn how to Voluenteer
The maximum number of volunteers for this event is 25.

----------------

Operation Blessing 2009
3039 Troost Ave (30th and Troost)
Kansas City, MO 64109
Across from Operation Breakthrough facility

Date: Saturday, May 30th 2009
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Click here to learn more

Overview
Operation Blessing is a joint community initiative of the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs to help feed the needy in Kansas City. This event is a food distribution event where fifteen pounds of food will be given to each adult recipient and a special bag for children will be given out to help with feeding the hungry in the Kansas City KS-MO metropolitan area.

Volunteer Responsiblities
Volunteers will be responsible for filling bags with food for distribution, helping with distribution, clean up of site and helping with distributing food and monitoring the line of recipients by working with Operation Blessing personnel. Volunteers will get to meet Royals and Chiefs players at the event!

Updates on Pathway Academy K-8 School:

The Meet the Principal event will be July 2, 2009 at Pathway Academy from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. for all the folks in the neighborhood to stop by and say “hello”.



Updates on Pathway Academy K-8 School:


Meet our principal, Mrs. Lori Butler!

Your browser may not support display of this image.Mrs. Lori Butler has 11 years experience in the field of education. She is a knowledgeable and experienced leader, and a dedicated supporter of urban education and the opportunities urban students must be provided to achieve at the highest levels.

Lori serves as the Intermediate Academy Principal for University Academy Charter School, a leading public charter school in Kansas City, Missouri. In this role, she works closely with teachers and other administrators to research and implement high quality instructional strategies that positively impact the academic, social, and emotional development of youth. Lori ensures that the students in her academy are receiving quality instruction from teachers that are proficient in utilizing best instructional practices while establishing a culture that is student centered and devoted to developing future leaders in the community.

Before coming to work for University Academy Charter School, Lori was a well respected employee of the Kansas City Missouri public school system. She began her career as an elementary classroom teacher where she learned that high expectations and best teaching practices transcend race, gender and socioeconomic status. Lori later became an instructional coach and in 2004 she became a literacy coach with the district.

Lori strongly believes that the social/emotional needs of students remain a central focus, as they are directly attributed to academic success. She cultivates strong relationships with her students, families and stakeholders to achieve relationships built on trust and commitment-key components for success.


A message from Mrs. Butler:

“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Pathway Academy. I am honored to be the principal of a new school with so many great possibilities. I am extremely passionate about the art of teaching and learning and I am excited that you have chosen Pathway Academy for your child’s education. I look forward to partnering with you in your child’s future educational endeavors.”


Call (816) 960-7290 to enroll or to get more information.

Completed enrollment forms can be dropped off in the Academy of Kansas City office at 2015 East 72nd Street, Kansas City, MO 64132 or mail to 550 N. 159th St. East, Ste. 1000, Wichita, KS 67230.

May 30th. Neighborhood CleanUp.

Neighborhood CleanUp.

Time & Location:
Saturday, May 30th, 2009
Local Union 663 Hall,
7820 Prospect Ave. Kansas City, Mo
Time: 8am -12noon


Voluenteer's are always welcome to help on Clean Up day.
* To volunteer to help, email wgnakc@gmail.com

* To find out more about other WGNA events throughout the year. Come to our monthly meetings and or requst to have updates sent to your inbox.


The Dumpsters are paid for by Walnut Grove Neighborhod Association members.
This is a FREE event however your donations to help pay for the costs of trash removal is greatly appreciated.


* Tires, hazardous waste, or stumps & big logs are not accepted.
* Smaller bundles of brush will need to be placed in paper bags and small limbs tied with twine(not wire)
* AC's, or anything with a compresser unit are not accepted.
You can call 3-1-1 to request a time for the city to pick these items up.

Red-Light Safety Camera Program

The following information provides an overview of:
Why the City of Kansas City, Mo., implemented a Red-Light Safety Camera Program
Where red-light safety cameras are located
How the red-light safety camera system works

Spay & Neuter your pets.

Spay and Neuter Kansas City held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new spay and neuter clinic located on the northeast corner of 59th and Troost on Tuesday, May 12th, 2009.

City warns residents about fraudulent water bill calls

City warns residents about fraudulent water bill calls

The City of Kansas City, Mo., Water Services Department is warning residents about a phone scam involving solicitation from an unknown source.

In light of recent fraudulent activities involving the phone solicitation of Blue Springs, Mo., water customers, the department is reminding customers that:

- If the Water Services Department contacts you, the caller ID will never be blocked

- Customers can call 3-1-1 anytime to verify any solicitation regarding City of Kansas City, Mo., Water Services

- Waiving of fees or "special deals" are never offered

- City employees always wear ID badges and will give you the name and number of their supervisor when asked

- Customers should call 3-1-1 (or 9-1-1 if in an emergency situation) to report concerns

- Customers should never give, to anyone who initiates contact, a credit card number, bank account number, date of birth, social security
number or water account number

- Customers should not send cash, check or money order by messenger or overnight mail when asked to by a telephone seller or caller you
do not know

- Customers should never provide personal information over the phone, through the mail or over the Internet, unless you initiated the transaction and you know the person or institution receiving the information

Anyone who receives a phone call or e-mail as described above should consider it to be a fraudulent attempt to obtain personal account data for an illegal purpose. Residents should not follow any instructions in such a phone call or e-mail.

Media inquiries should be directed to Colleen Doctorian, public information officer, Water Services Department, (816) 513-0232.

May 9th: Citywide Plant and Seed Exchange

CITYWIDE PLANT EXCHANGE

Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
Saturday, May 9 2009
9 a.m. - 12 noon

(All ages) Walk in anytime between 9 a.m. and 12 noon. Join us for the 3rd annual Citywide Plant and Seed Exchange. All gardeners are encouraged to pot extra plants and cuttings that they have, label them and bring them in to trade with other gardeners. Feel free to also bring in seeds, bulbs, tubers, and cuttings that are plainly marked. The plants do better if you pot them up a week or two ahead. Plan on this event and give yourself time to dig up those extras to share.

Click Here to learn more >>

3/50 Project: Importance of Buying Local

Importance of Buying Local
http://the350project.net

For every $100 spent in independently owned stores in our neighborhood, $68 returns to my local economy through payroll taxes, property taxes, sales tax and payroll.
That same amount spent at a chain or franchise store only returns $43 to the city.
And if that $100 is spent online, nothing comes back to my hometown. Zilch.


The 3 Part: Choose 3 independently owned local stores you would miss if they were no longer in business.

The 50 Part: Spend a little something in all 3 of them, and, in doing so, try to spend a total of $50 in local stores every month.

So, pick your three and love 'em up. They will thank you, your community will thrive, and the earth will breathe just a little easier.

Passing of the leash' celebration

Passing of the leash' celebration and open house rescheduled for May 2



Pets and their owners are invited to come to Halfway Home Pet Adoptions (the City of Kansas City, Mo., animal shelter) on May 2 to celebrate recent shelter changes with a ceremonial "passing of the leash." The event was originally scheduled for March 28, but was canceled due to rain.

At this celebration, tours of the updated facility will be available, as will dog baths for $15, pet caricature drawings for $10-15, microchipping for $20, vaccinations for $10 each, licenses for $12 (altered) $35 (unaltered), and volunteer sign-up.
The shelter is located at 4400 Raytown Road.

The celebration begins at 8 a.m. and will conclude at noon. The passing of the leash at 10 a.m. will feature Councilwoman Cindy Circo, 5th District at large, and Dr. R. Wayne Steckelberg, founder of the Veterinary Management Corp. Circo was the leader of the effort to create a new partnership at the shelter. Since March 1, Veterinary Management Corp. has managed the operation of the City's animal shelter. Shelter operations include caring for animals that have been picked up and serving as an adoption center. Licenses are available at the shelter.

The employees in the Animal Health and Public Safety Division of the Neighborhood and Community Services Department who formerly worked in the shelter now provide pickup service of stray, sick and injured animals. The division staff continues to enforce animal and fowl ordinances, and conduct investigations and inspections. These employees now have offices at 4900 Swope Parkway.

For more information about this event, call Halfway Home Pet Adoptions, (816) 513-9850.

To file a complaint or concern about an animal, residents are asked to call the 3-1-1 Action Center, (816) 513-1313 or 311.

Need Emergency Home Repair?

Emergency Home Repair Program to start accepting applications May 4

Eligible Kansas City, Mo., homeowners who are in urgent
need of roofing, plumbing, electrical and mechanical work
can apply for the City of Kansas City, Mo., Emergency Home
Repair Program. Applications for homeowners who meet program
requirements will be accepted starting May 4.

Click here to learn how to apply.

Recyle MORE Materials: KC Curbside Recycleing

Additional items to be accepted starting May 1

The City of Kansas City, Mo., Public Works Department has announced that KC Recycles will continue to provide weekly curbside recycling under a new agreement with Town and Country Disposal of Western, Missouri Inc.

Starting May 1, the KC Recycles curbside program will accept a wider range of materials, including cardboard egg cartons, clean pizza boxes and shredded paper contained in a labeled paper bag. A list of accepted materials and instructions can be found online at http://www.KCMO.org/trash.

"By partnering with Town and Country, the City has been able to preserve and expand a program that is popular with many residents," said Michael Shaw, Manager of the City's Solid Waste Division. "Maintaining this program is consistent with the City's commitment to sustainable practices."

Resident's of Kansas City should see no interruption in service and are encouraged to use the KC Recycles curbside service or drop-off centers whenever possible. Each year, KC Recycles diverts more than 19,000 tons of recyclables from local landfills.

Media inquiries about KC Recycles and the City's Solid Waste Division should be directed to Dennis Gagnon, public information officer for the Public Works Department, (816) 513-2659.

MAY 1st: Free Mammogram

May 1-Free Mammogram,
Mt. Olive Baptist Church,
9220 W. 50th Terrace, Merriam, KS; 9am-2pm;

Free (there is no charge)

Provided to women 35 and older who do not have insurance; provided by a grant from the Susan G. Komen foundation and St. Luke's Hospital

Register by April 30: Mary Webb; 913-362-7908; mew66203@swbell.net

More red-light cameras coming in KC

Red-light cameras will go live May 4 at five more Kansas City intersections even as violations mount at the first targeted intersection, 39th Street and Southwest Trafficway.

Since Feb. 21, the city has issued about 900 citations to red-light runners there, said Sgt. Kevin Murray of the Kansas City Police Department’s special operations division.

The cameras will start catching violators early next month at:

•West 79th Street and Wornall Road
•East 63rd Street and Prospect Avenue
•39th and Main streets
•East 19th and Walnut streets
•27th Street and Southwest Trafficway

Kansas City launched its red-light camera program earlier this year. The warning period at the 39th and Southwest Trafficway location ended Feb. 20.

About 10 percent of the 900 violators since then have paid their fines.

Murray said the first full month of the program, March, saw 604 violators.

The violations appear to happen at all hours of the day and night, despite the “photo enforced” signs posted near the intersection.

Murray supervises six officers who review and approve each ticket, making sure the photographs and video clearly show the car running the red light, not just getting caught as the light goes from yellow to red.

The fine is $100 and $13.50 for court costs.

Brookside Annual

April: STD Awareness Month

".... In recognition of STD Awareness Month, MTV and the Kaiser Family Foundation teamed up to launch the “GYT: Get Yourself Tested” campaign. The movement is dedicated to increasing testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases...." (article from the KC star)

Learn more about the "GYT" campain by Clicking here.
Get Free testing in your area: Click here or Click here


Some Local Locations:
Kansas City Free Health Clinic
3515 Broadway St
Kansas City, Missouri 64111
816-753-5144
Clinic

Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri
1001 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd
Kansas City, Missouri 64110
816-756-2277
800-230-7526

Swope Health Central
3801 Blue Pkwy
Kansas City, Missouri 64130
816-923-5800

Job Fair: April 28th.

Click here to learn more >>>

April 6 – 12: Recyle yoru cell phones

From April 6 – 12 Americans are urged to recycle unused cell phones that have been piling up in junk drawers as part of EPA’s Plug-in to eCycling campaign.

As cell phones, computers, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) become more prominent in our everyday lives, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency encourages consumers to recycle these products instead of adding them to our nation’s landfills.

Cell phones and accessories are made from valuable materials such as precious metals, copper, and plastics - all of which require energy to extract and manufacture. Recycling cell phones results in environmental savings. Recycling cell phones reduces greenhouse gas emissions and conserves natural resources. There is also a strong secondary market for used cell phones and for donation to charitable organizations. If cell phones cannot be reused, the components are nearly 100 percent recyclable. Currently, only about 10 percent of unwanted cell phones are recycled each year. Last year Plug-in partners collected 11 million cell phones for reuse and recycling.

Recycling cell phones can save enough energy to power more than 2,035 U.S. households for a year. Recycling the 100 million cell phones that are no longer used annually would save enough energy to power more than 18,000 households for a year.

EPA has teamed up with leading cell phone makers, service providers, and retailers to launch this national campaign to encourage Americans to recycle or donate their unwanted cell phones. Partners include AT&T, Best Buy, LG Electronics, Motorola, Nokia, Office Depot, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Sprint, Staples, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless.

Buckle Up Event at City Chevrolet April 25

Buckle Up Event at City Chevrolet April 25

SAFE KIDS METRO KC TO PROVIDE CAR SEAT INSTALLATIONS

Kansas City, MO- Safe Kids Metro KC, a program of Mother & Child Health Coalition, partnering with Buckle Up Our Future, is providing Safe Kids Buckle Up child safety seat installations and inspections at:
City Chevrolet 555 W. 103rd, Kansas City, Missouri
on Saturday, April 25th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading killer of children under 14. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that approximately 73% of all child passenger restraints — more than 80% of car seats and about 40% of booster seats — are used incorrectly. Missouri and Kansas now require children age 4 through 7 and under 80 pounds and 4’9” to be restrained in a booster seat.

Nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will perform inspections and train parents and caregivers to install seats for children of all ages. This service is FREE and usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Parents or caregivers need to bring the child and the safety seat. Some seats are available for families – contributions are requested so additional seats can be purchased.

Safe Kids Buckle Up is a national program developed by Safe Kids Worldwide and sponsored by Chevrolet and General Motors to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of properly restraining children on every ride.

For more information about Saturday’s activities or to schedule an interview, contact Deb Bumgardner at (816) 283-6242, ext. 244 or Anne Biswell (816) 283-6242 ext. 226.

The Home Show: March 26-29

Ready to start your next remodeling project?
Need advice for changing your decor and design? Searching for the right look for your lawn and garden? It's one-stop shopping in one spectacular location March 26-29 when the Greater Kansas City HOME SHOW once again joins together with the Kansas City Flower, Lawn & Garden Show at Bartle Hall for four fabulous days!

Buy one ticket Get one FREE. Click Here>>

Little Summer Camps

Camps offer endless opportunities for fun...
ART, CRAFTS, DANCE, MUSIC, THEATER, WRITING

Click here to learn more >

March 19th: Retirement Planning Tools for Seniors

As seniors enter the autumn of their lives, they face fixed pensions,
increased medical expenses & limited social security benefits. Learn about
income alternatives through the reverse mortgage & the Missouri Property Tax
Credit Claim.

Thursday, March 19th @ 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Blue Hills Resource Center, 5309
Woodland Avenue, KCMO

Presenters: Hazel B. McAllister, Blue Hills Community Services; Pam Hider,
GKC Housing Information Center; and Andrew Belt, Leader One Financial
Corporation

Questions? Call Leigh at 816.333.7870 ext. 203 or E-mail: LTodt@bhcsmo.org

JOB FAIRS in March

JOB FAIRS

1) If you're looking for work, please register for the Urban League's March 25th Career Bazaar & Hiring Fair. Job seekers must be 21. Employers will be looking for people with college degrees (Bachelor's, Master's and Associate degrees) AND experienced individuals with high school diplomas or GEDs. Details and registration can be found at www.ulkc.org.
Click on the words Career Bazaar March 25, 2009. We have 41 employers coming and expect to have at least 45, but we're hoping for 50.


URBAN LEAGUE WORKSHOPS IN MARCH

How to Work a Job Fair: Choose from the dates below
Have you attended job fairs before and come away disappointed? Do you know how to network with employers? Do you know how to make a lasting impression? This workshop can help. Together, we'll develop a targeted 30-second introduction and tell you how to prepare for and make your job fair experience more satisfactory. .
Thursday - March 12, 2009; 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday - March 18, 2009; 5:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Friday - March 20, 2009; 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Keys to Writing a Resume for Today's Job Market: Choose from the dates below
What does your resume really say about you? Is it just a laundry list of job duties or does it include achievements and a summary of your qualifications? Does it speak to the needs of the employer? How does it position you in the job market? The days of having one resume are over. Find how you can easily create targeted resumes that speak to each employer's needs, and learn the basics of resume development for any job market.


All workshops are free, open to the public, and held at the Urban League: 1710 Paseo, KCMO.
Please wear business or business casual attire.
Register for the workshops today: 816-471-0550 or receptionist@ulkc.org.

April 18th: Block Party Research Medical Center

March 18: See teams NCAA practice

March 18

Get a free taste of March Madness. See all eight teams competing in the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball tourney practice from noon to 7:20 p.m. at the Sprint Center. The arena opens at 11 a.m.
visitkc.com/ncaa
free

March 22nd : Go bowling for homes

Who needs my help? Habitat for Humanity’s 2009 Women Build.

How can I help? Participate in Bowling for Homes, a fundraiser 2-5 p.m. March 22. The event, at Ward Parkway Lanes, 1523 W. 89th St., costs $30 per person, which includes shoes and three games.
click here to read more >>

free foreclosure intervention workshop

More help for local homeowners with loan problems

Distressed Kansas City area homeowners can attend a free foreclosure intervention workshop later this month.

The March 21 event requires homeowners who seek counseling to schedule an appointment with HomeFree-USA.

The group is a nonprofit organization that offers federally approved counseling on homeownership.

HomeFree-USA is holding interventions in several markets with an aim of reaching 1,000 homeowners in each major city by the end of April.

Counselors will help homeowners assess their situation, prepare a budget, contact their lender and seek a mortgage modification.

Elma Warrick, executive director of HomeFree-USA Kansas City, said the counseling is free but homeowners will be asked to pay $10 for a credit report.

Homeowners also will need to bring a copy of their mortgage agreement, notices of late payments or default and pay stubs to verify employment and income.

To register, call 816-822-7241. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bruce Watkins Cultural Heritage Center at 3700 Blue Parkway.

The local group plans additional local intervention workshops and other events in the future.

Park Events in March

Click Here to learn more >>>

Day of Play: March 21st

Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 21
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In honor of Kansas City North Community Center's 50th Anniversary, various Park's facilities will be hosting celebrations. Open houses will feature demonstrations, youth activities, prizes and more. Download a Day of Play flyer listing the locations.

Click here to learn more >>>

Kansas City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Kansas City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade starts at 11 a.m. in Westport.

The parade begins at 33rd and Broadway and goes south to 43rd Street.
This is the first year for the parade in Westport after being downtown since 1974.
This year’s theme is “Pioneering Spirit — The Irish in Kansas City.” www.kcirishparade.com

Click here for Parade Route>>

Martin City St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Sunday March 15th

Martin City St. Patrick’s Day Parade:
Events start at 11 a.m. in the downtown district, the parade starts at 2 p.m..


New this year are cash prizes for parade entries.
Don Harman, meteorologist for WDAF-TV, is the grand marshal.
The event benefits Ozanam.
www.irishpalooza.com.

Snake Saturday Parade: Sat 14th, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m

Snake Saturday Parade is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in North Kansas City.

It starts at 14th & Swift, heads north to Armour Road, turns east on Howell, goes south on Howell and disbands at 18th Avenue.

Parade announcers are at Armour and Swift and at the judge’s stand at Armour near Howell. The carnival mid-way goes all day.

The Family Fun Festival goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a heated arts-and-crafts tent, children’s square with balloons and live entertainment,
CARB Race Car Show; free pony rides and petting zoo from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Parade winners announced at 3 p.m., NKC Community Center, 1999 Iron Street. www.NorthlandFestivals.com

Share your Soles.

Share your soles with people who need them!

We all have that beat up pair of shoes that it is time to part with,
but we don't want them to end up in the landfill. Here is your
opportunity to donate your shoes to be reused or recycled.

If your shoes are still in good enough shape, they will be distributed
locally, nationally and globally to those in need by the non-profit
group Soles4Souls. If they are too far gone to be reused, the soles
will be ground up and recycled into new shoes!

The shoe drive runs through April 11th.



Here are a few nearest collection points:
Congregation Beth Shalom - 9400 Wornall Rd.
Hy-Vee Food and Drug Store — 76th and State Line

Find more collection points online, by clicking here >>


The web site is: http://www.recycle-shoes-now.com/
Other links:
http://www.soles4souls.org/

Support a local BBQ business

For nearly a year, Steven and Tennille Dawkins offered their barbecue from a mobile unit set up at 67th Street and Prospect Avenue.

In early February, they opened a brick-and-mortar Greedy Man’s Bar-B-Que at 5536-A Troost Ave. But the restaurant serves much more than barbecue — hamburgers, sandwiches, chicken wings and strips, shrimp, polish sausage, hot dogs and nachos.

“It keeps us busy. We’re up at the crack of dawn,” Tennille Dawkins said. “But it’s exciting seeing people’s reaction tasting the food. They are happy, and some have come from Kansas, not just from around the corner.”

Learn more >>>

Entrepreneurs Exchange set for May 13 and 14

Every other year, the Entrepreneurial Exchange hosts a two-day event to bring together the area's legendary entrepreneurs and budding business leaders of tomorrow to learn and share ideas. Aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to this outstanding opportunity to learn from the best and network with fellow business owners.
This year the EE Event will be held in the historic Jazz District on May 13th and 14th, and will feature keynote speaker Guy Kawasaki of Apple Computer fame.

Click here to learn more >>

Brookside: Sat. 14th. St. Pat's Warm-Up Parade

St. Pat's Warm-Up Parade
Join us in Brookside for some good "green" fun on Saturday, March 14th @ 2pm at the 29th Annual St. Patrick.s Day Warm-Up Parade.

Click Here to learn more >>

The parade begins at 65th and Wornall Rd, travels north on Wornall Rd., east on 63rd St., south on Main St., and west on Meyer Blvd. in Kansas City, MO.

It's Severe Weather Awareness Week!

Ready. Set. Assume the position.

Just kidding. You only need the ready part. This week, the National Weather Service, in conjunction with state emergency agencies, will observe Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Forecasters want residents of Tornado Alley to dust off their NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radios and be prepared for tornadoes, flash floods and thunderstorms.

You can learn more about the following by CLICKING HERE
Tornado Safety
Flood Safety
Lightning Safety
Hail/Damaging Wind Safety
Safe Room
Safety Brochures
NOAA Weather Radio

Police Chief James D. Corwin has launched a blog

Chief Corwin launches blog

To better communicate with residents of Kansas City,Mo., and beyond, Kansas City Missouri Police Chief James D. Corwin has launched a blog.

The blog is located at www.kcpdchief.blogspot.com. It will feature Chief Corwin’s thoughts on current issues facing the police department, photos, press releases, stories of officers’ heroics and more. Blog readers will get an inside scoop about what’s going on at KCPD, and they will be able to e-mail their comments to the Chief at kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org.

The blog will be updated several times a week. It is one more way the police department is dedicated to being transparent with and accountable to the community it serves.

Red light safety camera violations

Cameras will be at six Kansas City intersections by the end of March

During the 30-day warning period at 39th and Southwest Trafficway, police issued 598 warnings to red light runners. The actual violations will carry a fine of $100 and a charge of $13.50 for court costs. As with the warnings, violators will be sent citations via first-class mail.

The red light safety cameras operate 24 hours a day and capture images of every vehicle running a red light at the intersection with the help of sensors in the pavement. KCPD traffic enforcement officers review and approve each violation before issuing it to the registered vehicle’s owner. Drivers who receive a citation can log on to www.ViolationInfo.com to view evidence and watch a video of themselves running the red light. That web site also gives information about how to pay the fine.

Five more intersections have been selected to have red light cameras installed by the end of March. Those locations are:

W. 79th Street and Wornall Road

E. 63rd Street and Prospect Avenue

39th and Main streets

E. 19th and Walnut streets

27th Street and Southwest Trafficway.

These locations were selected from a list of 50 intersections that the Public Works Department and the Kansas City Missouri Police Department submitted for traffic studies, to determine the extent of red-light running. As more locations are studied, additional intersection will be added to the safety program as warranted.

More information about the city’s Red Light Safety Camera Program is available at the Public Works Department’s Web site, http://www.kcmo.org/pubworks.

Angel Food Ministries

Be sure to get your Angel food orders in for the March menu.
Click here to learn more >>

Construction of new Police Station

Construction of new Metro Patrol police station under way

Construction has started on Kansas City’s new Metro Patrol police station,
near 77th Street and Prospect Avenue. Work is scheduled to be completed in spring 2010. The new facility will replace the existing Metro Patrol station at 1880 E. 63rd St.
The 27,500-square-foot facility will provide space for administrative functions, line functions, detention and control and public outreach.

This project has been designed to be an environmentally sustainable project that will achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design silver rating. The facility’s site location was chosen to minimize solar heat gains in the summer.

Additionally, native species of ground cover, grasses and shade trees as well as areas of bioretention to handle stormwater runoff were chosen to create an environmentally friendly landscape.

Media inquiries about this issue should be directed to Deanna Nelson, communications specialist in the Capital Improvements Management Office, (816) 513-2757.

All this for $30.00

The March Menu is ready.
check it out. Click here to find your HOST site.


1.5 lb. Ribeye Steaks (4 x 6 oz.)
3 lb. Split Chicken Breast
1.5 lb. Country Fried Steak Patties (6 x 4 oz)
1 lb. Package 80/20 Ground Beef
1 lb. Fully Cooked Meatballs
1 lb. Mild Italian Sausage
12 oz. Deli Sliced Ham
1 lb. California Blend
1 lb. Green Beans
20 oz. Shoestring Fries
1 lb. Pasta
28 oz. Marinara Sauce
21 oz. Condensed Soup
(makes 5 servings)
1 lb. Pinto Beans
32 oz. 2% Shelf Stable Milk
Dozen Eggs
Dessert

The Community Leadership Program

The City of Kansas City, Missouri's Neighborhood and Community Services Department, in partnership with Mid-America Regional Council's Government Training Institute, is launching the Community Leadership Program (CLP). This is an innovative training series which will focus on personal development and skill-building, so that one can better respond to community change and initiatives. The five certificates of CLP include Personal Strengths, Facilitation Skills, Problem Solving, Relationship Building and Community Building .


The Community Leadership Program is designed for any Kansas City , Mo. , community member who can better serve their organizations by improving their leadership skills. Each certificate will be offered at a location north of the river, the Mid-town area and south Kansas City , Mo. There is no charge to participate in this program and the first session will begin on March 24th.


Please go to http://www.marc.org/CLP/ to view complete information about the Community Leadership Program, instructors and registration options. Feel free to share this information with others that would benefit from this program. We hope that you find this program as exciting as we do and hope that you choose to participate.


To request program literature for upcoming association or public meetings in your community please e-mail your contact information and the quantity to clp@marc.org or call Beverly Wilson at 816-701-8216. Text can also be provided if you would like to include information in your publication or Neighborhood Association newsletter.


Carmellya Anderson, Marketing Coordinator II
Mid-America Regional Council, Government Training Institute
600 Broadway, Suite 200 , Kansas City , MO 64105-1659

Liberty Tax prescribes free tax

Liberty Tax prescribes free tax prepar for hospital and EMT employees

LIBERTY TAX PRESCRIBES FREE TAX PREP FOR HOSPITAL AND EMT EMPLOYEES

Maybe it’s just what the doctor ordered. Liberty Tax Service prescribes free tax preparation for emergency medical technicians and hospital employees during the week of March 2-8. The company will offer this tax cut break at its Vivon Rd, Armour Rd and Ruskin Heights offices.

“Life in the real E.R. and in hospitals is very stressful, so Liberty Tax Service chooses to honor those individuals who perform life-saving miracles every day on the job,” said Arthur Griffin franchise owner of Liberty Tax Service. “Call (816) 337-6797 if you’re eligible for this promotion and you’d like more details.”